The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1914-08-02

The question considered by the Presi-
dent, and his premier this afternoon
will be that of arranging for the dis
tribution OF certificates for money ia
American refugees by diplomatic and
consular representatives abroad, includ-
ing orders for thc transportation home
Of such refugees on any available YES
sells.
While President Wilson and Secretary
Bryan were preparing TO take up this
angle Of the situation, Secretary OF the
Treasury McAdoo was in conference at
the Treasury Department with Max
May and August Ulrich, representing
New York foreign exchange bankers
plans Of preventing a breakdown OF
international banking machinery.
The State Department was besieged
today by members of Congress who had
been appealed to for Government aid
in behalf of Americans. abroad. Tele-
grams poured in on the department
from all parts of the country, asking
that consular representatives in Eu-
rope exert their efforts in behalf Of
tourists hemmed in in the countries
now preparing to wage bloody war. All
such inquiries were cabled 10 the Gov
ernments representatives abroad.
Realizing, however, that the diplo-
matte and consular representatives will
be powerless to extend any further aid
than to offer the refuge of the consul
lates. President Wilson and Secretary
Bryan faced the task of placing power
in tn hands of representatives at for
eign posts to render effective aid.
Certificates As Currency.
The certificate plan was considered
by President Wilson to be the most eff
fective one. Relatives or friends OF
American tourists will. IL this plan is
adopted. be asked to deposit money with
the State Department. The nearest
diplomatic or consular representative
will then be instructed to issue a Ger.
tificate for this amount, which. having
the guarantee of the United States Gov
eminent behind 1t, will be acceptable as
legal tender
The breakdown of European ex-
changes has made this necessary
Americans abroad with drafts, travellers
checks, and letters of credit have been
unable to cash them. In London, Amcri'
can gold certificates were only worth
IS cents on the dollar.
AS a last resort. the Washington Gov
eminent is prepared to send AmericaQ
vessels abroad with gold for the relief
Government faces a serious problem In
the plight OF Americans abroad. The
State Department has no authentic fig
ures. but estimates Of the number OF
tourists run from 10000 TO 200. CD.
The cancellation of several steamship
sailings has caused panic among Ameri-
cans in the port cities. who have found
themselves unable to get transportation
on the ovrecrowded boats. The plight
of the tourists caught in the interior
is worse.
Congress Must Give Money.
A decision probably will be reached
this afternoon as to the plans to be
followed for the relief of these tourists.
Prompt action will be taken. az. IL a
decision Is reached to send TRANSPORTS
to bring the Americans home, Or 10
charter boats of foreign registry, II
viA - necessary to make a special re-
Guest OF Congress for an appropriation
The New York bankers, who yer. IL
conference with Secretary ncAdoo
planned to see President Wilson later II
the day for an Informal conference
They were unable to see the Pres;,Ien
this morning. for. in spite of the grayit,
of the war situation, he followed nj,
usual Sunday custom of attendinl
church seryicea