The Harrison times., 1917-02-10


been handed his passports.
returning from his night confer
ence with the senators, determined
that break in relations was the only
act consistent with the dignity and
the honor OF the United States"
Gerard Ordered Home.
He worked most of the night pre-
pairing his address to Congress
Al 1890 o'clock it became known
that Ambassador Gerard had been or
dered home and that passports had
been sent to Count Won Bernstorfr.
Although there was no official confirm
alton of the presidents decision until
he formally announced it himself to
Congress, the knowledge spread rap
idly.
Count Won Bernstorff heard it unof
ficially while talking with an Associat-
ed Press correspondent While ap-
parently deeply moved, he was not
surprised.
Neutral Diplomats Present.
In preparation for the history-mak-
ing event, the Senate and House had
assembled in the hall of the latter
body. Justices of the Supreme Court
had seats on the floor. the cabinet sat
in a reserved space. Ambassador
Jusserand of France occupied his re-
served seat in the diplomatic gallery,
which was packed principally with
neutrals, who came to hear words of
far-reaching importance affecting their
own governments.
AS usual, a committee Of congress
men met the president and escorted
him to the speakers dias. Ehe whole
body rose and cheered as the presi-
dent, acknowledging their greeting
without his usual smiles, but grim-fac-
ed and solemn, took his place at the
clerks desk and began reading the
document which is being heard round
the world.
Not a sound came from the floor or
galleries, but the clear, calm tones
OF the president, reading slowly and
distinctly. The assemblage Of sena-
tors, representatives and notables
about him listened with closest atten-
ton to words which may record one
of the somber moments Of American
history, If not, indeed, of the world.
Briefly he revied how last April the
United tSates warned Germany, after
the destruction OF the Sussex, that un-
less the imperial government declar-
ed and effected an abandonment Of
that sort of submarine warfare, the
United States would have no choice
but to sever diplomatic relations.
Then he quoted from the German re-
ply, which gave assurances that no
ships would be sunk without warning
and provision for safety Of passengers
and crew.
nTCe NnScTS OF HppIONdl'
The president did not refer to the
long list OF submarine operations
which have been conducted in viola.
ton OF the Sussex pledge, but pro
ceeded at once to the new war zone
order which became effective Feb
ruary l.
When he told how the German pro
camation left nothing for the honor
and dignity OF the United States but
a break In relations, and that he had
ordered passports sent to Won Bern
storff and recall to Mr., Gerard, the
assemblage broke into cheer in
which Republicans and Democrats
alike Joined. More applause greeted
his declaration that only an overt act
could convince him that Germany in
tended to violate American lives and
rights, and there was prolonged ap
plause and cheering when he conclud
ed by announcing that should Ameri
can ships and lives be sacrificed in
Needless contravention OF the just
and reasonable understanding Of inter
national law and the obvious dictates
Of humanity" he would again appear
before Congress TO ask authority tC
"usc any means that may be neces
sary for the protection Of our seamer
and our people"
AS he concluded there we're cheers
OF approval from both sides Of tn,
chamber and the president returned
to the White House to discuss meas
| ures of precautlon with Secretary
, Daniels OF the Navy and Secretar!
Baker Of the War Department.