The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1915-03-03
u. S. Is STANDING PAT
WILL SEND NO NEW NOTES TO
THE BELLIGERENTs.
Government is Expected to Await
Some Overt Act Before Taxing
Further Action.

The United States probably will
make no reply, for the present at
least, to either the British or German
notes regarding, respectively, the use
of the American flag on foreign yes
sells, and the dangers to neutral SNIP
ping in the naval war zone ABOUT the
British Isles, but will stand firmly
on its warning against destruction OF
American lives or vessels.
Many officials expect some further
move only in event of an overt act.
This was indicated in high oftlclal
quarters Saturday after the official
texts of the communications had been
read. The documents will be fur
ther examined, however, to determine
whether there is anything in either
note which, if not answered now,
might be construed later as an admls-
sion.
The communication from England
was not regarded as altering the orig
inal warning of the United States
against the measure of responsibility
which would seem to be imposed on
England If any American vessels or
lives were lost as result OF general
misuse of the American flag by Brit
ish vessels, although the denial Of
any intention to make frequent use
of the neutral ensign was reassurlng
to officials.
The American government already,
it was pointed out, has stated in en-
phatic language that Germany would
be held to "strict accountability for
any loss of American vessels -"or
lives" and this warning IS construed
by administration officials to be suf-
fciently broad also to cover any in
Jury to American citizens aboard bel
ligerent vessels.
Some high officials are urging that
the United States, having made its
position sufficiently clear to both Ger
many and Great Britain, should now
remain silent and observe develop
ments. The arguments in both the
British and German communications
which charge violations Of the rules
of international law and warfare, it
is held by American government Off
Gals are OF no concern to the United
States, The breaking down OF the
doctrines Of international law as be-
tween belligerents does not, in the
view Of these officials, affect the
status Of those rules as between the
United States and Great Britain or
the United States and Germany, with
whom this country is at peace. "
The position Of the United States
is based on the right of neutral to
demand certain treatment for its
ships and commerce, regardless Of
the respective actions of the belliger-
ents.
Further correspondence with the
belligerents is opposed by many Of
ficials on the ground that the Ameri-
can government ought not be drawn
into discussion of the charge which
Great Britain and Germany have
made toward each other.
There is every prospect, however,
that the long British ncte replying to
the American protest of December 26
on the subject of contraband will
bring forth a rejoinder from the Unit
ed States.
The discussion therein Is one of
the academical principles in interna-
tional law, and, while officials in
Washington admit that the commerce
of the United States has been treated
much better by the Allies than before
the protest was sent, they are unwill
ing to set any precedent by acquies-
cence in several Of the British con-
tentions.
The state department Of late has
received comparatively few COM
plants of detentions and seizure and
the opinion prevails among officials
that the American note has had its
desired effect.
The United States will enter into
no further correspondence of the sub
ject Of the American steamer Wilhel-
nina, bound for Germany with
cargo Of foodstuffs and now held by
the British prize court, until the de-
cision of the prize court is announc-
ed. The decision is expected, how
ever, to be made within a reasonable
length of time. and if, in the opinion
Of the state department, there is a
denial of justice to the American
owners, a protest will be entered.
SAFETY LANES IN WAR ZONES.