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■' T . •> * ' ■ 'H . 1 t' T- 18 IDLDFnD SHIP iimn run am n tin CUEIFIUIDIDU REPLY IS SENT TO PAGE -■agltoh Premier Announces Intention ~ v ot British Ooverameotr—Note Sets J. ’ Forth Reseons Why Orest Britain Most Take Retaliatory Steps Against Germany. fctr Edward Grey, the foreign sec retary, has announced that the Brit ish government had decided that the American steamer Wiiheimlna’s food cargo should be held for a prize court. This declaration appears to make clear Great Britain's purpose to de clare all foodstuffs for Germany con traband as well as to foreshadow other reprisals. The foreign minis ter, after reviewing the German meth ods of warfare and denouncing them as violations of all international us ages, says: • “If, therefore, his Majesty's gov ernment should hereafter feel con strained to declare foodstuffs abso lute contraband or to take other measures for interfering with Ger man trade by way of reprisals, they confidently expect that such action will not be challenged on the part of neutral states by appeals to laws and usages of war whose validity rests on their forming an Integral part of that system of international doctrine which, as a whole, their enemy frank ly boasts the intention to disregard, so long as such neutral states can not compel the German ’'government to abandon methods of warfare which have not in recent history been re garded as having the sanction of eith er law or humanity.’’ Great Britain’s reply to the Ameri can note on the Wllhelmlna cases, handed to American Ambassador Page, reads: ‘‘The communication made by the United States ambassador in his note to Sir Edward Grey of the 16th Inst, has been carefully considered and the following observations are offered in reply: “At the time when his Majesty's government gave directions for the seizure of the cargo of the steamship Wilhelmtna as contraband they had before them the text of a decree made by the German Federal Council on the 15tb of January, under Article 45, of which all grain and flour im ported into Germany after the list of January was declared deliverable only to certain organixatloas under direct government control or to mu nlclpal authorities. The vessel was bound for Hamburg, one of the free eltiee of the German empire, the gov eminent of which is vested in the municipality. This was one of the reasons actuating his Majesty's gov ernment In deciding to bring the car go of tho Wllhelmlna before a prise court. "Infomation has only now reach ed them that by a subsequent decree dated the 6th of February the above provision in Article 45 of the pre vious decree was repealed, it would appear for the express purpose of rendering difficult the anticipated proceedings against the Wllhelmlna. The repeal was not s known to his Majesty’s government at the time of the detention of the cargo, or, In deed, until now. "How far the ostensible exception of Imported supplies from the gen eral government monopoly of all grain and flour set up by the Ger man government may affect the ques tion of the contraband nature of the shipments seized is a matter which will most suitably be Investigated by the prize court. "It is, however, necessary to state that the German decree is not the only ground on which the submission of the cargo of the Wllhelmlna to the prize court is justified. The German government have in public announce ments claimed to treat practically every town or port on the English east coast as a fortified place and base of operations. On the strength of this contention they have subject ed to bombardment the open towns of Yarmouth, Scarborough and Whit by among others. “On the same ground a number of neutral vessels sailing for English ports on the east coast, with cargoes of goods on the German list of con ditional contraband, have been seized by German cruisers and brought be fore a German prize court. “Again, the Dutch vessel Maria, having sailed from California, with a cargo of grain consigned to Dublin and Belfast, was sunk in September last by the German cruiser Karlsruhe. This could only have been justified if, among other things, the cargo’ could have been proved to be destined for the British government or for armed forces and if a presumption to this effect had been established owing to Dublin or Belfast being considered fortified places or bases for armed forces. “The German government can not have it both ways. If they consider themselves justified in destroying by bombardment the lives and property of the peaceful civil inhabitants of English open towns and watering places, and In seizing and sinking ships and cargoes of conditional con traband on their way thither, on the ground that they are consigned to a fortified- place or base, a fortiori his Majesty's government must be at lib- to treat Hamburg, which Is in part protected by fortljlpations at the month of the Elbe, as a fortified town and base of operations and sup ply for the purposes of Article 34, of the declaration of London., “If the "owners of the cargo, of the Wilhelm ilia desire to question the validity in International law of the action taken by order of his Majesty's kf they will have every op- ’ of establishing their ease la die oonrse before the prise court, sad his Majesty's government would In this connection recall the attention of the United States to the considera tions put forward In Sir Edward Grey’s note to Mr. Page, of ths 10th instant, aa to the pro port sty of await ing the result of prise court proceed ings before diplomatic action is ini tiated. It will be remembered that they have hrom the outset given defi nite asanrances that the owners of the Wllhelmlna aa well as the owners of her dargo, it found to be contra band, would be equitably