The Washington times., 1909-10-13
Prospects Serious for Early
Clash Is Belief of
Americans.
VESSELS CAUTIONED
ON ENTERING PORTS
England Recognizing That EXcuT-
sion Into Dreadnoughts Prob
bly, Was Mistake.

That the relations between Great
Britain and Germany are approaching
the serious possibility Of an early re-
sort to arms is the belief entertained
with wonderful unanimity in American
naval circles. There is thus far little
manifestation in diplomatic quarters in
Washington OF the concern which is
known to be entertained about the
Anglo-German situation, but among ma
val people the feeling is strong and
growing stronger that conditions may
be precipitated within few weeks thar
will bring war very suddenly.
Naval and maritime authorities at
tach grave significance 10 the fact that
the British maritime authorities have
Just issued notices 70 shipping that the
British ports are liable at any time 10
be closed or dangerously INSTRUCTED,
and that attention should be paid TO the
signals which are announced as the
means of indicating such conditions.
Vessels are warned that, If on ap-
preaching British ports searchlights are
seen to be in operation, great caution
should be observed, as this may indi-
cate distractions or even the closing OF
the port.
Not very long ago a British naval Of
ficer was in this country and was asked
about the progress OF the war scare.
He was absent from his service on leave
Of absence, and he stated that after he
left home he had received warning from
supeniors in the service that If he ex-
pectsd 20 win distinction in the German
contest he would do well TO count on
getting home before the expiration OF
his years leave.
Fears Sudden Clash.
Students Of British politics have in
cIiyed 10 believe that King Edward $
anxiety to avert constitutional crisis
over the liberal budget is based on his
fear Of an internationa situation arts
ing very suddenly, which may over
shadow everything else. involving men
ace OF the very life of the empire Pre-
rnier Asduith was sumomned to Bal
moral for mysterious conference with
the King. and at the same time it was
announced that parliament would ad-
5ourn for q week.
Explanations were given at the time
10 the effect that the interim would be
REQUIRED 10 draft certain amendments TO
the budget But when Mr.. Asquith re-
turned from his conferences with the
King he declared that the matters
which had been discussed were Of such
character that he was not at liberty 20
take even his cabinet associates into his
confidence concerning them.
This would hardly be possible, it is
believed, IL those matters related merely
10 the pending parliamentary crisis
Therefore, casting about for some fur
tber explanation of so tremendously con-
6dcutial a communication from the
King, It is being strongly surmised that
his majesty has pleaded for avoidance
of the parliamentary contest and gen
eraI election. in view OF the German sit
nation
The British naval authorities have
been recognizing OF late that their eX-
cursion into Dreadnoughts was probably
a mistake. The FIRST Dreadnought rele-
gated the immense navy heretofore IN
existence TO the second line. The Ger
mans we're given the chance 70 starr
even with Britain on race of consuuc
ton of huge ships, and they have leapec
10 grasp the opportunity. Britain
naval sunreTaacy Is held today by q
narrowing margin The logic OF the sit
uation, as American military ana naFa
authorities view IT. is that the sooner
they have the war. II war II must be
the better for the British nation.
Americans Anxious.
As serious as is the naval scare il
ENGLAND, i is literally a fact that Amer
icsn authorities in position to under
stand and keep ir touch with Anglo
German relations are even more con
cerned and more convinced Of the i'm
rninence Of war than even the British
aIaunIsts have shown themselves 10 be
The British Chauvinists have talkeC
largely in geneTalities: the American au.
thorities. perhaps because their relation
as mere spectators leaves them Unde
less obligation 70 be discreet, talk OF
very specific factors ia the situation, and
point out how inevitably they indicate
the danger Of war.
II can be said. too. with ample knOwl
edge, that in American naval circles TIT
opinion. regardless Of sympathies, il
that the British navy would make shor
work Of the German fleet in case Of Z
clash. A few weeks at the outside would
be expected TO tell the story. In tina
time. followed a sharp and sensational
Introduction Of hostilities, IL is com
monty believed the German navy voul,
be practically retired from possibility o
effective service.
The navy sharps, familiar with thu
forces, the geography and all the ele
rnents devote endless consideration Il
the possibilities or the expected conflict
They believe the British will force thi
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