Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-01-17


and other critics of British sea policy
who are bracing themselves to vigorous
" twist the tail Of the British lion, are
likely to be disappointed IL Information
in ossesxion Of this government De rear
ized says LOUIS Leibold III the Ne"
Ycii, World
This information justifies the presump-
ton that the issues between Washington
and London are susceptible of satisfacto-
ry adjustment without resort TO any
thing more drastic than an occasional
note.
There is consequently a feeling OF sat
isfa on the part OF omcials AZ ootn
Washington and London that all pros
poets of breach between the BRUSH
and American governments are likely 10
he disxipated without loss of prestige or
honor on either side.
Britain to Show Proof
Evidence that the British government
has set in motion machinery by which
these results are to be accomplished mas
been unofficially communicated TO the
American capital. The information from
London is that, within a reasonable Time
presumably the next week or two-two
imnortant announcements are to be made
nv the British government. These are:
/. That the British admiralty Will pro-
vide convincing proof OF the actuai phys
ical blockade of German ports. not only
on the North sea. but in the Baltic.
9. That the results of the British IN
yestigation into the seizure and detention
of American ships and cargoes Is prac-
tically ready for PRONUNCIATION, with the
decree OF adjustment, in the way or rep
aration, indemnity and payment for con-
fscated cargoes decided upon by the
prize courts in each specific instance.
These, in a general way, are the
two principal issues over which the
American and British governments
have not been able to agree. But in
formation at hand, obtained from a
highly reliable source, is that such
agreements may be looked Tor sooh'
Sea Policy Modified
AS a preliminary to it's Intentions
facts in the possession Of the State
Department show radical modihca
ton of the sea policy Of the British
Admiralty. Since last August accord
ing to reports forwarded from Loh-
don. only eight American ships anu
cargoes have been illegally seized ana
detained by the British government
The fact is doubly significant, because
tho eight cases provided more legltl-
mate excuses for the application OF
the laws Of war than was true or any
NJ the 1925 detentions made prior 10
August.
American business men, whose trdoe
has been practically cut or by Hrea'
BRITAIN. give as the reason for the ap-
parent modification Of her policy the
tact that the methods Of that govern
ment have restricted the numoer .,
ships plying between this country anu
neutral European nations. They nope
however. that Great Britain mas
changed her policy for the better.
The change of British policy In TINS
r.sn.ct seems to have been inspired
nv tho belief generally creditd to Lon
don that the complications INVOLVING
the United States and Germany anu
its allies over the submarine issues
eventually will be Strengthened OUT
.ra tho embarrassments caused by the
british attitude toward the unlteo
States then will monopolize the atten-
ton Of the American Congress any ".
neop,e TO the certain disadvantage Vi
Great Britain.
Closer Blockade Likely
Tho British reform In respect 10 '''
treatment of American interests WAS po
into force without publicity. so that
,,,.. hut natural that little attention "a'
Maid to it until receipt OF the ihlor'ha
t,or nointine to a solution OF the man
e,,r,h,ems betweer the United States all'
cr..t britain was received here "a!
or two ago.
ro,r,sd with this forecast of the Brit
,sb forces regarding the seizure OF Amer
lean goods and cargoes comes the au"'
tional Intelligence that. by the "iou'e
February at the latest, the BRUSH ao
,,,raltv will be in position to announce
,.s n,ars TO make the blockade OF Ger
MAN ports on ali waters of more SUD
stontial reality than has been true o
TINT undertaking in the past
The British plan seems to be TO aver
az much Of its sea force as can be con
sIstently spared without undue risk ant
detailing it for the actual patrol of thu
waters adjacent to German ports.
Diplomats and naval officers OF this
government believe that large part O.
the B.ockading duty will devolve upon ;
.,otilla Of submarines which Great Bri
tain has been preparing for the purpose.
Submarine to Close Ports
With these submarines scrutinzing YES
GELS trading between Swedish and Nor
wogian ports. the British admiralty Il
confident OF its ability to seal every ma
Yine approach to Germany.
That the British government shoult
perceive the trend of things at the Amer
lean capital and set about depriving tn
political leaders hostile to the admins
tration OF their greatest asset, never hal
occurred to the latter. Therein they un
derratcd the quality Of British diplomac,
and statescraft.
Sir Cecil Spring-Rice the British am
bassador. is q most experienced observer
His diplomatic abilities are quite as pro
nounccd as those of Count Won Bern
storff In addition the British envoy ha.
been IN constant daily cable and mai
communication with the British foreign
ONCE. Count Won Bernstorff hasd had t,
depend on restricted cable facilities ant
diplomatic messengers, some Of whom
have been caught with compromsinf