The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1917-02-15
WILSON NOT TO ASK CONGRESS
FOR DECLARATION Of WAR
Former Ambassador Gerard Left Berlin 1Satur-
day on Special Train For Switzerland
PRESIDENT WILSON WAITS FOR OVERT ACTS
Making Country Ready for War-.-Rights Of U. s. Technically
Violated in Defiant Raid.

the British steamer Turino. Few de-
tails were given and the State Depart
ment had heard nothing officially.
The incident will be considered as
soon as reports are received.
Departments Visited.
To get in personal touch with all
steps taken to prepare the country for
whatever may come the President
made another quick round of the State,
War and Navy Departments, visiting
Secretaries Lansing, Baker and DAN
iels. 1t was stated that he would con-
tinue this practice almost every day to
save time.
Other Neutrals Protest
From several nations came informa-
ton that, while they would not break
diplomatic relations with Germany,
they had or would send protests which
would align them against the cam
paign Of ruthlessness. Again there
we're some suggestions Of a comblna-
ton Of neutral nations either to pre-
vent trouble between the United
States and Germany or to make clear
neutral rights, but no definite plans
were made public.
In taking stock Of a whole new world
situation precipitated by the German
announcement of February l, official
Washington looks upon the German
action as having forced the severance
Of relations and brought this country
to the verge Of war, as having left
1000, 900 prisoners for whom this coun-
try was caring In a serious situation;
and as having brought down or Ger
many the moral Indignation of practi-
cally all the rest Of the world.
Looking To England To Act.
Some officials also think that the
last three days have shown the posi-
bility that the German threat to iso-
late England may be made good. With
$1,000 tons Thursday and $4,000 tons
the two previous days the undersea
boats are reaping at the rate which
both German naval critics and the
British Manchester Guardian say
would render England helpless.
Immediate changes are looked for In
England, first as TO methods OF fight
ing the undersea boat and as to safe
guarding the country against starva-
ton. Whether better protection will
be had by heavier armament Of mer-
chant vessels, convoy provision Of sea
lanes or a supreme attempt to root
out the German fleet are subjects OF
interested speculation.
May Divert Ships.
Diversion Of all Scandinavian trade
from examination at. Falmouth or
other English ports to Halifax already
has been suggested in Scandinavian
circles as a possible method whereby
Danish Norwegian and Swedish ships
could again take to the high Gas with
out having to run through the German
zone. The United States is willing to
second these efforts just as far as pos
sible informally as 1t is to American
interest as well that trade between the
countries be kept open. Whether
England would consent to this diver,
sion is uncertain as it would be harder
to control shipping to Scandinavia
through Halifax than through a British
port.
Berlin.-The German Foreign ONCE
asked James w. Gerard the American
Ambassador to sign a proposal re-
affirming the treaties Of 1899 and 1928.
The Ambassador referred the Gov
eminent officials to Spanish and Swiss
Intermediates.
The treaties have reference to the
rights Of nationals residing al mer-
chants In either country to continue
their residence there for nine months
for the purpose of closing up their
business.
Mr.. Gerard explained to Count
Montgelas head Of the American Sec
ton Of the Foreign Office who pre-
scented the proposition to him that he
was no longer In a position to nego-
tiate any diplomatic instrument Spain
having taken over American interests
in Germany. He suggested that a way
for negotiations was through the
Swiss Legation, which is representing
z ltuz.A. - yIy.-ll-AN