Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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x} A. WOULD TERMINATE l“BLOCKADr PROBLEMS 11 to REJECT OFFER 8*»t® Department Officials Predict That Two Countries Will Disagree Absolutely on Foodstuffs Proposi tion—Say Main. Issue Between the Nations is One of Principle. State department officials expect ■ 'England to suggest arbitration as a i means of settlement of the issues be tween the, two governments. The United States, they say, will decline. It is the opinion of officials that in the approaching discussion by the United States with Egland of the lat ter’s attacks on American commerce, there can be no escape from consider ation of the proposition made by Ger many that goods imported into her territory -^puld not be used for mili tary purpose 8T '* It is believed in Washingtdn that when the United States and the pack ers exhaust all their remedies in the British courts and find they must eventually resort to the assertion of “a denial of Justice” the next step will be a suggestion of arbitration. Officials say, however, that the main issue between the United States and England is one of “pr^nclple. ,, Inasmuch as the United States has in dicated that it will not arbitrate ques tions of principle with Germany, It is f i,eved the same course will be fol- |e t d with England. ■*/As stated that when England sdt In the packers cases the presump- i of enemy destination she assum- that the packers products were for the benefit of the enemy in a military sense. The United States, however, can tell England that Germany was willing to have the goods forwarded into their territory and their dlsposi- ' tion supervised by agents of the United States government. This suggestion of Germany was Intended to combat the assertion by England that Germany by her decrees had practically commandeered all foodstuffs and supplies. Germany also told the state department that the assertion of England was not true. * Nevertheless, the series of retaliat ing acts between Germany and Eng land began Then "order in council” was Issued and the blockade estab lished. This blockade, so far as the ports of neutrals are concerned. Is re garded by American officials as "a paper blockade,’* but the United States has not tested it by .convoying a merchant ship with a war vessel. It was pointed out that the case of the packers has accentuated the un tenable position of England by which she claims that the packers' products, when they left the United States, were making substantially a continu ous voyage. An authority on which the state department relies to combat this po sition of England is the International law dlsgest of John Bassett Moore. After discussing the case of the Springbok and that of the Essex, the opinion quoted by Mr. Moore says: "To permit one belligerent to shut out neutrals from a commerce which the other belligerent may open to them, such commerce not being in contraband of war or In evasion of blockade, would impose upon neutral ity burdens so Intolerable as to make war. on its parts, preferable to peace. “The doctrine of continuous voy ages also as thus interpreted is open to all the objections of a paper block ade, It enables a belligerent cruiser t^ seize all neutrals going to a bel- l^fent port if they hold produce of colonies of that belligerent, jfgh there be no pretense of a Jortkade of either colony or the mother state. "England also, it was urged, had no right to complain of this relaxa- ' tion by a hostile sovereign of his col onial regulations, since she had re peatedly varied in war her colonial policy of trade, relaxing it so as to enable her colonies to have the ad vantage of neutral commerce.” It was stated by officials that by the establishment, *f a "paper block ade” of the ports of neutrals, Eng land has practically put those ports in the same class as the ports of a bel ligerent and she therefore assumes the right to stop merchant ships with her cruisers. It was added that England has in dicated to this government that she still abides by her laws of 1796 and 1805, and that her acts need not be regarded by this government as "dip lomatic questions.” * All that would be left for the United States to do, under this arrangement, would be to dispute vigorously with England that , there was no Justification for the es tablishment of a blockade of neutral ports, especially under the assurance given to this governemnt by Germany that she would see that foodstuffs sent through neutral ports were not used by the German army or navy State department officials predict an absolute disagreement betweeh Eng land and the United States on that point. It was learned that the United States has fully answered in the r pending note the supplementary con tention of the British foreign office that as the United States seised Brit ish ships during the* Civil War, on « ground that their cargoes might to thee Confederate States, Eng- ; has amide