The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1915-11-09
London and Washington Slow
ly Closing to Deadlock.
Arbitration Appears Certain
in Clash Over Blockade.
CONGRESS MAY TAKE A HAND
RetaliatOry Measures NOt
Favored by Administration.
Further Detention of Shipping
VIII Cut Issue Sharply.

Washington, Nov. 9.-England and
the United States are gradually clos
ing toward a deadlock, with arbftra-
ton in the offing, over British trade
interference. This was the opinion of
many officials today as sentiment
formed regarding this government
note to England. Future detention of
american ships, it. is now believed,
viii develop the controversy into a
complete issue.
Q. S. Is UnalterabIe
From official sources it was learned
today the administration regards the
last note as a final and unaltera BILE
declaration of principles 1t serves
notice that this government will not
| recognize the British blockade of Ger
many.
While the future course, in case of
continued trade interference by Eng
land, has not been completely mapped
out, 1t has been especially outlined to
indicate that demands for observance
OF this country's rights will follow
Immediately any future detention of
American commerce.
Expects Categorical Answer.
The United States does not contem-
plate asking for a ''disavowaP' by
England of future trade interference,
hut VIII ask for a categorical answer
whether England intends continuing
the blockade and the Objectionable
order in council. If, as expected, Eng
land does not acquieSce, the general
opinion mere To-Day was that arD1tra-
ton would be the next resort
Possible intervention by congress in
the commerce dispute also was
pointed out today as q serious factor
to be determined That congress will
have much to say and suggest regard
ing the Anglo-American controversy
is admitted
REGULATORY measures through legis-
latior, are not favored by the admin
1stration, but public indignation is ex-
pected to be famed with the conven-
ing of congress.
Berlin Makes Scant Comment.
Berlin newspapers as a rule make
no comment on the American note to
Great Britain relative to interference
with shipping. Summaries of the note
as received in Berlin are published
even without indications in headlines
of the significance attached to the
however, makes the following COM
ment:
1T is to be hoped the lesson in in
ternational law which the Washington
government gives the British govern
ment will make the desired impress
sion in London. The bare fact that
the American government uses such
decided and firm language shows that
the discomfort of wide and influential
American circles with Great Britain
must be assumed to be very earnest in
character
1T is to be hoped America will not
content herself with a bare protest,
but will proceed to energetic meas
ures, if the case demands and Great
Britain's gross arbitrariness does not
cease. The program for protection of
neutral commerce is very praise
worthy, and America, as the strongest
neutral power, could thereby do great
service to all neutrals if the program
should actually be carried out"
The newspapers generally give great
prominence to the affidavits filed at
Washington by Ambassador Bernstorn
concerning the British patrol Bara-
long, which is said to have shot down
fifteen members of the crew of the
German submarine after they had sur
rendered or while swimming in the
see