The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-02-10
If Force Is Required 1t Will
Be Used ito Protect
American Rights"
PRESIDENT WILL NOT
ASK TO DECLARE WAR
Cabinet Discussion Reveals
Intention Of Executive to
Hold to Peace.

Washington. Feb. 9.--Thc course to
be taken by the United States, il Ger
many compcls the use of force to safe
guard American lives and rights, has
been determined. 1t was learned au-
thortatively after todays cabinet
Wilson goes before congress again, it
Will not be to ask for a declaration
OF war, but to follow literally the
words of the address in which he an
nounced the break OF diplomatic rela-
tions and request authority to use
means deemed necessary to protect
American seamen and people.
The president, it Is stated. is as
anxious rs ever to avoid war with
Germany, but also is as determined as
ever that American citizens and ships
shall be free to travel tho high seas
unmolcstcd. His next step, IL taken
Will be to enforce that right, and even
then the issue of war or peace will be
with Germany. Any hostile action will
have to come in the form of an in
terfercnce with an American right.
Details of the governments plans
are not discussed. 1t is known, how
ever, that conveying and arminr or
merchant ships arc being considered.
No New Developments.
No new developments came today to
indicate that the overt act by Ger
many. regarded as inevitable was
nearer at hand. Fewer reports of
ships sunk came in, and none told of
ficially of the loss of an American life.
Further information received about
George Washington, the negro fireman
lost on the Turino, indicated that he
probably was IL British subject
The cabinet met today with all
members present except Secretary
McAdoo. Practically every member
brought Information In regard to the
activities of his department in connec-
tion with the general precautions be-
Ing taken. Questions discussed In
ciudod proposed emergency legislation,
steps for protecting property, mail
problems precipitated by the failure of
ships to sail from American ports for
Europe, economic issues and the army
and navy preparations.
After the meeting it was authorita-
happened to change the course pur-
sued by the government since tho
break in relations with Germany.
The cumulative effect OF reports OF
vessels sunk make officials certain
Germany Is indeed proceeding with her
proclaimed policy of ruthcssncss.
Tho effect of the tying up of ships
in American harhors because of fear
that they will be sunk II they pass
through tho war zone is being careful
~ considered. AS far as could be
learned today there have been no re-
ports to the government of serious
consequences to industries, but such
reports are expected and the enforced
idlencss of the merchant fleet Is 4 sub
Ject OF growing exasperation.
Gerard Incident Resented,
Some resentment was expressed IN
administration quarters today over
what was construed as an implication
contained In Germany's request of Am
bassador Gerard that old treaties be-
tween Prussia and the United States
be featfirmcd that such action was
necessary to make certain the rights
or Germans in this country grnran-
tc"d under these treaties be made Sc
cure. 1t was reiterated that tho Ger
man government fully intends acting
according to the spirit OF the treaties.
Ihere were no sensations to dis
tnrb the capital today. Preparations
went on with quiet thoroughness for
all rVentualities. Within a short time,
perhaps IL few, days, officials fear that
ierinany will take the step which will
make these preparations essential.
ihe open issue as to t;ermany's
treatment of Ambassador Gerard,
which has caused much ill-fecliny
here, appears about to be cleared up.
While officials have had no word from
Mr.. Gerard since February :, when
he reported his departure was being
delayed, they accepted press dispatches
today as to arrangements for his leav-
| ing tomorrow and said that confirma-
| ton WIS expected.
The incident will be considered
! closed so far as this country is con-
| cerned. If press dispatches are borne
out and the ambassador is allowed to