justification for the nsion of that policy. The state department holds that eases of selxure daring the Civil War were based on exact and undeniable information, not only as to tho mili tary character of a part Of the car goes bat as to their destination. . It was said by a stats dspartmsnt official that whea military battens aad aether paraphernalia ased only la war were foand only sa vi —In i by the United Sutea, tie Disaettsfection at Necessary Arrests ehd Mill, tary Stockholm dispatches say that the Socialist deputy, Tcheldse, and seven teen other members of the Russian Duma have been arrested. The Duma buildings In Petrograd and all the railway stations have been occupied by the military, the advices added. Considerable dissatisfaction was evidenced last week when the Rus sian Duma was prorogued by Impe rial decree to the middle of Novem ber. The cabinet had objected tb-jthe program of reforms proposed by the majority, comprising the Liberal and Progressive elements, and had threat ened to resign. Premier Goremykin visited Emper or Nicholas at field headquarters and the Emperor sanctioned the proroga tion. When this decision was an nounced last Thursday after a few minutes’ session, the Laborlte and Radical Deputies left the chamber muttering, "It Is a crime. 1 It was announced later that Pre mier Goremykin had conferred with the military and civil authorities at Petrograd and Moscow for the pur pose of forestalling popular demon strations. It was stated that the program of the majority in the Duma considered untimely by the cabinet included au tonomy for Poland; a conciliatory policy for Finland; amnesty for poli- cal and religious persecution; remov al of restrictions upon Jews, and the recognition of the legality of trade unions. The program also was said to call for an agreement between the govern ment and the Duma regarding the rapid adoption of bills relating to the national defence and the care of wounded, and also to contain a long list of measures for Internal reform. mm DRAG NET CATCKS * 500.000 FLERNi RUSSIANS Makes London Variously Slavs 300,000 LABORERS THREATEN STRIKE VS. CONSCRIPTION AU England Excited Upon Question— Politicians and Government Officers Divided. The committee of the Amalgamat ed Railway Unions, three hundred thousand workers, have offlclaly noti fied the British governemnt that any attempt to force conscription will re sult in civil war. This Is the answer of the British railway unlona to the appeal of Lloyd-George laat week when he said: "Unless the unions allow unskilled men and women to do. as far as they are able, work hitherto done by skill ed men and unless they allow an un qualified relaxation of union rules, limiting output, we are making straight for disaster, for unless the nation can exert Its whole strength in this war we shall fall." The six hundred delegates to the trades union congress, representing three million British workers, also voted almost unanimously against conscription. All England Is now divided on this question of forced service in the army and In the workshops. England needs a larger output of war munitions and It also needs two thousand more men In the army, besides the one mil lion five hundred thousand already at the front. For conscription In England to-day are Lloyd-George, the strongest poli tician that has arisen In England in a generation; Lord Northcllffe, who publishes the most popular newspa pers, and Lord Curzon. * Against conscription are Sir Ed ward Grey, the great foreign minis ter; Lord Kitchener and Arthur Bal four, the former prime minister. Premier Asquith and Bonar Law the Conservative leaders, are sitting on the fence. ENTENTE ALLIES TO FORCE BULGARIA TO TAKE STAND Send Balkan States a Note Asking Her to Declare Between Uie Two Warring Groups. The Entente Allies have presented a joint note to Bulgaria asking ip ef fect that it declare Itself as between them and the central powers. The note, however, is not in the nature of an ultimatum. The note, delivered at Sofia last week, was sent in pursuance of a de cision by the allied powers to test Bulgaria’s good faith by submitting the recent concessions made by Ser- vla with the view of securing from Bqlgarior a definite statements as to her position. , __ Although the note does not fix a date for a reply and is not an ultima tum, diplomats familiar with its con tents say it will require Bulgaria to take a stand one way or the other. It asks Bulgaria whether the, Serbian concessions, secured through the joint offices of the Allies, will bring about Bulgaria’s co-operation with the oth er Balkan States. Out Off WhoM Only Chance la Saoceasful Counter Blow. Londou reports Monday: The Ras> shut army, menaced since the fall of Vllna by the German encircling move ment, Is estimated variously at two hundred and fifty thousand to live hundred thousand men. The condi tions; Under which the Russians are attempting to extricate themselves furnish a striking- parallel to