, 1916-02-12

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the draft of the Lusitania agreement Low un-
der consideration. 1t also became known that
Germany expresses the hope that it may
have the opportunity to cooperate with the
United States in some action looking toward
the freedom of the seas" before the end Of
the war. This statement is taken in high
diplomatic quarters to imply that the Berlin
Government sees no occasion TO wait the
cessation of hostilities before settling that
issue. Furthermore, the German Govern
ment refers to the British blockade of Ger
many as being inhumane, calls attention to
the fact that neutral vessels have been
affected by the efforts of the British
Government to starve Germany and
puts forth the contention that the Ger
man retaliation in the war zone around the
British Isles is justified by the ac-
tons of Great Britain. Claims that
the reprisals are legal are not mentioned.
AS has been previously stated, Germany says
in the communication that the killing CT citi-
zens of the.United States was without intent,
and that the method of conducting warfare
in the North Sea has been changed out Of
regard for the lot g standing friendship be-
tween the United States aud Germany and
because American lives were lost.
Paris, Feby. 7th-It was announced to-
night that the Premier, Nj. BRAND, will leave
for Rome on Wednesday. The precise
reason of his visit was not stated, but it is
believed to be connected with a plan of the
lenders of the Entente Powers to come
into closer unity regarding all important
questions of the war.
Amst erdam, Feby. 7th (via London)-
Prince Oscar of Prussia, fifth son of Emperor
William, has been slightly wounded in the
head aud on the upper part of the thigh by
shell s~plinters, according to q Berlin Official
report received here.
Washington, Feby. 7th-The House to-
day authorized the immediate use Of $500,
600 TO equip Mare Island Navy Yard to be-
gin building a dreadnought or battle cruiser,
the first to be constructed on the Pacific Coast
in u Government yard, and authorized the
expenditure of 100000 TO enlarge facilities
at the New York Yard. The Senate has not
yet acted.
London, Feby. 8th-The weekly "World"
saws that it hears that Field Marshal Lord
Kitchener is likely to take over the command
of he British forces in Egypt and that the Earl
of Derby, the Director Of Recruiting, will be
the new Secretary of State for War with u
seat in the Cabinet.
London, Feby. 8th-RumOurs that the
German Fleet is preparing for its long ok
pected dash into the North Sea reached here
to-day from Dutch sources and arouse high
hopes in London that a great naval battle is
imminent in the North Sea. Dispatches
from the Hague reported that German mar
ines along The Belgian const are being with
drawn and sent to KEEL, all leave of absence
of German naval officers has been cancelled,
the dispatches add. From Copenhagen came
reports of sudden activity at Kiel and of
rumours reaching Danish frontier towns TINT
the Gen mans were about to risk battle. Four
Zeppelins and a flock of German taubes have
reinforced the mir fotilla at the German naval
base. The supposition is that they are to
accompany the feet in lis sortie from behind
the protecting guns and mine fields of He'll
goland.
London, Feb. 8th-The "Daily News
correspondent at Rome says that Germany
is apparently determined to re5ort to repri-
sails as we'll as intimidation i'll order to pre-
vent Roumania's intervention on the side of
the Allies. She is adopting at Bucharest
methods identical to those she attempted
with Italy before the %latter's Intervention
Her main efforts are now directed toward
provoking a Ministerial Crisis since she re-
Allies that only a Cabinet composed Of avow-
ed pro, Germans could prevent Roumania's
stand with the Allies.
Washington, Feb. 8th.-The "Lusitanlh"
case was up for discussion at to days Cabi-