The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1915-02-24

AWARE Of MENAC|NG DANGERS
AND HIS CABINET
DISCUSS GRAVE SITUA.
TION.
Dincrent Views Taken as to Tensity
oil Situation Growing out of German
Proclamation of War Zone and
Threats to Neutral Vessels.

Washington, Feb. 19.-President
Wilson and his cabinet discussed at
length today dangers to American
vessels and commerce growing out of
the declaration Of the German gov
ernment to wage a submarine and
mine warfare on enemy vessels and
disclaiming responsibility for what
may happen to neutral vessels ven-
turing into the new sea war zones.
Canvass of cabinet officers later dis
closed that the administration regard
ed the developments Of the last few
days of grace Importance. Cabinet
members declined to predict what
would be the course Of the United
States. Some pointed out that in
every serious situation in international
affairs much discretion was vested
in the president and that his action
necessarily would be guided by the
circumstances of each case, if there
were attacks on American vessels.
Officially the United States govern
ment had not received late tonight
the text of the German reply to the
American note and until it is in hand
no decision will be announced as to
the administrations policy.
In the informal discussion Of the
reply as published in the press, cab
met members indicated they were i'm
pressed by different aspects of the
case. Some held that while the sit
uation was serious, there was an in
dication in the German note Of will
ingness. to discuss the subject further
which might, perhaps, postpone the
active enforcement Of the proclama-
ton to permit an understanding to be
reached about the safety Of neutral
vessels.
The fact that Germany had ordered
her navy to use discretion and care
when approaching ships flying neutral
flags was viewed as indicating that the
'of-vigilanee probably would
be exercised by commanders OF sub
marines to distinguish between enemy
and neutral vessels.
On the other hand, however, the
notes declaration that Germany dis
claimed all responsibility for what
might happen to neutral ships either
by submbarine torpedoes or mines
produced apprehension among some
high officials that a critical point
might be precipitated in the rela-
tons between the United States and
Germany.
These officials adverted, incidental
ly, to the fact that there would be
less cause for anxiety if Germany had
negotiated, as did Great Britain.
France and Russia, treaties with the
United States agreeing to submit to a
commission of investigation any DIFF
Ierences that may arise between them.
is known to have endeavored to bring
about the negotiation Of such a treaty.
the outbreak OF the war diverted at
tcntion from it in Germany and the
state department. has been looking
forward to renewal of discussion of
the treaty at the earliest opportunity.
Opinions varied as to what steps
would be taken by the United States
when the text Of the German reply
is officially received.
Some OF the Scandinavian countries
III their representations to Germany,
it is understood, have used the phraso
accountability" in the sense of de-
mandlng compensation for losses sls-
iained. Hollands protest is believed
10 nave conveyed this meaning as
well as warning of possible action.
The fact that the United States did
not define it's future course is re-
Sarded in some official quarters as
making unnecessary any further ex-
plantation of the American attitude
unless another act occurs. AS for
the possible destruction of vessels bv
mines strewn indiscriminately, oT-
cials were inclined to admit the belD-
lessness Of neutral vessels venturing
in the war zone.
Eoth Secretaries Garrison and DAN
iols denied published REPORTS today
OF unusual activity by the army and
navy In connection with the present
situation.