those which followed the capture of War saw. They may precipitate one of the greatest battles fought on the eastern front. Although no official confirmation had been received in London from Petrograd to-day of the fall of Vilna, the British press has accepted the German claim readily in view of the situation that had been developing. Concern is expressed for the retiring Russian forcesr - So far as can be judged, Field Marshal von Hindenburg’s troops have flung a loop about the Rus sians over a front of some two hun dred miles and are not only In their rear but are menacing seriously the single railway line and the few avail able wagon roads stretching to the south. As at Warsaw, the number of Rus sian prisoners left behind with the evacuation of Vilna was not great. Apparently the only way in which the retiring forces may ameliorate the seemingly bad situation is by a counter blow. It is pointed out that von Hlnden- burg's cavalry has penetrated so deep ly into hostile country as to create a salient open to sudden attack, if the Russians should be able to command reinforcements at the proper time and placrl but it is not believed here that thqy'are in a position to deal such a blow effectively. ' There Is much speculation as to the German objective. Opinion is divided whether von Hindenburg will seek merely to close his loop, thus captur ing the army within the net or will press eastward toward* Minsk and again try for a derisive victiry. Similar tactics attempted after the fall of Warsaw met with failure. The Russians are employing their familiar rear guard tactics and the hope is ex pressed i nthe British press that they will be able to fight their way out without shattering losses. Next to Warsaw, Vilna is the most Important town In western Russls. It Is a railway Junction of great mil itary Importance. It was from Vil na that Nspoleon fled In disguise In 1812, during the retreat from Mos cow. EXPECTSmilMENT HERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TALKS OF SUBMARINES . TO GIVE SATISFACTION Strikes in Petrograd. As a result of several strikes in the military district of Petrograd the military governor has called the workers back to their places under threat of courtmartlal. Conscription In Canada. The possibility of conscription In Canada will be taken up at the next parliamentary session, says a special dispatch from Ottawa. tion of “final destination" waa abso lutely proved. This showed. It le held, that the United States never adopted the justification of seaplcloa as ■•ffldant to firove ilttaate •f • evtn. POUND STERLING YIELDS LEAD TO AMERICAN DOLLAR IUg Ixuui to Allies to be Financed in American Dollar for First Time in History. The largest underwriting syndicate the western world has ever known was in process of formation Monday to handle the proposed "billion dol lar” credit loan to Great Britain and France which has now shrunk. It was reported In New York Monday, to sum. yet to be determined, between six hundred million and eight hun dred million dollars. This mammoth syndicate, accord ing to tentative arrangements said to have been agreed upon, will be na tion-wide in Its character and will comprise national and state banks and trust companies from the Atlan tic to the Pacific. A number of so- called pro-German financiers It was reported will go In the syndicate If it be finally agreed that none of the loan shall be used to pay for muni tions of war. The syndicate will pu t out the British and French government bonds to secure the loan at par. The bonds will pay five per cent. Interest and will be a first mortgage upon the en tire British empire and French and her colonies. Even the staggering war loans raised at home will come second to the loan to be floated here. For the first' time in history the English pound sterling has yielded first plac^ in International finance to the American dollar in this respect. The whole big bond issue, principal and Interest, will be payable in American dollars. TO RECOGNIZE CARRANZA Admitted in Washington That Consti tutionalist Has Best Chance. Prospects for recognition of Gen. Carranza, it was admitted in official quarters at Washington, are much more favorable than at any time since the United States began to exert its Influence toward the establishment of a central government in Mexico. The decision of the Pan-American conference in New York to study within the next three weeks “the material and moral capacity” of the elements aspiring to recognition has led to the general belief that unless thd military situation changes soon the recognition of Carranza Is vir tually certain. The United States and the several governments which have taken the situation under advisement. Intend, hotoever, to investigate carefully the physical state of affairs in Mexico to learn whether the faction in military supremacy gives promise of creating a stable government. 