The Tucumcari news and Tucumcari times. [volume] (Tucumcari, N.M.) 1907-1921, 1917-02-15
SAILORS ARE HELD BY
GERMANY. j. s. HAS
MADE DUE PROTEST

Washington. Feb. i3.-An inquiry
concerning the re-detention by Ger
many of the ~ American seamen brot
in by the prize ship Yarrowdale, was
dispatched to Berlin today by the
United States, preliminary to more
vigorous action if the men are not
promptly released.
The plight of these sailors occupied
much of the time at today's cabinet
meeting, given over to the crisis grow
ing out of Germany's submarine war
fare. 1t was agreed that their liber-
ty again should be demanded in most
emphatic fashion. Pending complete
reports as to the treatment of Ger
man crews on war-bound ships in the
Philippines, Hawaii and elsewhere,
however, the government will content
itself with the inquiry as to why the
Americans are held and under what
conditions.
The cabinet discussed every phase Of
the international situation. The ques-
ton of providing navy guns for the
American ship-owners desiring to arm
their vessels for defense was consd-
ered but it was stated officially after
wards that no decision was reached.
1t is understood that there was n di-
vision Of opinion with most of the cab
met officers strongly favoripg furnish
ing the guns both on the grounds that
permitting American ships to remain
idle in port suggests ecquiescence in
Germany's course, and because the
congestion Of ocean bound freight in
the country's ports is assuming SER
ious proportions. Two or three men,
bers are said TO have contended that
the policy would be unwise. The pres
ident will decide the question.
News that an official statement had
been issued by Berlin announcing that
yesterday was the last "day of grace"
allowed neutral shipping before the
unrestricted submarine warfare went
into full effect, die not appreciably in
crease tension here. There has been
full realization ever since the sinking
of the Anchor liner, California, that
the German campaign is being carried
on in defiance of the United States
and that providence only is to be thank
life which would precipitate war has
not been committed.
There were strong indications dur
ing the day that severance of relations
with Germany would be extended to
the other central powers. Austria's
adherence to Germany'S position is re-
garded as practically certain to force
a break with that country.
The naval appropriation bill aggre-
eating 1868. 100000, including admin
istration emergency amendments for
communicating of ships, yards and
munitions plants. if necessary. and ac-
QUESTION of basic patents of aircraft,
was passed today by the house. The
bill now goes to the senate.
Another communication has been
sent to Germany through the Swiss
minister here looking to the release
OF the American seamen taken TO Ger
many on the prize ship Yarrowdale
and now re-detained while Germany
seeks assurances of the status Of her
seamen in American ports. The ex-
act nature of the communication is
not disclosed but it is believed to he
demand for the release of the Ameri-
cans.
Some members of the families of
the officials attached to the Austrian
embassy have arranged TO leave the
United States with Count Won Bern
storf and his party. In some quar-
tiers these arrangements were regard
ed as significant in view Of the indef-
mite state Of relations with Austria
Hungary,