New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-10
Wilson and Cabinet
Consider Arming and
Conveying Ships
WILL NOT CALL FOR
WAR DECLARATION
Officials Now Convinced
Germany Will Not Re-
lent in U-BOat Drive

dSnlngLOn, fcD. S.-freSlQent
Wilson has determined on the
course to be taken by the United
States if Germany compels the
use of force to safeguard Amer
lean lives and rights. 1t was learned
authoritatively after to-day's Cabi-
net meeting that if the President
goes before Congress again it will
not be to ask for declaration of
war, but to follow literally the words
of the address in which he announced
the break of diplomatic relations,
and request authority to use any
means deemed necessary to protect
American seamen and people.
The President, it was stated, is as
anxious as ever to avoid war with
Germany, but also is as determined
as ever that American citizens and
ships shall be free to travel the high
seas unmolested.
His next step, if 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
terference with an American right.
May Arm and Convoy Ships
Details Of the governments plans
are not discussed. 1t is known, how
ever, that conveying and arming Of
merchant ships are being considered.
No new development came to-day
to indicate that the overt act by
Germany regarded as inevitable was
nearer at hand. Fewer reports Of
ships sunk came in, and none told
officially of the loss OF an American
life.
The Cabinet met to-day with all
members present except Secretary
McAdoo. Just before the meeting
the majority of the members had at
tended a session of the Council for
National Defence, called at the War
Department, TO discuss mobilization
of the nations resources as a result
of many offers from manufacturing
and other companies to place them
selves at the disposal of the govern
ment in the event of trouble.
Report on Defence Plans
Practically every member took to
the Cabinet information about the
activities of his department in con-
nection with the general precautions
being taken. Questions discussed
included proposed emergency legis-
lation, steps fo- protecting prop
erty, mail problems precipitated by
the failure of ships to sail from
American ports for Europe, eco
nomic issues and the army and navy
preparations.
After the meeting it was authori-
:atively stated that nothing had yet
happened to change the course pur-
sued by the government since the
freak in relations. The cumulative
effect of reports of vessels sunk by
German submarines, collected by the
State Department, however, has
been TO make officials certain that
Germany is indeed proceeding with
her proclaimed policy Of ruthless
ness.
Exasperated by Tie-up
The effect of the tying up OF ships
in American harbors because of fear
that they will be sunk if they pass
through the war zone is one Of the
questions being given careful con-
sideration. So far as could be
learned to-day there have been no
reports to the government Of serious
consequences TO industries, but such
reports are expected, and the en-
forced idleness of the merchant feet
is a subject of growing exaspera-
ton.
The Administration is understood
to be highly gratified by the action
taken by many of the neutrals in
protesting with varying degrees Of
firmness against Germany's new sub
marine policy.
While none has so far followed the
lead and suggestion Of the United
States by breaking off diplomatic re-
lations nevertheless, the expression
of sentiment was said to be the chief
object desired by President Wilson
in suggesting action TO them.
There were no sensations to dis
turb the capital to-day. Prepare
tions went on with quiet thorough