Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1915-01-10
FAVORABLE IMPRESSION
MADE BY ENCLAND'S NOTE.
Official Washington Is Reticent
Pending Wilson'S Return, but
Trend Seems Optimistic.
AWAIT SUPPLEMENTARY NOTE
Until That Is Received, 1t Probably
Will BE Impossible to Continue
Negotiations on General Principles
Laid Down by State Department.

WASHINGTON. January 9.-Admin-
istration officials to-day closely road
Great Brltain's preliminary reply to the
American protest against interferonces
with commerce on the high seas.
Awaiting President Wilson'S return to
the city late to-day, however. all Of
ficlals refused absolutely to comment
upon II.
Such study as officials have given
to the preliminary reply has convinced
them that probably It will be necessary
to await the supplementary note prom
Used by Great Britain before undertake
ing to continue the negotiations. so far
as they relate to the general broad
principles involved in the American
note. That, of course, Will not pre-
vent immediate consideration OF spc-
cial cases that may arise In connection
with new seizures or detentions, nor
Will IL stop the state Department from
pressing for speedy disposition OF In
dividual cases.
GENERAL IMPRESSION OF
NOTE IS FAVORABLE
The general impression in official
circles made by the British note pro-
scented yesterday is favorahle: that Is
to say, the officials regard the British
position as conciliatory, and, while
Great Britain has not yielded any Of
the substantial claims which II has
asserted from the beginning OF tho
war in regard TO the right OF search
of neutral ships anywhere In the high
seas. the London Foreign once has
/ shown a disposition to discuss In
friendly spirit any means that may
| be suggested by the American govern
mcnt looking to an amelioration OF the
I, rlc1,i ,,e toh DS 10
right OF search imposes upon ship
.. owners. 1t is pointed out by officials
that this, after all, Is one or the main
purposes OF the American protest. for
the state Department, In terms, con-
coded the right of search to the Brit
!Sh, but objected to the manner in
which II was conducted.
There is disposition on the part OF
officials, in the continuation of negotia-
tons. to separate that question, that
is, the manner in which searches shall
be conducted, from the other questions
relating TO contraband which formed
! important features OF Secretary Bryan's
| note. The British preliminary reply
has held out hope that some speedy
adjustment can be reached OF the com
plant regarding the manner In which
searches are made. But the British
note also makes II apparent, In regard
10 such questions as the right OF a
. beiligerent government TO prescribe for
( itself what shall constitute absolute and
I conditional contraband, and the extent
I to which goods Of that character may
/ be allowed export to neutral countries
which may serve as gateways for ad-
mission TO an enemy's country. there
must De full opportunity thoroughly to
discuss those important questions
/ That Involves extended negotiations,
/ but, so long as American complaints
/ and representations are conducted with
/ no disposition to undue delay II is
/ expected there Will be no objection on
/ the part Of the United States.