Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-09
GERARD IS RELEASED
GOVERNMENT EXPECTS NO FUR
Their TROUBLE GETTING AM
3ASSADOR AND SUITE OUT OF
BERllN--MA LEAVE TOMOR-
HOW
By JOHN EDWIN NEVIN,
International News Service staff
Correspondent.

Washington, ID. c., Feb. 9,-Presi-
dent Wilson and his cabinet had
before them this afternoon all Of the
so far compiled by the
State Department dealing with the
new activities of the German subma.
rine campaign
They also had such information as
could be secured dealing with form
er Ambassador Gerard's present sta
tus. Because of these facts otflcial-
dom was watching the cabinet gather
ing with the greatest interest altho
those closest to the President said
that they did not expect any change
whatever in policy to be reached to-
day. This governments waiting atti-
tude would only be forced in the man.
nor already outlined by the President
it was said.
In connection with the status of
American sailors who may be endan-
gered thru their presence on Entente
vessels, officials have said that they
do not believe that their being endan-
gerod would prove an overt act.
1t was an abrldgment Of their rights
under international law, it was ex-
planned but would hardly warrant any
further action by this government
than already has been taken. Reali-
uation of this fact caused the general
belief here that it will require an at
tack upon an American vessel with.
cut warning to force the hands Of tft@-
United States.
This belief was based upon intim
tlons from administration source
rather than upon any concrete declar-
alton Of intention as under directions
from the President officials are refus-
ing to discuss possible courses of ac-
tlon
The administration still was hoping
for the best in the case of recalled
Ambassador Gerard It was pointed
out that the work of getting all Amer
lean consular representatives to neu.
tral territory was an exacting task
and Secretary Lansing personally
said that he would be "loath" to be-
lieYe that Nr Gerard was being held
in Berlin by the German government
without embarrassing intent Every
effort was being made to secure the
exact facts thru the Spanish Embassy
in Berlin and American diplomatic
representatives in Scandinavian coun-
tries
Emergency preparations should war
finally come, were being continued
The War Department was hurrying
on artillery and rapid fire gun con
tracts and the navy department was
expediting the work on all Shipping at
the various yards thruout the country.
Assistant Secretary Of the Navy
Franklin y. Roosevelt, was in New
York comforting with the heads of the
naval militia. Nothing possible was
being left undcne for the advance
ment of national preparedness, ofilc.
Ials said
/ Four to Remain Neutral.
| Amsterdam, Feb. 9--Dispatchs from
/ Berlin today reported elation in Of
/ fetal German circles over the failure
of neutrals to follow up the sugges-
tion Of President Wilson that they
break of diplomatic relations with
/ Germany
Of the four neutrals, in addition
to the United States that have formal
ly replied to Grmany's submarine
declaration all but Sweden, Spain Ar
gentina and Uruguay, have rejected
the American presidents suggestion,
II ia accepted as a certainty, the
Berlin adyices say, that Norway.
Denmark. Holland and Switzerland
will reatlirm their neutrality and re-
fuse to entertain the idea of break
with Germany
Withdraw Guards over Vessels
New York Feb. Guards over the
Self.lntcrned German ana Austrian
vessels were today withdrawn upon
i, the orders of Collector of the Port
Malone.
Crews Of the 81 Teutonic ships were
allowed to come ashore today for the
first time since diplomatic relations
between the United states and Ger.
r many we're broken An honor sys.
G tenn was put in force whereby cap
4 tains of the ships will be held respon'
IL. y