Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-06

While waiting for development or the
ruthless submarine campaign that may
bring war between the United States
and Germany immediate interest mere
centered today upon the destruction OF
the British steamer Eavestone' IN
which an American seaman lost his ii1e.
Apparently officials are confident tnat
this incident will not prove to be !he
overt act that will cause hostliitles.
but nevertheless complete reports are
awaited with grave anxiety.
Earlier in the war the state DepaI.
ment received several similar reports
of the shelling of vessels by submarines
and the injury of passengers or crew IN
lifeboats, but investigation in each N :
stance led to the conclusion that the
vessels were resisting or trying to es-
cane IF this is found to be the case
with the Eavestone the act Will not De
regarded as illegal.
May Be Classed as Warship.
Consul Frost's dispatch to the State
Department today. describing the
Eavestone as provisional collier
leads to the possibility that the
destroyed vessel might be classed as
warship. If at the time of the sinking
the Eavestone was in admiralty serv-
ice. no possibility of trouble with Ger
many on that score opens up.
Ambassador Page has been Instructed
to send on further details
In any case officials say it is doubtful
if anv inquiry will be addressed to Ber-
lin.
Meanwhile a conference of neutral
nations is being discussed on sugges-
ton of one of the European neutrals
most severely affected by the war. ar."
although it is believed the idea has
been favorably received by President
Wilson. there is no definite indication
that the plan will mature.
He had no engagements during the
morning today. but remained in his
study working on questions connected
with the international situation HIS
usual Tuesday conference with news
paper correspondents was Cancelled be-
cause of the press of public business
Relations With Austria Uncertain.
Relations with Austria are not on
sound foundation, owing to the known
adherence of the dual monarchy to
Germanys submarine war program,
but certain differences in her announc-
ed intentions make = uncertain just
what the United States government
may decide to do.
The Senate this afternoon was ready
TO adopt resolution indorsing the
Presidents action in breaking rela-
tions with Germany, and the House is
expected TO place itself on record IN
similar way.
The War and Navy departments con-
tinued to formulate plans for mobiliza-
ton of industrial and commercial
forces. as well as military, so that
these might be placed in operation
under government direction on snort
orders. - ~.
manufacturing companies which have
offered their services IN case or wal.
Anpropriation measures and blllS 10
action by the army and navy agencies
wore given close attention in both
houses of Congress
Envoy and Consuls Sail Tuesday.
count Won Bernstorff, his staff. and
all German consuls in this country.
composing a party of more than 200,
will sail next Tuesday from New York
n, the Scandinavian liner Frederick
VIII for Christiana. and the State De-
nartment feels assured of guarantees
of safe conduct for them from the
allies. -
President Wilson's proclamation for
bidding transfer of American ships to
foreign registry, itHouSi
ed by the shipping board before the
present international crisis developed
is expected to have highly important
arect in the retention of tonnage
which would be needed in case of war
Indications in official circles are that
the government will not undertake to |
convoy merchantmen through the pro
scribed war zone or to arm them for
defense. although no extensive con-
sideration of these subjects is believed
10 have been undertaken by govern
oort AGENCIES A statement on the |
shipping problem was being prepared
today.