indemnified. “There la one further observatioh to which his Majesty’s government think it right and appropriate in the present connection to give expression. They have not so far declared food stuff to be absolute contraband; they have not interferred with any neutral vessels on account of their carrying foodstuffs, except bn basis of such foodstuffs being liable to capture if destined for enemy forces or govern ments. "In so acting they have been guid ed by the general principle, of late universally upheld by civilized na tions and observed in practice, that the civil populations of countries at war are not to be exposed to treat ment rightly reserved for combatants. This distinction has to all Intents and purposes been swept away by the novel doctrines proclaimed and acted upon by the German government. “It is unnecessary here to dwell upon the treatment that has been meted out to the civil population of Belgium and to those parts of France which are in German occupation. When Germany, long before any mines had been Laid by the British authorities, proceeded to sow mines upon the high seas and by this means bunk a considerable number not only of British, but also neutral merchant men with their unoffending crews, it was, so his Majesty’s government, held, open to them to take retaliatory measures even if such measures were of a kind to Involve pressure on the civil population, not, Indeed, of Unit ed States, but of their enemies. They refrained from doing so. # When sub sequently English towns and defence less British subjects, including wo men and children, were deliberately and systematically fired upon and killed by ships flying the flag of the Imperial German navy; when quiet country towns and villages, void of defences and possessing no military or naval Importance were bombarded by German airships, his Majesty’s government still abstained from drawing the logical consequences from this form of attack on defence less citizens "Further steps In the same direc tion are announced and, In fact, al ready have been taken by Germany. British merchant vessels, hove been torpedoed at sight without any at tempt being made to give warning to the crew of any opportunity being given to save their lives. A torpedo ha* been fired against a British hos pital ship In daylight and similar treatment Is threatened to all British merchant vessels In the'future, as well as to any neutral shtpb that may happen to bo found In the neighbor hood of the British Isles. "Faced with this situation, his Ma jesty’s government considers it would be altogether unreasonable that Great Britain and her allies should be ex pected to remain Indefinitely bound, to their grave detriment, by rules and principles of which they recognize the justice. If Impartially observed as between belligerents, but which are at the present moment openly set at defiance by their enemy. “If, therefore, his Majesty’s gov ernment should hereafter feel con strained to declare foodstuffs abso lute contraband or take other meas ures for interfoiing with German trade by way of reprisrls, they confi dently expect that such action will not be challenged on the part of neu tral states by appeals to laws and us ages of war whose validity rests on their forming an integral part of that system of international doctrine which, as a whole, their enemy frank ly boasts the liberty and Intention to disregard, so long as such neutral states can not compel the German government to abandon methods of warfare which have not in recent years been regarded as having the sanction of either law or humanity." CONDITION IS GRAVE CABINET DBOUSOM THE INTER NATIONAL SITUATION. ONE GALLON LIMIT, Senate Votes on Measure Limiting “Personal I’se." The Warren-Boyd bill limltiifg the amount of whiskey ordered for per sonal use to one gallon per month to each person in South Carolina passed the Senate Thursday morning by the overwhelming vote of 35 to 5, and was returned to the House with minor amendments. The provision requiring a permit to be obtained from tho clerk of court before whis key could bo ordered was strickeaf from the bill. Those voting against the tyilf were Gross, Hughes, Sharpe, WAlker and John F. Williams. All the other sen ators voted for the bill on its final passage. CHARGE LOBBYING, Charges and Counter Charges Fly in Sldp Purchase Rill Fight. Charges and counter charges from Democratic and Republican sources concerning Influences for and against the government ship purchase bill, which have smouldered about the cap- itol for weeks, were made the subject of a special investigation Monday by the Senate. The decision to inquire into alleg ed lobbying by agents of the "ship- piag trust” against the bill and into intimations, of negotiations for op tion* on belligerent ships to sen to the government was unanimous. With the decision departed the last hope of some of the most earnest champions of the shipping measure that the bin could be passed in the. Senate by March 4. Loan BUI The bill providing for a temporary loan to Clemeon college wee by the Hoaee Tuesday Would be Lees Trying If Germany Hnd Negotiated Peace Treaty as * Hare Great Britain aad France. President Wilson and his cabinet discussed at lenkth Friday dangers to American vessels and commerce growing out of the declaration of the German government to wage a sub marine and mine warfare on enemy vessels and disclaiming responsibility for what maly happen tp neutral ves sels venturing into the new sea war zones. Canvass ot cabinet officers later disclosed that the administration re garded the developments of the last few days of grave importance. Cabi net members declined to predict what would be the course of the United States. Some pointed out that in every serious situation In internation al affairs