expresses confidently the hope that his
Majesty's Government will realize the obstacles and difficulties which
their present policy has placed in the way of commerce between the
United States and the neutral countries of Europe and will instruct
its officials to refrain from all unnecessary interference with the
freedom of trade between nations which are sufferers, though not
participants, in the present conflict; and will in their treatment of
neutral ships and cargoes conform more closely to those rules
governing the maritime relations between belligerents and neutrals
which have received the sanction of the civilized world and in which
Great Britain has in other wars so strongly and successfully
advocated.

In conclusion, it should be impressed upon his Majesty's Government
that the present condition of American trade with the neutral European
countries is such that, if it does not improve, it may arouse a
feeling contrary to that which has so long existed between the
American and British people. Already it is becoming more and more the
subject of public criticism and complaint. There is an increasing
belief, doubtless not entirely unjustified, that the present British
policy toward American trade is responsible for the depression in
certain industries which depend upon European markets. The attention
of the British Government is called to this possible result of their
present policy, to show how widespread the effect is upon the
industrial life of the United States and to emphasize the importance
of removing the cause of complaint.

WILLIAM J. BRYAN,
Secretary of State.

GERMAN CROWN PRINCE TO AMERICA

[By The Associated Press.]

Geneva, (via Paris,) Jan. 29.--Crown Prince Frederick William of
Germany has sent to the local correspondent of The Associated Press,
in response to a request for a statement on the war, the following
reply, dated near Verdun, Jan. 22:

"You ask me to send a message to the American people. Being an officer
and no diplomat, I have no right to do so, but if you like I will tell
you three things:

"First--Every single German and Austrian is quite certain that we will
come out on top, and will give his last drop of blood to this end.

"Second--We are convinced that the day will come when the people of
Russia and France will find out that they are only doing the dirty
work for England.

"Third--We expect from America absolutely fair play in all questions.

"These are my pe