The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-02-20
WASHINGTON
OFFICIALS CALL
SITUATION GRAVE
Cabinet Discusses United States Inter
ests in the Issues in Which Germany
and Great Britain Are Involved.

ana GREAT Britain Are Involved.
Washington, d. C., Feb. 20.--President
Wilson and his cabinet discussed at
length yesterday the dangers to Amer
lean vessels and commerce growing out
of the reiterated determination Of the
German government 10 wage warfare
of submarines and mines on enemy ves-
sells, disclaiming all responsibility for
what might happen to neutral vessels
yenturing into the new sea zones of
war.
Canvass OF cabinet officers later dis
closed that the administration regarded
the developments of the last few days
as OF grave Importance. Members OF the
cabinet declined to predict what would
be the course Of the United States.
Some have pointed out that in every
serious situation that has arisen in inter
national affairs much discretion was
vested in the president and that his &C.
tion would necessarily be guided by the
circumstances Of each case if any al.
tacks on American vessels occurred.
In the informal discussion of the re-
ply as published in the press, members
Of the cabinet indicated that they were
impressed by different aspects OF the
case. Some took the view that while the
was serious there WAS an indi-
cation in the German note OF a willing
ness TO negotiate and discuss the subject
further, which might, perhaps, postpone
the active enforcement of the proclama.
tion sufficiently long TO permit an under
standing 90 BE- reached about the safe
ty Of neutral vessels and their identih.
cation on the high sea. The delay in
receiving the note from Ambassador Ger
ard was regarded as Of advantage in that
il had given opportunity for delibera-
ton here and in Berlin.
The fact that Germany had empha.
sized in the reply the orders 10 her navy
10 use discretion and care when approach I
ing ships flying neutral flags was viewed 1
as indicating that the maximum OF vigil 4
lance probably would be exercised hy the 4
Of submarines 20 distin- 4
yuish between enemy and neutral YES.
sells. On the other hand. however. the 4
claim Of the note in which Germany /
lisclaimed all responsibility for what 4
night happen 10 neutral ships either By 4
torpedoes or mines, pro-
mced a feeling Of apprehension among
.omc high officials that a critical point 1
might be precipitated In the relations be.
tween the United States and Germany.
These officials adveFted incidentally 10
De- fact that there would now b. less
nuse for anxiety if Germany had nero-
lated. a. did Great Rritain. France and
Russia. treaties with the United States
.greeine % submit 20 commission Of
investigation any difficulties that may
rise batween them. While the German
here is known 10 have en-
.eavored 10 bring about the negotiation
II such a treaty. the outbreak Of the
Far with it, increased burdens on the
ierman foreign Office diverted atten-
son from IL there and the state depart
aent has been looking forward 10 a
enswsi Of discussion 81 the treaty al
DO Earliest opportunity
Some Of the Scandinavian countries
b their Representations b. Germany. it /
. understood have used the phrase sac
1untability@ in the sense ct demanding .
1upensation for losses sustained. Hni- g
nos HAdHtNsN - NfEtENN4 10 nave con-
eyed this meaning ns ucIl e. warning =
possible aetiun. he fact that the
.uaed States did nat define its future .
Yurse. lsuf lfft i open - construction {
3 the recipient Of ths Communication.
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.akinn unnecessary nnv furthar erpian- 6
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