Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-02-10
WAR DECLARATION
As LAST RESORT.
PRESIDENT OUTLINES PLANS IN
CASE GERMANY FORCES
ACTION.
WILL Ask CONGRESS ONLY
FOR AUTHORITY TO PROTECT
Wilson Anxious to Avoid Conflict But
Will Insist on Rights Of Americans to
Travel High ssas--Important Meet
ing Of Cabinet Held and Situation
Discussed.

Washington, Feb 10. - The course
taken by the United States if Germany
compels the use of force to safeguard
American lives and rights has been de-
ternined.
4 1t was learned authoritatively after
Fridays cabinet meeting that in the
event President Wilson goes before
congress again, 1t will not be to ask
for a declaration Of war, but to follow
literally the words Of the address In
which he announced the break of Dip
; lomatic relations, and request author
fity to use means deemed necessary to
protect American seamen and people.
The president, it was stated, is anx-
ious to avoid war with Germany, but
also is as determined as ever that
American citizens and ships shall be
free to travel the high seas unmolested.
His next step, IL taken, will be to en-
force that right and even then the Is
sue Of war or peace will be with Ger
many. ANY hostile action will have to
come in the form Of an interference
with an American right.
Details Of the governments plans are
not discussed. It Is known, however,
that conveying and arming of mer-
chant ships are being considered,
The cabinet met Friday with
all members present except Secretary
McAdoo. Just before the meeting the
majority OF the members had attended
a session OF the council Tor national
defense, called at the war department
to discuss mobilization OF the nations
resources.
Cabinet Shows Preparation.
Practically every member took to the
cabinet information about the activi-
ties OF his department in connection
with the general precautions being
taken. Questions discussed included
proposed emergency legislation, steps
for protecting property. mail problems
precipitated by the failure Of ships to
sail from American ports for Europe,
economic issues, and the army and
navy preparations.
After the meeting it was authorita-
lively stated that nothing had yet hap
pened to change the course pursued by
the government.
The cumulative effect OF reports OF
Xe&S6l8 &uIlk ny ScIHldH SAVANNAH
collected by the state department, how
ever, has been to make officials certain
that Germany Is proceeding with her
proclaimed policy Of ruthlessness
Resent German Request.
I no eifssss II the tying Up Of ships In
American harbors Ii one Of the ques-
tons being given careful consideration
AS far as could be learned Friday there
have been no reports to the govern
ment Of serious consequences to indus
tries, but the enforced idleness Of the
merchant fleet is a subject OF growing
transportation.
Some resentment was expressed IN
administration quarters over what was
construed as an implication contained
in Germany's request to Ambassador
Gerard that old treaties between Ger
many and the United States be reaf-
sirmed, that such action was necessary
to make certain that the rights OF Ger
mans in this country guaranteed under
those treaties be made secure. It was
reiterated that the American govern
ment fully intends acting according to
the spirit Of the treaties.