8. O. Consuls Transferred. Lewis W. Hastkell has been trans ferred from Belgrade- ServU, to Gen eve, at the same salary, aad Julias D. Dreher has gone from Toronto to Colon, at aa Inerisss of fivs hnndrsd dollars. The salaries are sow thirty- fire hnadred aad few thousaad dnl- Instructions to Commanders are Very Explicit and They Have Been Im pressed With Necessity of Carrying Them Out in Letter and in Spirit- Hopes to End Controversy. A full settlement of the submarine problem can probably be arranged by negotiations In Washington, says a dispatch from Berlin. Count von Bernstorff, German ambasoador to the United StAtes, is in possession of complete Information regarding the wishes and policy of Germany, so the Associated Press is Informed. It is said that the ambassador has been given power to negotiate terms of settlement with the United States subject only to Anal revision and ap proval by the home government. A long report on the submarine situation was received in Berlin from Count Bernstorff Thursday and a long message of instructions went forward to the ambassador Saturday morning. Both dispatches were of a nature which seems to make officials confident the vyhole submarine prob lem can be s&eedily and satisfactorily settled. The form which the negotiations Vre now taking goes to strengthen this optimism, for in such conversa tions Count Bernstorff is In a position to 1 communicate many things not adapted to inclusion In a public note, but which are of a nature to con vince the American government of the good faith behind Germany's as surances and the government’s set tled determination to remove the sources of the conflict on the subma rine question. The hope is expressed In Berlin that the negotiations can be pushed through without delay and that no further Issues may be brought in to complicate a settlement. The German government will give Its careful consideration to the evi dence concerning the circumstances which attended the sinking of the stean»ahj.p Arabic, submitted, by the Amerlcaff^gevernment through Am bassador Gerard. Gottlieb von Jagow, the foreign minister, made a state ment to this effect In an Interview with the Associated Press. Foreign Minister von Jagow said in this Interview that (Xennaay could not well repudiate the report of the commander of the submarine which sank the A raid c; nevertheless, there Was room for a difference of opinion and Germany would examine care fully the evidence from Washington He repeated the assurance that enemy passenger steamers which re- spected the maritime code would not he attacked without warning, saying explicit directions had been given tlm submarine commanders, aad asserted the whole German government stood behind this policy. In his statement the foreign minis ter went fully into the present status of the submarine problem and the adventltous circumstances which for a time threatened to revive the ten sion between Germany and America. He expressed complete confidence that In view of the Instructions which had been given and the precaution now being taken the possibility of further incidents In connection with the sub marine campaign which would dis turb the relations between the two countries had been virtually elimi nated. Germany, Herr von Jagow said, would participate willingly In the ne gotiations now being taken up In Washington and hopes for the most satisfactory results therefrom. “It would seem, your Excellency,’ said the correspondent, “that the re newal of tension in the submarine question is largely due, so far as Ger man factors are concerned, to three main causes: First, to the failure to follow up Ambassador Bernstorff’s recent declaration at Washington and the assurances communicated to Ambassador Gerard here with nego tiations to arrive at some more defi nite and formal .understanding re garding forms of submarine war fare. "Second, to the wording of the Arabic note, parts of which, accord ing to English cable dispatched, seem to have caused an unfavorable Im pression in the United States, and, finally, to> apprehension of a certain lack of harmony between German declarations of policy, as embodied In the instructions to submarine com manders communicated by Ambassa dor von Bernstorff and the, practical application of this policy, whether due to accidents, misapprehensions or other causes, under which the pos sibility of further endangerment of American lives at sea may not be al together excluded. I mention these matters frankly because there seems to be reason to believe that the change from the optimism of a fort night ago may be based on misunder standings and lack of knowledge of the attitude of the German govern ment.’' The foreign minister welcomed the opportunity to make clear Germany’s position. CoqcernlBg the Arabic case he said: '/We hope that our otter to refer the case to The Hague for adjudica tion will provide * fatlsfactory set tlement In case the' United States and Germany are not able to adjust the qaeetlon by direct negotiations.” "We ceald not, you will admit, well