much discreiton was vested in the president and that his action necessarily would be guided by the circumstances of each case, if there were attacks on American vessels. Officially the United States govern ment, had not received late Friday night the text of the German reply to the American note and until it is in hand no decision will be announced as to the admiistratlon’s policy. In the informal discussion of the reply as published in the press, cab inet members indicated they were Impressed by different aspects of the case. Some held that while the situ ation was serious, there was an indi cation in the German note of a will ingness lo discuss the subject fur ther which might,' perhaps, postpone the active enforcement of the procla mation to permit an understanding to be reached about the safety of neutral vessels. The fact lhat Germany had ordered her navy to use discretion and care when approaching ships flying neu tral flags was viewed as indicating that the maximum of vigilance prob ably would be exercised by command ers of submarines to distinguish be tween enemy and neutral vessels. On the othes hand, however, the note’s declaration that Germany dis- i claimed all responsibility for what might happen to neutral ships either | by submarine torpedoes or mines I produ«c(f apprehension among some j high officials that a critical point might be precipitated in the rela 1 tions between the United States and Germany. These officials adverted, incldental- . ly. to the fact that there wohld be less cause for anxiety if Germany had negotiated, as did Great Britain, ] France and Russia, treaties with the l United States agreeing to submit to a commission of Investigation any dif- i ferencee that may arise between ' them. While the German ambassa dor at Washington Is known to have endeavored to bring about the nego- ttation of such a treaty, the outbreak of the war diverted attention from It In Germany and the state department has been looking forward to a re newal of discussion of the treaty at the earliest opportunity. Opinions varied as to what steps would be taken by the United States when tho text of the German reply Is officially received. Some of the Scandinavian coun tries in their representations to Ger many, It is understood, have used the phrase "accountability" in the sense of demanding compensation for losses sustained. • Holland's protest is be lieved to have conviyed this meaning as well as a warning of possible ac tion. The fact that the United States did not define Us future course Is re garded in some official quarters as making unnecessary any further ex planation of the American attitude unless another act occurs. As for tho possible destruction of vessels by mines strewn indiscriminately, offi cials were inclined to admit the help lessness of neutral vessels venturing In the war zone. Both Secretaries Garrison and Dan iels denied published reports Friday of unusual activity by the army and navy In connection with the present situation. MPT B8IE8ED ——7 mil lim T» lEAM IF - LTELTVi KmOCTIM GAIN EXPORTS INCREASE. Reports Show That Much Wheat and Corn Hare Been Exported. Five times as much wheat and six times as much corn were exported from the Utifted States in December as in tjie same mon'h in 1913; flour exports increas d more than 68 per cent, for the same period; fresh beef increased more than twelvefold, and ‘generally the exports of breadstuffs, which Includes practically all the sta ple grains, Increased five times. Those figures were disclosed Thurs day by the department of commerce In response to inquiries as to what extent foodstuffs were going abroad with resulting abnormal prices at home. The department s_ summary says: “Wheat exports in December ag gregate 28,875,217 bushels, or five times the quantity in December, 1913. The average export price last Decem ber was $1.25 per bushel, against 93 cents in December one year earlier. Of flour tho month’s export move ment as 68 1-2 per cent, more than In December, 1913, being 1,818.317 barrels, compared ith 1,079,240 in the same month a year ago and Qie value thereof was $9,473,660, com pared with $4,903,223 in December, 1913. Oats showed a larger total in December than ih th(B entire calendar year 1913.' "Corn exporta in December, 1914, amounted tJ 4,682,006 bushels, val ued at $3,554,592, against 749.124 bushels, valued at tfi$0.165, In Dec ember, 1913“ The fact that English and.German sold tors. Joined Into a foot hall con test on Christmas day slows how dangarouA-Jfirrloa in tho trenches really* Is. ' Nl ACTION PROBABLE Diplomats Believe There is no Ground for Action If Ship Went Down on a Mine—Ambassadors Gerard and Page Told to Investigate Loss of Hhip. ,7V The United States government was advised officially Sunday night of the destruction of the first American ves sel on the high seas since the out break of the European war. Ameri can Consul Fee at Bremen cabled that the steamer Evelyn and her cargo of cotton bound for Bremen had been “blown up" at Borkum, Just off the German coast, and that the crew had been saved. The cause—submarine or ^nine—was not given in the dis patch. After a conference with President Wilson, Secretary Bryan cabled Am bassador Page at London and Ambas sador Gerard at Berlin to make an exhaustive inquiry as to the facts, and. If the crew was landed in either of their respective jurisdictions, to furnish every care and convenience to CapL Smith And his men. Although the extent of sea zones of war proclaimed by Germany was nqrer defined exactly, the Bdrkum islands are considered far distant from the danger areas of submarines. The waters of the vicinity are mined for defensive purposes and Germany always has piloted Incoming ships through. At the German embassy it was pointed out that