The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1918-03-23

Washington, March 20.-Upon Hol-
lands refusal I'm the face of German
threats TO put into effect her voluntary
agreement for restoring her merchant
marine TO normal activity. the United
States government tonight reauisition-
ed all Dutch ships in American wa
ters AZ the same time Great Brit
ain was taking over Dutch vessels in
British ports.
total of ~ ships OF probably 600, d.
600 tons were added To the American
merchant marine by the requisition-
Ing. Another 400. 600 tons are put into
the allied service by Great Britain's
action. Most of them will be used
In the food carrying trade.
President Wilson's proclamation
taking over the ships was issued only
after word finally came from London
mat Hollands delayed reply was Il
rejection OF the British American de-
mand. The government had waited
more than IS hours beyond the time
when Holland had been requested to
make "a decision as TO whether she
would carry out the original pact or
submit to requisitioning. Every effort
was made to avoid drastic action as
transfer by agreement was sought
rather than by seizure. although the
latter Is an exercise of sovereign
rights justified in international law.
As late as 6 o'clock tonight ii was
disclosed that President Wilson dur
ing the day had been informed of the
delay I'm the. Dutch reply with the re-
quest that he indicate whether or not
the requisitioning should proceed. He
decided to await the formal reply.
which proved unacceptable, although
under other conditions il might have
served as basis for further negotia-
tions
The presidents proclamation was
issued Immediately authorizing the
navy TO take the vessels which will be
equipped and operated by the navy
department and the shipping board.
the Dutch crews being supplemented
by American civilian sailors and ma
val reservists. Compensation will be
made to the owners as required by
law.
In statement outlining the nego-
tiatlons. President Wilson pointed
out that the permanent agreement
with the Dutch government had been
blocked by Germany. despite the little
Kingdoms acute need of foodstufrs,
for which the agreement provided. a
temporary agreement then was nego-
tiated TO tide over the emergency and
that. too. was held up by Prussian
diplomacy.
For two months the proposed agree
ments lay I'm diplomatic pigeon holes
without action and meanwhile the
president says. German threats have
grown more violent" The final pro-
posal to Holland was transmitted on
March Z and set last Monday as the
time by which reply was wished.
Failing TO receive favorable reply.
the United States proceeded to requisi-
tion the ships as dictated by military
necessity.
Although the ships have been taken
over without any formal agreement
the United States proposes to carry
out scrupulously the terms of the orig
nal pact.
President Wilson authorized to-
night the following statement:
For some months the United States
and the entente allies have been con-
ducting negotiations with the Dutch
government with the object Of con-
Guiding general commercial agree
ment
"A very clear statement OF the char
acter OF these negotiations was made
on March i2. to the Dutch parliament
oy his excellency. the minister OF
foreign affairs OF Holland. As IL ap-
pears from the statement. the discus
sion proceeded upon the basis of two
fundamental propositions. namely.
That the United States and the allies
should facilitate the importation into
Holland OF foodstuffs and other com
modities required To maintain her eco
homic life and that Holland should
restore her merchant marine to- her
normal condition OF activity.
" was the task of the ncgotiators
to uevelop a specific application OF
'hese propositions which would he ac-
cep'able to the governments concern
ed