go behind the report of the com mander of oar submarine, or question hie honest belief, beeed oa the Ara bic’s actions, that the British captain was planning to attack kie craft, par ticularly aa long as we had ' • V-V* A' J MEUEVER TO IE Mil STEFANSSHUS MAH v’ t '-//Sf'J' cape Ike- ■attar aad earners of the ship which discarded . Its peaceful character, as unfortunately British ■hips have repeatedly done, aad as sumed the rote of aggressor, should (Continued oa laat page.) (Continued from first page.) be held responsible for the loss of life, not Germany. “There may he room for honest difference of opinion oa this point, however, and we are perfectly willing thoroughly to examine the summary of evidence which the American gov ernment has just transmitted to ns, and which I have not even had time to peruse. - . "As to the larger question of sub marine warfare, the attitude of Ger many is perfectly, clear. Enemy pas senger steamers will not be subject ed to attack without warning, pro vided they respect the regular mari time- code, and will be sunk only when opportunity for safety of pas sengers and crew Is given. Instruc tions to German submarine com manders on this point are very pre cise and definite, and go as far as is possible to eliminate the possibility of error or accident. n : rests very largely now with our opponents, therefore, to provide the necessary remaining safeguards for voyages by instructing masters to avoid suspi cious or hostile actions or attempt at flight—perhaps best done by revok ing the order to attack submarines whenever possible, and the promised rewards for such actions.’- "Neutral merchantmen. Including Americans, are exempt from Inter ference, as stated long ago, except when carrying contraband," said the foreign minister, “and will then be destroyed under the conditions laid down in the international code con cerning maritime war, when provi sion is made for the safety of those aboard. "These two categories, restricting submarine procedure against passen ger ships and neutral-owned ships, cover cases wherein the Interests of the United States may be involved, and confine the application of retalia tory measures to shipping owned by Railway Company Resumes Car belligerents—a field which belongs to the belligerents themselves to regu late. "Some time ago President Wilson tendered his good offices to bring A riot was narrowly avartod in about modification of these retails- Columbia on Main street, in front of tory measures. Germany then prompt- the State House, Thursday aftoraoon ly signified readiness to take advan —*— **-- - —*- - Was to i Mjr North. Announcement was made in Cann- dlan government Quarters at Ottawa, Canada, Friday that Vllhjalmar Stef- ausson, the Arctic explorer,- had been heard from and was safe Stefans- son bad not prevloualy been heard from Since, April, 1»14, and it had generally been believed that he had several other companions had been lost. The message from Stefan son was to the naval department and wnk dat ed from Balllie Island, August Jl, via Nome, Alaska, September 16,<4Uid stated that he was to continue his northern exploration. - Seattle, Wash., reports: With Stof- ansson when he left Martin Point late in March, 1914, ware Ole Anderson, and Storker Storkerson, men to be as strong and resourceful as Stof- ansson himself. They had rifles, a sledge that could be used as a boat, abundant food and other supplies. \ Washington says: The last report from coast guard ship# which have been searching In Arctic waters for the survivors of the Stefanseon expe dition, has just been received here from Nome, Where it was dispatched on August 31. Captain Cochran of coast guard ship Bear, reported that he had been at Point Barrow on July 30 and also had stopped at Cape Prince of Wales on his way to Nome without finding any trace or newt of the explorers. tage of this friendly offer and is still to induce men who were running the v*Aa A w A r\ —a a * _ «... . a . ready to do so. "As to negotiations to supplement rounded by the strikers aad -tkslr sympathisers, struck H. A. Stack, n policeman, over the head with n ■witch rod. thinking that ha waa a member of the crowd trying to rusk tbs cur and attack him. A around the declaration made by Ambassador ths street railway, who t»ad jumped von Bernstorff, the news dispatches on the street ear, which from Washington report that the American government Itself has de cided to begin conversations on this subject. This Imperial government certainly hopes a full agreement may be reached which will bar the possi bility of future difficulties with the Uulted State# arising from ths sub marine question and will gladly en ter Into conversation. "We desire no discords In our rela tion* with America, but continuance of the old couree of friendship, with no further incidents to trouble IL” "But some seem to fear such inci dents may recur in connection with the submarine campaign," remarked the correspondent. "I