The Oskaloosa herald., 1917-04-05
FLEET IS READY
To JOIN ALLIES
STEP TAKEN BY NAVY TO REACH
WORKING AGREEMENT.
CABINEET IS IN WAR SESSION
Extension Of Credits to Nations at
War With Germany Discussed.
Problems of Financing War
Also Topic.

IoetWeen the American navy and those
of the allied powers will be effected
immediately upon the Investment in
the president of necessary authority by
congress. An official announcement
at the navy department said steps had
Ibeen taken TO effect a working agree
ment and would be put into execution
as soon as possible.
The problem of financing the war
was discussed in 6edil ut the cabinet
meeting, and II is understood plans
were considered for raising large
loan by popular subscription. A bill
to authorize such loan may he
] framed by the administration and sub
! mitted to congress soon.
| The United States really is at war
with the German empire today, await
ing only the formal recognition Of con-
gresA
| Every agency was moving to guard
the nation against the government
which President Wilson In his address
to congress characterized as natural
foe 10 liberty.
nv NupihVL u wal NtNSIOH WIS
called to discuss the extension of cred
its to the nations already at war
against Germany; the raising of money
by taxation for use of the United
States in the war; the equipment of
the navy to the fullest state of eff
cheney to cope with the submarine men
ace, and the raising of great army on
the principle of universal liability TO
service--the first increment of which is
TO be 100000 men. y
The council of national defense and
It's advisory committee in joint ses-
zion continued the work of mobilization
of the national resources to bring the
government Of the German empire to
terms and end the war" as the presl-
dent expressed 1t.
The war department and the army
general staff was ready to present to
congress its plans for raising an army
just as soon as the legislative body
asks for it,
Three Chief Problems.
As the cabinet assembled members
said the three most pressing problems
facing the government were:
The raising of sufficient money tO1
finance the war operations of the Unit
ed States and extend credits to the en-
tente allies.
The raising of large army.
The provision of adequate means of
fighting German submarines.
In addition to these problems the
cabinet took up questions of industrial
preparedness already considered thor
oughly by the council of national de-
Tense.
The position of this government, as
authOritatively outlined, Is that the
best move toward peace which can be
made by the German government is |
the establishment of universal suffrage |
in the German empire and the creation |
of a ministry responsible to the people |
rather than to the emperor.
Governments officials here consider II |
inconceivable that the United States |
could enter into a peace conference
such as previously outlined by Ger !
many. unless there was some assur-
ance first that any agreements made |
would be adhered to.
MobiIizins Resources.
The council of national defense and |
its civilian advisory commission were |
in special session at the war depart |
ment again. at work on immediate mo-
Utilization of national resources and |
energies for war with Germany.
Daniel Willard, president of the
Baltimore K Ohio railroad, chairman
of the advisory commission, and How.
ard T.. Coffin of Detroit Commissioner
In charge of munitions preparations, !
have been suggested as cabinet posi- |
bilities.
Work Being Pushed.
Mr.. Willard already has arranged
for complete cooperation by steam
aud electric railways with military
plans and Mr.. Coffin has done an enor-
nous amount of work in the eXamlna.
ton and listing of munltion plants |
and other manufacturing concerns
that could be quickly converted for
shellmaking.
Another member of the commission
who has been very active is Bernard
Baroch, who arranged recently for the
purchase by the government, dealing
with the copper producers as unit, of |
an enormous amount of copper at
about one-half the market price. Mr..
Baruch is now working out similar
project with the steelmakers.
The government will take over COM
plete control of all wireless and radio
stations In the United States and ter
ritories without further explanation.
said Representative Alexander.