The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1922-09-02
WILL LOOK into
Of
u. S. CONSULATE
Washington Not Satisfied That
New Castle Officials Misused
Authority As Charged.
NO STEPS TAKEN TO
REOPEN CONSULATE
British Took Action Before In
vestigation Of Charge That
Travellers Influenced.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 1.-The Wash
1nEton government Is not convinced that
there was any misconduct on the part
OF its two consular officers at Now
Castle. England, who recently were de-
priVed of their authority by British off
Gals, and until proper investigation
has been made no steps are to be taken
to reopen the New Castle consulate.
Officials here will not discuss the incl
dent In detail but It Is apparent that can-
collation. Of the exeQuarturs by the Brit
tsh government came rs a surprise in
view OF the fact that the action was tax
en- before the state department had COM
pieted its investigation into the British
charges that the New Castle consul and
vice consul had Improperly influenced
travellers to patronize the vessels Of the
United States shipping board in discrirni-
nation of British ships.
Harding Interested.
It was learned to day that President
Harding has Interested himself in the
cage and while he recognizes that addi-
tional evidence may be produced as the
Investigations continue, he believes moth
ing has developed to the present time to
reflect dtscredit on the two men.
This wish was expressed at the white
house tnat Americans should interest
themselves In the United States Merchant
Marine to as great an extent as other
nationals were interested in the shipping
interests of their countries. The ex-
precision Of this desire, was accepted in
como official quarters as indicating a ten
dency on the part of the American gov-
srnrnent officials to approve rather than
disapprove the action OF the New Castle
consults, at least so far as they have
been revealed in information received
here.
English Acted Hastily.
First representations received in Wash
ington from the British foreign office,
containing affidavits alleging that the
Now Castle consulate officers had tenn
porarily exercised their authority in per-
suading travellers to use American ships,
1t was authoriatively said, were answered
with a request that the eXeQuarturs held
by the consuls should not be cancelled
until an investigation by this govern
ment could be made. The evidence sub
nitted did not satisfy officials here, 1t
was said, that the charges had been sub
stantiated. and they asked for time 10
make an investigation.
me requebt WdS Iiieuo 70 I1Ao ~
foreign offiee under the reasons for 1t
were explained at that time. 1t was with
surprise that the officials making the re-
quest later learned that the exequarturs
of the consul had been cancelled by the
British government before the investiga-
ton by the American authorities was
concluded.
Ambassador Harvey, in London mas
been fully advised of the situation as 1t
is viewed by officials here. He also mas
been informed that the policy OF this
government will be to keep the consulate
closed, at least until the investigation
being made finally is concluded and tho
government is able to select new of1lcers
TO take over the New Castle post,