The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-02-16
40 DENAND RELEASE
OF UNAVOIDABLE MEN
Vigorous Action ny America Certain
IL Germany Still Detalns Salors.--
,abinet Discusses Entire Situation.

Washington, Feb. 13.-An inquiry
concerning the detention by Germany
OF the American seamen brought in by
the prize ship Yarrowdale was dis
patched to Berlin today by the United
States preliminary to more vigorous
action il the men are not promptly
released.
The plight of these sailors occupied
much of the time at todays cab1neT
meeting, given over to the crlsls'
growing out of Germanys submarine
warfare. 1t was agreed that their IL
berty again should be demanded in
most emphatic fashion. Pending
complete reports as the treatment OF
German crews on war, bound ships in
the PHILIPPINES, Hawaii and elsewhere,
however, the government will content
itself with the inquiry as to why the
americans are held and under what
conditions.
The cabinet discussed every phase
of the international situation. The
question of providing navy guns for
American ship owners desiring to arm
their vessels for defense was consid-
cred but it was stated officially after
ward that no decision was reached.
Divided On Question.
It is understood there was division
Of opinion. with most Of the cabinet
officers strongly favoring furnishing
the guns, both on the ground that
permitting American ships to remain
idle in port suggests acquescence III
! Germanys course and because the
congestion of ocean bound freight IL
the country's ports is assuming serl-
Gus proportions. Two or three mem
bers are said to have contended thar
the policy would be unwise. The
president will decide the question.
News that an official statement has
been issued at Berlin announcing the
"last day of grace allowed neutral
shipping before unrestricted subma
rine warfare vent into full effect, did
not appreciably increase tension here.
There has been full realization ever
since the sinking of the Anchor liner
! California that the German campaign
is being carried on in defiance OF the
United States and that coincidence
only is to be thanked that the overt
! act against American life that will
precipitate war has not been commit
ted.
| There were strong indications dur
ing the day that the severance OF rela-
tions with Germany would be extend
ed to the other central powers. Aus
! trias adherence to Germany's posi-,
tion is regarded as practically certain
to force a break with that country
Ambassador Elkus at ConstantinopIe
was instructed today to ascertain
whether submarines operating under
the Turkish flag were under the same
instructions as those of Germany anc
Austria.
Trouble With Turkey Now.
Serious difficulties with Turkey al
ready exist over interference wi,.
Armenian and Syrian relief and ths
detention of more than 1000 Ameri
can refugees.
1t develops that no message ha:
been received at the state department
since the break with Germany from
either Ambassador Elkus in Constal
tinople or from Council General Muir
ply in Sofia, who cares for American
interests throughout Bulgaria. Al
cables to and from both points mus
go through Vienna, but officials hav'
no indication as to whether they ar
held up there or by the local bulga
:, rian and Turkish authorities.
Meanwhile the naval collier Caesar
: loaded with food and clothing con
tributed by Americans for the sui
ferers in Syria, and the cruiser De
Mones, loaded with medical supple
: are lying at anchor in Alexander;
harbor unable to continue their voy
age to Beirut because OF the uncer
: tainty as to what greeting they woul
: meet. They are long overdue at Bel
rut, where they were not only to u1i
load their Supplies for the destitut
Syrians but also to take on board tn
detained Americans.
No Chance Now.
Heretofore appeals to German
: have been efficacious in instance
. where it was desired to bring pres
2 sure on Turkey, but its employmen
= now would be embarrassing if not on
of the question.
1t WIS explained after the caDlne
: meeting that full reports on the treat
ment of German sailors on war boun
S ships was awaited SO as to make eel
i tain that no subordinate official ha