The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-04-09

States undoubtedly is the prelude to g. declaration or a state of war. Sixty two days elapsed between the break in relations between the United States and Germany and the formal deciara- ton of q state of war. How many days will elapse before Germans chief ally enters Q state of war with Ger many's newest enemy will be decided entirely by circumstances. The dip Ionattc history of civilization and the
 precedents of centuries show that of war invariably follows a break in dip Iomattc relations between first class powers.
 Quite aside from this, however, Aus trfa. has subscribed, even if only aca- demically, to Gernany's campaign of ruthlessness, although she has not carried it out against American inter ests Besides that, it is felt that it would be impossible to have abroad in the United States on a friendly status the diplomatic and consular agents of Germany's ally.
 Anti-American propaganda conduct ed by Austrian agents under German direction has been no less. offensive and scarcely less effective than the German propaganda. itself. A clean break between the United States and Austria was some time recognized as the logical development.
 It is quite possible, however, that there may not be warlike operations between the forces of the two govern ments unless Germany carrying fur ther her domination of the Vienna government, should force it.
 Charge Grew in Vienna also will turn over to Spain, British and Jap anese interests which this country has looked after since the beginning of the war. Italian, French and Ru- manian interests in Austria Hungary previously looked after by the United States, were ordered turned over to the Swiss minister.
 American Ambassadors, ministers and consular officials in France. Great Britain, Russia, Serbia, Japan, Greece, Morocco and Egypt will stand ready to turn over Austrian interests which the United States has represented since the beginning of the war to whatever nation the Austrian foreign office shall indicate.
 The United States, by the breaking relations is released of the care of probably 100000 war prisoners In Russia alone 1t is estimated that 1,- 250,00O Austrian prisoners were un- der American protection, with a con- siderable number in France also. In Austria the United States had cared for all the Italian and Rumanian prisoners Other small groups are thought to bring the total we'll up to 2 100000.
 About 200 native American are thought to be now in Austria and with perhaps 1.S00 natur- alized ro-Americans, most of whom may prefer to stay in their country of birth.
 Austria has in this country about 50 consular officers in addition to her regular embassy staff, not including clerks, attaches and families. Safe conduct for all will be arranged at once.
 Officials here deeply regretting the necessity that has driven Austria to the step she has 'lken, nevertheless are gratifed at the way it has come about, and that the United States was not responsible for it.
 Officials here and in Vienna have been prepared ever since February for the present situation. At that time American officials in Austria were instructed by the state depart ment to be ready to leave at any mo- ment, and the same is thought true of Austrian officials here,
 It is understood that while many of the Austrians will return home, probably on a Dutch ship, some may be sent to points in South and Central America, One or two probably will