The Sentinel=record., 1917-03-23
RUTHLESS WARFARE WOULD HAVE ID BE ABANDONED
Many Former Sailors Send Word That They Win Pfesent Themselves for Service Should War Be Declared- Naval Yards Are to Be Worked Up to Their Full Capacity.

Washington March 22-W0rd that European neutral might offer media tion to prevent open war between the
 United States and Germany has come to the administration without causing surprise or in any way affecting the governments plan for meeting the situation forced by submarine ruth lessness. Such proposal is regarded here as nothing more than another scheme fostered by Germany with the hope of confusing the issue and possibly dividing sentiment in this country while the destruction of American lives and ships on the high seas continues.
 At the state department today of ficials would neither deny nor con firm that the government already had been approached on this subject, al- though it was admitted formally that some such move was not unexpected. 'lt was very emphaticaly stated that no suggestion of mediation or discus sion would be considered, unless 1t was accompanied by abandonment of illegal assaults upon American ship ping, a course to which there is no reason for believing the imperial gov ernment is giving thought.
 The feeling in all quarters here is that the United States has with in- finite patience and forbearance done everything possible with honor to avoid the virtual state of war now ex- isting. So long as German aggression continues, officials say, there Is noth- ing to be done but adopt measures of defense and no basis exists for dis cussion.
 During the ten days that must elapse before congress assemblies in response to his call, President Wilson will give close personal attention to the preparations going forward
 through the war and navy depart ments. He saw no callers today, but was in touch with both of the depart. ments He signed a formal proclama- tion suspendng the eight-hOur law as applied to plants engaged in naval work, step authorized by congress as a part of the general plans for speeding up construction.
 Secretary Baker as chairman of the Council of National Defense. today called the council and It's advisory committee of heads of great indus trial concerns to meet here Saturday to discuss how much more work IS necessary to put the country in q state of adequate preparedness for defense, The council already has accom- plished much toward mobilization of all the nations resources and these results will be surveyed at Saturdays meeting. Samuel Gompers, IS chair man of the COuDCils committee on labor. issued invitations to large number of workmen, employers and scientists to accept membership on
 the committee and attend it's first meeting on April 2.
 Additional efforts to stimulte re- cruiting for the navy were launched during the day. The response to the recruiting service during the last feE months has been the best on record, but Secretary Daniels is determined to fill up promptly to the full author
 ized strength of 74,5O0 men.
 Word was received that every ship building plant capable of building de stroyers would be represented at the department Saturday, when a great number of building orders will be placed. The department plans to build to the full capacity of the yards anu