The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-02-06
HAS No NOTE FROM BRITAIN.
BRYAN DENIES REPUBLICAN
7. STORY or RECEIPT or COM
MUNICATICN ON SHIPPING
BILL.
DeSpitc Contradictions by Adininis-
tratiOn. Representative Mann, Min
ority Leader. Persists in Ills Own
Opinion and Statement.


statements today by Representative
Mann and other Republicans in the
house that the State department has
received a note from Great Britain
regarding the pending ship purchase
bill brought forth debate from both
Majority Leader Underwood and Sec
retary Bryan. The note was alleged
to have been from Sir Edward Grey.
declaring the proposed purchase or
German Or Austrian ships an un-
neutral act
During the day Secretary Bryan
made formal statement as follows:
NO nation has protested aginst
the passasc Of the shipping bill and
it is not likely that any nation will or
would since the bill does not neces-
sarily raise any diplomatic questions.
"It is not proper for the State de-
partment at this time to discuss the
manner in which the authority con-
ferred by the bill, will or should, be
exercised. We assume that the au-
thority enforced upon the president
and those who will be associated
with him in the matter will be exer-
cised properly and with due regard
to the nations welfare"
When Representative Underwood
denied the existence of a note, Repre-.
sentative Mann said he had no doubt
OF the majority leaders sincerity, but
was afraid the state department had
not been entirely frank with him.
Information has come to me-" said
Mr.. Mann, Gin a way which I think
makes it reliable, that the state de-
partment not only mas had communi-
cation on the subject, but that the de-
.partment has had a letter on the sub
[Ject from an official of the British
government"
Mr. Underwood d, repeated his 1ae-
iniiaf When Mr.. Mann suggested that
the representations might have been
made though mot in writing"
1T might have been a thousand
things" replied the Democratic lead
er. THE bill pending in the Senate
has not one line in it that compels the
purchase of German ships or interned
ships OF the allies. 1t leaves it dis
creuonary with the board to be ap-
pointed"
Representative Lcnroot of Winson-
sin suggested that Mr.. Underwood
make another inquiry Of the depart
ment when Representative Cullop in
formed the house Of the formal de-
NAL issued by Mr.. Bryan. Repre-
sentative Garner of Texas asked Mr..
Underwood whether the British am
basador, in discussing tie subject. did
so on instruction from his govern
ment. Mr.. Underwood said he d:d
not think it necessary to answer fur
ther questions.
+ Ia conference with newspaper
men late today Secretary Bryan was
asked numerous questions about the
alleged note. He was asked if he had
discussed the subjects involved in the
shipping bill with any representative
OF any foreign government"
Il am not willing" replied the sec
retary, ito discuss with any forcien
government the manner in which the
power, if conferred, will be exercised. -
The secretary was asked if anv of
the foreign governments had present
ed their views regarding the transfer
Of ships. He said he did not care
to discuss questions that were mot
connected with this particular propo-
sition' and intimated that published
reports had associated notes received
some time ago on various phases Of
the ship registry question With an aD-
plication to the pending bin.
while yu were away" the sec
rotary was told. the statement was
made that the British ambassador had
said to YOU that the British govern
ment would look upon the transfer OF
any vessels now intcrncd in American
ports--German and Austrian vcsscI,-
rs an unneutral act"
Go to the person who gave you that
statement and lot him conc,,, :, >,