Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-08-04
AUTHOR|T|ESPLAN
RELIEF MEASURES
Additional Funds Needed for
Americans Stranded in
the War Zone.
AN APPEAL TO CONGRESS
FOR SUM OF 81, 500, 900
Cruiser Tennessee, Carrying Between
$1,000, 900 and $4,000, 900, to Sail
From New York Tomorrow.

measures for the relief of Americans
caught in the war zone. The armor-
ed cruiser Tennessee will sail from
New York at pm. tomorrow with
between five and eight millions in gold
for Americans in Europe.
The sources from which all the gold
will be taken had not been fully de-
termined today, but will be arranged
at further conferences between the of
fcials and New York bankers. navy
paymaster will go in charge of the
treasure.
The nations involved in the war will he
informed of the purpose for which the
gold is being sent to Europe in order
that no complications may follow.
President Asks for $2.5oO,OoO.
President Wilson today sent to Con-
xress special message asking for im-
mediate appropriation of $2.SO0.00O for
relief of Americans abroad in ac-
cordance with the plan approved by
him this morning.
The Presidet's message was as fol-
lows:
After further consideration of the
existing conditions In Europe. in SO far
as II is affecting citizens of the United
States who are there without means,
UnanClaI or OtnerW1Se, 10 return TO
their homes in this country, it seems
incumbent upon the government to
take steps at once to provide adequate
means by the chartering of vessels or
otherwise of bringing Americans out
of the disturbed regions and convey
ing them to their homes in the United
States.
Moreover. in view of the difficulty of
obtaining money upon letters of credit,
with which most Americans abroad are
taft Will INa n ovNd
agents abroad with funds which can be
advanced OH such evidences Of credit or
used for the assistance of destitute citizens
Of the United States
Recommends Immediate Action.
I'm these circumstances recommend
the immediate passage by the Congress
of an act appropriating $2.5OO.0OO. or
as much thereof as may be necessary,
to be placed at the disposal of the
President for the relief. protection and
transportation of American citizens and
for personal services. rent and other
expenses which may be incurred in the
District of Columbia or elsewhere con-
nected with or growing out of the ex-
listing disturbance in Europe.
tSigped) WOODROW WILSON"
In Charge of Disbursements.
War Department. Erpest p. Bicknell Of
the Red Cross and Paymaster David NJ.
Addison of the Navy will make the trip
on the cruiser Tennessee, and will have
charge of the distribution of the money.
1t has been arranged that the cruiser
shall start on its cruise across the At
lantic tomorrow night.
Vessels. either army transports or
chartered passenger steamers, are to be
Diplomatic and consular agents abroad
have been instructed to gather the
Americans at the principal seaports
ready to embark for home.
The appropriation of $2,JO3OO0 asked
at once from Congress Is to supplement
the amount appropriated yesterday to as
sure prompt execution of relief plans,
and made available today by the Presi
being thoroughly worked out this after
noon at a meeting between representa-
tives of the State. War, Navy and
Treasury departments.
Representing the State Department is
Counselor Lansing: the War Depart
ment is represented by Assistant Secre-
tary Breckenridge and Maj. Gen. Ale
shire. Assistant Secretary Roosevelt and
Capt. Mark Bristol are representing the
Navy and A. c. Miller OF the Federal
reserve board is representing the Treas
ury.
This conference was undertaken after
the individual Secretaries had considered
separately the various phases of the
question which properly would come
within their respective jurisdictions.
Subjects Under Discussion.
Among the subjects prominent in the
discussions were the selection of a war
ship to carry gold to the American refu-
gees. the manner of distribution Of this
u af 81 hlr nfol pr
commercial could be employed In bring
ing the Americans home and all of the
questions Of administration which these
big undertakings involve.
President Wilson today approved the
detailed plans which were drawn up
secretary Bryan, Secretary McAdoo,
Robert Lansing. solicitor of the State
department.. counsel for the American
Express Company and BENZ amin Strong,
a New York banker.
Congress will be asked to empower
Secretary McAdoo to appoint fiscal
agents in Europe to supervise the ex-
penditure Of the $2,6e0,e00 fund which
Will be asked for in addition to the
S25o,000 appropriated yesterday
4. c. Miller of the federal reserve
board will work out the details Of
the relief plan and to aid him trained
men from the War and Navy Depart
ments who are specialists in trans
their full cooperation.
Mr.. Miller will get in touch with
steamship companies to get their CO.
operation and find which vessels will be
available.
Instructions to Legations.
The State Department today cabled
diplomatic and consular officers abroad
TO assemble all Americans in the coun-
nd hau
embark for home. officials have been
told it Will be possible to get enough
steamers from the coastwise service and
plans are being laid for chartering the
necessary number.
Mr.. Miller conferred with Secretary
Garrison today over the use of army
transports. Mr.. Garrison explained there
We're twelve at Galveston, three govern
fnent owned and the others under char
ter. which could be sent to European
ports The vessels would afford accom-
modatiOns fol- thousands of refugees but
only few could be provided with cabin
passage. The twenty-one military at
tacheS at European embassies and lega-
tons would be put at work TO facilitate
transportation
Mr.. Garrison = tentative plan would be
TO have certain of these officials at open
ports or Liverpool, Marseille and Geneva
where they would relieve diplomatic Of
rcia,s of much of the executive work
involved IN getting Americans started
home. 1t has also been suggested that
the presence of these army officers In
the centers where the refugees gather
would have