the accident must have been caused by a mine, as Ger many, sorely in need of cotton, would not torpedo a vessel laden with such a cargo for German consumption. Early press dispatches from Berlin announcing the loss of the vessel caused a sensation in Washington, where the tension has been more or less pronounced over the situation in the war zones since tho dispatch of warning notes to both Great Britain and Germany. It was virtually con ceded that if the cause of the accident was proved to be a mine, there prob ably would be no ground for diplo matic action by the United States, as the laying of mines is not prohibited by any international convention now In force. American Consul Fee’s cablegram, forwarded from Bremen through the American consul general at Rotter dam, Hqlland, said: "Steamer Evelyn, Capt Smith, agents Bull & C©., New York, blown up early Friday at Borknm. Crew saved. Ship and cargo lost.” It generally was taken for granted before the message arrived that the vessel was destroyed by a mine, but the omission of any mention or cause Introduced an element of speculation The Washington government earlier In the day virtually had decided to make no reply to either the British or the German note concerning the use of neutral ensigns or possible attacks by submarines on neutral vessels in the new sea zones of war. When the North sea was first was named some neutral countries pro tested to both Germany and Great Britain, but the United States took the position that it was impossible to determine which country had been the aggressor and therefore made no protest, "though it does not consider its rights compromised by this si lence. Diplomatically neutrals are help less in obtaining redrers for tho loss of ships by contact with mines unless absolute proof can be adduced to show the. nationality of the mines, that no pilot was available or that the mines, drifting from their anchor age .were far distanct from belliger ent areas. Efforts to obtain a convention to prohibit the laying of mines have failed. In one of the publications of theJUtiited “States naval college, for the benefit of American commanders, the status of the question of mines and torpedoes is thus summarized: “It may be affirmed that the use of mines is a legitimate means of hos tilities as between belligerents. This positiqn does not imply that mines may be used at will without regard to those not concerned in the war. The use of mines should be confined strictly to military operations and areas and the perils should not exr tend to innocent neutrals.” Consul Fee’s reference to the de struction of the Evelyn at Borkum was Interpreted in some quarters as meaning that the vessel struck a mine within the territorial waters of Germany. Some officials believed a claim for damages against Germany might be based on this by the Ameri can owners. . U. S. IS STANDING PAT WILL BEND NO NEW NOTES TO THE BELLIGERENTS. As the Evelyn was insured by the United States war risk insurance bu reau and is the first vessel lost that had bqen covered by government in surance, an interesting precedent in international law may grow out of the proceedings. • Frank James IHes. Frank, the last of the James boys, has passed away at his home at Ex celsior Springs, Mo. However divergent may be peo ple’s views as to the proposed liter acy test for immigrants are all agreed that the utmost pains should bo taken to keep out morally and mentally un fit Would-be immigrants, whether they can or can not road and write. In these days of strenuous business rivalry, the man who thinks he can win success in hlq business -without advertising, la doomed to disappoint ment and failure. He can no more make a fortune thet way than he iy to the meea. Government is Expected to Await Some Overt Act Before Taking Farther 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 ves sels, and the dangers to neutral ship 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 art. This was indicated in high official 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 jmswered now, might be construed later as an admis sion. The communication frqm 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 a result of a general misuse of the American flag by Brit ish vessels, although the denial of any intention tb make frequent use of the neutral ensign was reassdring To officials. The American government already it was pointed out, has stated in enL 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 snf ficlently 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 offi cials 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 Gerinany, with whom this country is at peace. •The position of the United States is based on the right or a 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 a discussion of the charge which Great Britain and Germany hare made toward each other. There Is even’ prospect, however, that the long British note 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 Alltes.