The Washington herald., 1917-02-12
Wait for Developments.

Watchfully waiting for Germauy's
next move in her submarine cam
paign against the shipping of the
world, President Wilson and his sd-
visers last night settled down to scan
the dispatches from Europe.
News from the war zone, and news
Of the safe departure OF American
Ambassador Gerard on his home
ward journey were the prime eonsid-
erstions, and both came but slowly.
There was no Official confirmation OF
Germany's reported sensational peace
move yesterday, and influential Of
hcisls said that they expected none.
An oficisl report OF the sinking OF the
British vessel Manitoba in the submarine
zone, was the only Affirmative officisl
news received. Consul Frost, - Queens
town, reported that the Mantola was
sunk without warning. and that one
American citizen on board was saved
Officials stated that the incident Of it,
self would not constitute the required
overt act" which will force the Presi-
dent to ask Congress for authority to use
the military and naval forces TO protect
American citizens.
1t was significant, however. that on
cials said that this incident would be
considered in connection with other SINH
tar occurrences. which have been sccU-
mulating.
LuII in War Buss.
here was q lull in the rush Of war
tiI e activity in Washington yesterday.
TIE routine emergency preparations at
tie war and navy departments continued.
but there was no undue excitement ap-
parent. Secretaries Baker and Daniels
did not visit their ofices during the day
Counselor Polk. OF the State Depart
ment, went over the department dis
patches. but said that the Mantola report
from Consul Frost was the only matter
Of importance received. No word was
received at the department as to the de-
parture Of Ambassador Gerard and HIS
fellow-Americsns from Berlin Unoflcisl
sdvices that the party had left late last
night. and were expected to reach Zu-
rich, Switzerland, were accepted as sccu-
rate however. 1t was stated that the
department momentarily expected direct
word from the Ambassador
while ofhcisls declined to discuss the
reported German proposal 20 discuss
means OF preventing actual hostilities be
tween the two countries, II was apparent
that the report was not credited On
n
move had come through any ofacial chan
mel. and that none was expected.
Can't Recognize warfare.
1t was made clear that the Uptte6
States will stand upon its statement that
the United States cannot recognize IN.
ruthless German submarine warfare ana
that no outside issues can be discussed
tetween the two countries while that war
q
State Department said that the .ourc.
OF the report was utterly unknown and
that the circulation Of the report was 3
matter which the department viewed vfth
some apprehension. In some circle, tb.
report was described as German prom
gsnds-"
There was no official report yester6,y
on the sinking OF the ship Japanese
Frince' which, according TO unofficial re-
ports, carried twenty American muleteers
Counsellor Polk announced that Axbss-
sador Page, at London. had nottned the
department that he had been HANDED q
note by Arthur J. Bslfour, secretary Of
state for foreign affairs thankins the
United States for taking care of British
Interests in Germany up to the tim. of
the recall Of Ambassador Gerard. The
note, IL was stated, expresses high praise
for the manner in which the British m
terests were ssfeguarded- and compli-
ments the American diplomatic officials
on their efficiency.
Ready for Big Drive.
Administration leaders, made ready for
a preparedness drive on Congress durins
the coming week. when the naval and
army appropriation bills. the sdministrz-
ton emergency revenue bill and minor
Preparedness measures will be taken up.
Congressional leaders plan to rush con
sideration of all OF thees measures 10
meet any emergency which may develop.
The same speeding Up sentiment win pre-
vail at the War and Navy Departments.
where minor construction and repair mat
tiers have been entirely sidetrscked 20
concentrate the government energies on
direct and Immediate preparedness con-
stTuction
Meanwhile. peace propesancists through
ooxnsuEp oT PAos Two.