The remaining link in the new lines of direct telegraphic communication
between the United States and the German Empire has recently been
completed, affording a gratifying occasion for exchange of friendly
congratulations with the German Emperor.
Our friendly relations with Great Britain continue. The war in
Southern Africa introduced important questions. A condition unusual
in international wars was presented in that while one belligerent had
control of the seas, the other had no ports, shipping, or direct trade,
but was only accessible through the territory of a neutral. Vexatious
questions arose through Great Britain's action in respect to neutral
cargoes, not contraband in their own nature, shipped to Portuguese South
Africa, on the score of probable or suspected ultimate destination to
the Boer States.
Such consignments in British ships, by which alone direct trade is kept
up between our ports and Southern Africa, were seized in application of
a municipal law prohibiting British vessels from trading with the enemy
without regard to any contraband character of the goods, while cargoes
shipped to Delagoa Bay in neutral bottoms were arrested on the ground
of alleged destination to enemy's country.
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