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 plaints 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- mina, bound for Germany with a cargo of foodstuffs and now held by the British prize court, until the de cision of the prize court is announc ed. The tjecision 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. SINKS FRENCH SHIP. German Submarine Allows Crew Time to Make Escape. On official communication issued by the French ministry of marine tells of the sinkln- Tuesday by the German submarin, 16 of- the French steamer Vilk ^ille off the Barfleur lighthouse, a snort distance east of Cherbourg, after the subma rine had ordered the crew to leave the steamer. The statement follows: “The Ville do Lille endeavored to oocapo, but was outapeeded by the submarine, men from which board ed her and gave the crew ten minutes to leave in the ship’s boats. They then sank the Ville de Lillo by bombs placed In her interior. “The U-l 6 headed for a Norwegian steamer, but sank out of sight when a division of French torpedo boats from Cherbourg appeared on the hor izon." The Ville de Lille was a steamer of 997 tons. ENiUMB ANSWERS * ' * % MEUUI RITE II USE If fl'fi II fHEIILT THE TALKS ABOUT LUSHANIA siys Belligerent Must Establish Identity of Ships. Under Neutral Flags Before Taking Action—Re fers to Use of British Flag by American. Ships in Civil War. The British foreign office Friday night issued a note in reply to the representations of the United States government concerning the use of the American flag by British vessels. The following is the text of the re ply of Great Britain to the American note as handed to Walter Hinee Page, the American ambassador:' "The memorandum communicated on the 11th of February calls atten-/ tion in courteous and friendly terms to the action of the captain of the British steamship Lusitania in raising the flag of the United States of Amer ica when approaching British waters, and says that the government of the United States feel certain anxiety in considering the possibility of any gen eral use of the flag of the United States by British vessels traversing those waters, sinco the effect of such a policy might be to bring about a menace to the lives and vessels of United States citizens. "It was understood that the Ger man government announced their in tention of sinking British merchant vessels at sight, by torpedoes without giving any opportunity of making any provision for the saving of lives of Qontyombatant crews and passengers. It was in consequence of this threat that the Lusitania raised the United States flag on her inward voyage. “On her subsequent outward voy age a request was made by United States passengers who were embark ing on her that the United States flag should be hoisted, presumably to in sure their safety. Meanwhile the memorandum from your Excellency had been received. His Majesty’s goyernment did not give any advice to the company as to how to meet this request, and it is understood that the Lusitania left Liverpool under the British flag. "It seems unnecessary to say more as regards the Lusitania in particu lar "In regard to the use of foreign flags by merchant vessels, the British Merchant Shipping act makes it clear that the use of the British flag by merchant vessels is permitted In time of war for the purpose of escaping capture. It is believed that in the case of some other nations there Is similar recognition of the same prac tice with regard to their flag, and that nq£p has-forbidden it. "It would, therefore, be unreason able to expect his Majesty's govern ment to pass legislation forbidding the use of foreign flags by British merchant vessels to avoid capture by the enemy, now that the German gov ernment have announced their inten tion to sink merchant vessels at sight with their non-combatant crews, car goes and papers, a proceeding hither to regarded by the opinion of the world not as war, but piracy. "It is felt that the United States government could not fairly ask the British government to order British merchant vecsels to forego a means always hlthecto permitted of escap ing not only capture, but the much worse late of sinking and destruction. "Great Britain always, when a neu tral. has accorded to vessels of other states at war the liberty to use the British flag as a means of protection from capture, and Instances are on record when United States vessels availed themselves of this facility during the American civil war. “It would be contrary to fair ex pectation If now, when conditions are reversed, the United States and neu tral nations were to grudge to Brit ish ships the liberty to take similar action. “The British government has n« intention of advising their merchant shipping to use foreign flags as a gen eral practice or to resort to them otherwise than for escaping capture or destruction,.. The obligation upon' a belligerent warship to ascertain definitely, for itself the nationality and character of a merchant vessel before ccpturkg it and fortiori before sinking and destroying it has been universally reco.*xized. "If that obligation is fulfilled the ’ hoisting of a neutral flag on board a British vessel can not possibly en danger neutral shipping, and’ the British government holds that if loss to neutrals is caused by disregard of ~ this obligation it is upon the enemy vessel disregarding it and upon the government giving the orders ttiat it— & To Carry 10,000 Bales Cotton. The Nebraskan of the American- Hawailan line, is at Charleston load ing a cargo of 10,000 bales for Bremen. Commerce Raider Active. Four merchantmen have been sunk by the German auxiliary cruiser Kronprfns Wilhelm operating in South American waters. Five Miner* Five miners Hill. Mo. by • ere Wiled ut Rich M explosion la the » Tb should be disregarded that the re sponsibility for injury to neutrals ought to rest." WANT RIGGER Gl’NS. Secretary Garrison Recommends Im portant'Coast Ordnance. * .f, Guns of greater range and -power than any that could be arrayed against them were asked for Ameri can coast defences in an army board report submitted by Secretary Garri son, and made public Thursday by the House appropriations committee The board advised that the old typo 12-inch guns and mortars "are not equal in range and power to major •alibre guns afloat." Mr. Garrison recommended the im mediate Improvement cl some of the coast defences so that the rang* of the old It-lneh guns could be increas ed to 29,$M yards, and the board suggested that wherever it was nee-* to construct new works the gwas should be IMmeh wee-