do not expect them, and I speak with full confidence,” leplled the minister. "The goverumeut—the whole government—is agreed upon the Instructions to submarine manders which, as I said, art precise aad definite, and our su rine officers have been with the necessity of carrying out in letter and in spirit. "Hie limitation of activities of our submarines has not been carried through without certain our public opinion, for as you know the whole nation takes keen interest in this arm and la jealous of any thing affecting its success. But the present policy, baaed aa It Is upon the approval of hla Majesty, will have the support of all. "Mischance can not be eliminated entirely in war time, nor dangers for non-combatants, either In land or aea war. absolutely guarded against, but every recautlon has been taken, so far as lies in the power of the Im perial government, to safeguard the interests of neutrals. "Should the present instructions governing the submarine campaign be exceeded in any respect the Im perial government, aa the chancellor assured you recently, would not hes itate to give such complete satisfac-' tion to the United States as would conform to the friendly relations be tween the two governments.’.’ of /an over 0. C. Warner, BAND OF MEXICAN BANDITS AnACKU.S. CAVALRYMEN Two Soldiers are Killed and Two Oth ers are Wounded—Attack- 4 era Escape, The first deliberate blow against the United States army guarding the Texas-Mexfcan border was struck Monday by a band of abopt thirty Mexican outlaws who attacked a de tachment of ten cavalrymen on guard at an irrigation pumping ph.nt sev eral miles up the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas. In the fighting, which lasted half an hour, ^ two American soldiers were killed, An thony Kraft of Detroit, Mich., a pri vate of Troop A, Twelfth cavalry, and Harold B. Forney at Watertown, N. Y„ a trumpeter of the same Irgop. Two other soldiers, Sergeant J. J. Walsh, who was In command of the detail of troops, were slightly wound ed. The Mexlcana escaped through the casualties on the Mexican side is not known. Early Moa<fay night a rural mall carrier was fred on from ambush and slightly wounded shoot twenty miles were from the of the fight Monday STRIKE CAUSES NEAR RIOT IN COLOMBIA ON TRURSIAY vice sad Striking W Try to Deter Workers. following the efforts of the strikers street cars to leave their places. General Manager A. A. Wallace, of which had gathered the car aad there were jeers when Mr. Wallace was carried off by the police to the station honse. Later he was released under hood. This Incident came directly after a car was stopped on Main street, sad A. W. Oxner, who was fanning ns motormaa, was taken from ths ear. When this car toned from Oervai street Into Mala, la front of the Bute Honse, several strikers tried to In duce the motormaa to quit bin place. Just what followsd is not known, hat ■oms remark was mads aad a big crowd followed the street car for two blocks and caught it in front of the Nstlonal Loan aad Exchange Mr. Wallace and policemen came to the scene, and after some time Mr. Oxner was escorted to the sidewalk. A lane wide enough for autemohUea to pass through was kept open wttk difficulty, aad finally sa aotomnt . _ — of the Ideal Theatre, who was (a the crowd. Hs was removed to the hos pital and givsn attention. After some time Mr. Oxner, aeoom- panled by Mr. Wallace, caste hack to the car and getting on took It np the street, while some In the crowd cheer ed and others jeered. Policemen finally got the crowd to disperse. HERMANS CAPllIRE VILNA; RUSSIANS ARE SURROUNDED f You Hindenburg Almost Closes Circle Around Troops Operating South of Fortress. The Germans occupied Vilna day and, by a- sweeping moveL north of that city, have almost if not entirely surrounded a part of the Russian army, fighting in the rail way triangle between Vilna, Lida and Vileika. The Russians now either must fight their way out eastward or retire in a southeasterly direction, for the ofily railway left entirely in their hands is that running from Vilna to Lida and thence to Baronovltchi. Von Hindenburg’s army, which took Vilna and has reached Vileika, is working In close co-operation with that of Archduke Leopold of Bavaria in an effort to catch a part of the Russian army, an operation often tried without success. The Russians express confidence ‘in the outcome of the battle, but with tfrglr northern armies closely held along the Dvina, and the German flapk well protected by their cavalry which recently occupied Widsy, across the Vilna-Petrograd railway, tt seems impossible that any aid caa come to them from that direettoa. , . Capture Eight The German official report Satur day described the capture of thousand five hundred and eighty the brush carrying their dead and Rnsslana near Vilna and twenty-five wounded with them. The number of bondra* near Pinak, together wttk — ~ — - - • twenty-five machine guna Too Hot to Go Seventy tho