Imperial Valley press., 1915-03-15

council issued in Great Britain today
practically declares blockade against
the whole German North Sea coast.
The word BLOCKADE" is not used. 1t
will lay drastic restrictions on neu-
tral commerce. The action was de-
signed to prevent expectation or i'm
portation of any commodities to Ger
many through Holland or Scandina-
vian countries.
The order will be effective immedi-
ately. England says she was forced
to the decision by the German sub
marine blockade.
No neutral or other vessel sailing
after March l will be permitted to
reach a German port. Such vessels
as may proceed to neutral port and
then proceed to Germany will be liable
to CAPTURE and condemnation during
any future voyage. Assurances are
given neutrals that they will be pro-
tected IN British prize courts.
Vessels leaving Germany after
March l are subject to seizure. Yes
sells carrying goods to neutral ports
which are ultimately destined for Ger
many or German goods which have
been transshipped at neutral ports,
may be required to discharge their
cargoes at British or allied ports The
difference in the phraseology, which
says that some vessels will not be al
lowed to proceed while others "mav."
is regarded as significant. 1t is
thought the British may be leaving a
loophole in event American or other
neutral countries object.
Violates International Law.
Washington, March 15.-Govern-
ment officials declare the British ship
ping order is flagrant violation of
international law and the rights of
neutral nations and the United States
will protest vigorously.
Failure to specifically proclaim a
blockade and maintain it by warships
Is declared to be a violation of Amer
lean treaty rights with England and
France.
Investigating Eitel.
Washington, March 15.-The De-
partment of State is preparing to de-
eide Immediately how long the Eitel
tfiederich may remain in Newport
News before being compelled to sail
or be interned. The naval board re-
port has been sent to Counsellor Rob-
ert Lansing today. This will fur
nlsh the basis for the governments
decision. The administration is de-
termined to follow closely the rules
and usages of international law. and
allow the Eitel every right under it.
If unable to make repairs soon. it un-
doubtedly will be interned. No fur
ther action will be taken on the sink
ing OF the Frye until Germany makes
known IL. pffini,1
German Advance Halted.
Petrograd, March 15.-It is official
~ announced that the German advance
on Przasnysz from the north has been
halted, but it is admitted the battle
Tor possession of Przasnysz will not
be long delayed. Strong German
forces are reported north and west
of the town, but elsewhere it is quiet.
Berlin, March Is (By wireless to
Sayvllle)-Sanguinary fighting has
progressed for two days about Przas-
nysz, it is officially announced. II
Is declared Won Hindenburg took s. 400
prisoners at Augustof.
Progress was made against the
British at Ypres.
British gunboats have again bonn
barded Westende without damage.
German Cruiser Sunk.
London, March 15.-The German
cruiser Dresden, the only one of Won
specs squadron to escape after the
Falkland battle in December, has been
sunk, the admiralty announced tonight
Fall of Smyrna Predicted.
(By Ed l.. Keen)
London, March 15.The fall of Smyr
ma before the end of the week is pre-
dicted In Athens dispatches TODAY
More British warships were sent to
reinforce Admiral Pierce. The gar
rison, it is reported, has made prep
afations to evacuate as soon as it is
evident that further resistance is use
less. A hail of shells is pouring into
the forts today. The Allies attack
ON the Dardanelles has been resumed
"A score of mine sweepers, under the
protection of French cruisers, are
clearing the channel of mines, to per-
NIT the advance of battleships.
Abandon Offensive
(By Henry Wood
Paris, March 15.-The British have
temporarily abandoned the offensive
at Neuve Chappelle and begun an as
sault south of Ypres, according to an
official communique 1t is admitted
the English were repulsed in the re-
gion of st. Elior Sunday, but returned
to drive out the Germans. The fight
ing continues with great violence.
Attacks Vatican.
(By Alice Rohe)
Rome, March 15.-Maurice Maeter-
linck, the Belgian poet, who is lee
turing throughout Italy and rousing
septiment favorable to the Allies, to-
day made savage attack on the Vat
lean. In expressing appreciation of
American aid he said:
"On the other hand, L am sorry to
say that the Vatican has proved to
be unchristian. 1t has not followed
the teachings of Christ. 1t has al
lied itself with the rich oppressor, Ger
many, by remaining aloof. Its pro-
German sympathes are bound to af-
feet the welfare of the church in Bel
eium and France, after the war;"
His attacks on the Vatican were