Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1916-04-19
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH GERMANY MAY
BE SEVERED UNLESS U-BOAT ATTACKS CEASE

kind to take this stand now with the
utmost solemnity and firmness.
/ have taken it, and taken it in the
confidence that 1t will meet with your
approval and support. All sober
minded men must unite in hoping that
the imperial German Government,
which has in other circumstances
stood as the champion of all that we
are now contending for in, the interest
OF humanity, may recognize the JUS
tice of our demands and meet them in
the spirit in which they are made.
Women :n Galleries
Representatives OF the allied coun-
tries filled the diplomatic galleries of
the House. Women ruled in the pub
lie galleries, less than twenty men find
ing places in the six hundred seats.
Mrs. Wilson was in the executive par
ty. -g
AS the President entered the cham
Der just before / o'clock an outburst of
applause gave way to loud cheering.
During this demonstration the Presi-
dent shook hands with the Speaker
and the Vice-President and then
bowed to the assemblage.
Speaks Slow and Distinct
The President began his address
speaking slowly and distinctly. His
voice was heard throughout the cham
Der.
AS the President began the review
of the German submarine campaign
there was no demonstration to pune
tuate his recitation of the sacrifice of
American lives Every head bowed
forward as the President indicated
that he was approaching the keynote
of his message.
Tense Silence
When he pronounced the words of
the ultimatum declaring that unless
Germany should Immediately declare
and effect an abandonment of indiS-
criminate submarine warfare this gov
ernment would have no choice but to
sever diplomatic relations. there was
no demonstration, only tense silence
and reflection of the gravity of his
words.
When he concluded with expression
OF hope that Germany would so act
TO avert a regrettable break with Am
erica, the assembly broke into cheers.
Text of Note, Tomorrow
1t was LA o'clock when the Presi-
dent concluded. He had spoken fif-
teen minutes. Applause started from
the Democratic side. and the Repub-
lican members Joined. Democrats rose
to their feet and soon the entire as
semblage was standing. The applause
lasted perhaps a minute and, after the
President passed out of the chamber,
died away.
The text of the note to Germany will
be given out by the State Departm
probably for publication tomorrow
morning.
War May Follow
The President consults Congress at
this stage, it was pointed out, because,
while he has the authority to break off
diplomatic relations, Congress alone
has power to declare war, and there is
only one instance in modern history
where a break in diplomatic relations
between two first-class powers has not
been followed by war. 1t is the situ-
alton between Germany and Italy.
First-class powers have suspended
relations with lesser States and lesser
States have broken between themselves
without hostilities but all diplomatic
two first-class powers reach that point.
Ambassador Surprised
Exactly what the procedure will be
after the Presidents address to Con-
gress was to-day still obscured by as
much secrecy as it was last night.
There is only one instance in mod
ern diplomatic history where the Sc
verance of diplomatic relations has
not ultimately led to war, and the
gravity of the situation was plainly
evident in all quarters.
Count Won Bernstorff, the German
ambassador apparently was taken
completely by surprise over the sudden
turn in events as were members of
Congress and official Washington gen.
orally. Nevertheless, the ambassa-
dor refused to abandon hope that the
situation would be solved amicably.