The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-09
rights for at least nine months after
an outbreak OF war between the two
countries, read:
President Ren ssurr~ rN,s,esvuers

rights FOR at least nine months after
an outbreak Of war between the two
countries, read:
President Reassurcs F,oreixners.
'It having reported to him that
there is anxiety In some quarters on
Tie mart OF persons residing In this
country who are the subjects Of for
eign states lest their hank deposits or
other property should be seized IN
the event of war between the United
States and foreign nation, the presi-
dent authorized the slater. mt that al
such fears are enirely unfounded. The
government of the United States will
in no circumstances take advantage
OF a state Of war to take possession
of property to which international
understandings and recognized law OF
the land give it no just claim or title
II will scrupulously respect all private
rights alike OF its own citizens and the
subjects of foreign states"
VIII Get Statement to Germany.
1t was understood tonight that an
effort would he made to get this state
ment, and the dsclainNr of any in
| tention to seize the war-bcund Ger
man ships in American ports. issued
| yesterday by Secretary of War Baker
TO the German government. These
statements, II was said, would dem
enstrate the determination Of this gov
eminent TO go to any lengths to avoid
any action which could give offense
to Germany.
The state department today an
nounced the arrival OF assurances
from France. on behalf of all the
entente allies. Rliara nteeing the safe
conduct of Ambassador Won Bernstorff
tn han
The ambassador with his staff. and
the German consuls In the United
States, expect to leave next Tuesday
on the Scandinavian American liner
Frederick VIII. An effort will be
made to have Halifax. y. s., made the
port of search for the ship riti.er than
Kirkwan. England. Arrangements
were made today for the transfer of
all German diplomatic and consular
duties to the Swiss representatives in
this country. The state department
declared that every effort would ho
made to protect and facilitate the de-
parture OF the German representa-
tives
Money For Americans Relief
Another indication of the admin
istration's concern as to Americans in
Germany came in n demand by Score
tdty LSdIslHk LOT al AppTOpTlattOn Oh
$4,000 for the relief Of American
citizens abroad. The letter to con-
gress asking for the funds pointed
out that the money was needed i'm
mediateiy ''in view of the important
developments in the international re-
lations OF the United States within the
past few days. Since the beginning
OF the European war nearly $4,000, 00G
has been expended to aid Americans
in Europe, but the relief was dis
continued about year ago. The de-
mand for more funds was attributed
directly to the desire to aid Americans
In getting out OF Germany.
For the third time since the GER
man crisis became acute the presid en-,
cut all red tape and personally visit.
ed the state war and navy depart.
ments heads. After comforting with
Secretary Lansing he said:
i find this is the quickest way tt
do business"
Take No Part In Defending ships.
In line with the determined policy
to avoid all possible means of affron,
to Germany, the federal department,
today declined to make any plans fol
the physical protection Of American
vessels sailing for the submarine gone
Continued applications for conveys o,
naval vessels to protect passenges.
and freight vessels met with the re
Spouse accorded the American lin,
that the government cannot give ad
vice as to sailings and that American
vessels have the right to take an,
measures to prevent or resist unlaw
full attacks" These continued state
ments resulted in demands on tn,
I II n tyxy -tYv.A o.
| arming and manning American mer
chant ships. Secretary Daniels fiatl,
/ declined to discuss the question in an,
form. 1t was learned. however, tina
| the navy department will not for tn.
present either take charge Of or ait
in, the arming OF such ships.
Would he an Act Of War.
The administration realizes, It wa
stated. that the delay in American
sailings has practically the effect @
making good the German blockad
threat but 1t was stated that II woul,
be inadvisable to detach naval vessel
to form conveys. 1t was also state,
that such conveys would be tanta
| mount to an "act OF war" and tn
administration will not under any cir
cumstances take a step which woul,
| give Germany ground for offense.
| With all eyes on the war zone to
night. 1t was authoritatively state,
that the sinking OF the California ha,
not yet developed into an overt act
within the requirements laid down b
the president as to American live
and American ships" 1t was stated
! however, that Ambassador Page an
/ Consul Frost, at Queenstown, hav
been ordered to make complete re
! ports on the sinking The loss of al
/ American negro, fireman. Georg
| Washington, in the sinking of tn
| British ship Turino today was also or
| dered Investigated by Consul Frost
but the administration aid not expec
the Turino sinking to develop a seri
| Gus situation. II was pointed out tina
| ii was In line with the loss OF Richar,
/ Wallace. an American negro, on tn
/ Eavestone several days ago. 1t wa
apparent tonight that the administra
ton will not take a serious step unit
Il X In satisfied that the overt act" out
lined by the president has been de
liberately and fully committed
/ Spain Protests.
/ The administration tonight prac
tically abandoned hope Of securing
tho cooperation OF other neutral gov
/ ernments in breaking off relation
with Germany A copy Of the repi,
OF the Spanish government to tn,
German submarine warfare declara
ton was received at the state depart
ment. II was formal, dignified pro
tnet IN Tho oaur d0cla "a n