Arizona republican., 1916-02-24
ARMED SHIPS
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and that any outbreak would have to reckon with his forces.
 From apparent authentic sources came statements tonight that the pres ident was determined that the dispute pending with Germany be settled With out prolonged negotiations. He is known to believe however, that the brea! king off of diplomatic relations with Germany means war, and there will be no undue haste in handling the situation involving such a possibility.
 The administration view is that a broad and important principle is in voved in the right of Americans to travel on belligerent merchantmen and that this right must not be abandoned. Developments are expected momen tarily. Tomorrow may bring Germany's reply to the request Cf the United States made last week through Am bassa dor von Bernstortf for assurances that the notice to sink armed mer chantmen after February 29 does not nullify previous pledges given in the Arabic and Lusitania negotiations. Or | ficial adVices from Berlin have indi- cated that Germany will reply that previous assurances will not be affect | ed, but that they applied only to un- armed ships, and probably will ask the | American government for its defiri- tion of defensive armament which may be carried by merchantmen without sacrificing it's peaceful character.
 The state department ill take no ac- | tion pending the receipts of this re- sponse and officials also are awaiting with interest the arrival of certain ap- pendices to Germany's most recent | declaration, which are coming from Berlin by mail. only six days remain, however, before the new order to sub marine commanders goes into effect. There have been strong intimatiOns that before the end of that time the United States will inform Germany that merchant shirs carrying arms for defense only are considered in the | same class as unarmed vessels and that the right of American citizens to travel upon them cannot be ques- tioned
 The cabinet is expected to review the situation Friday, and if it has arrived, to consider the German reply. 1 Democratic leaders will endeavor to | prevent discussion of the question from l breaking out at the capital tomorrow
 Representative Foster of Illinois has prepared a resolution to authorize the president to issue proclamation against boarding armed vessels of bel ,x5 h. offer from the floor. A similar reso- lution presented by Representative McLemorc of Texas is before the for
 eign affairs committee.
 Senator Gore has announced his in
 tention of introducing a bi!f tomorrow which is far more drastic than sug-
 gestions made in the house and would
 prevent Americans from procuring
 passports without making oath that
 they would not travel on armed bellig-
 erent vessels.
 Republican Leader Mann and Major
 ity Leader Kitchin held an extended
 conference after the house adjourned
 tonight. but both insisted that they diC
 not discuss proposed legislation on the
 subject
 A tense feeling prevailed the capi
 tol IS members began to arrive dur
 ing the morning and on all side
 there were inquiries for a definition
 of the presidents exact position. Sool Representative Flood was being callet upon for an answer. Little group gathered in the house lobby talking learnestly, but apparently without an.