South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-03-20
Definite Statement of United
States Stand in Dispute
With Germany is Ex-
peCted Soon.
DETAILS OF SINKING
OF SHIPS RECEIVED
Responsibility For Present
Situation Placed on Ger
many-NaVy Expects
to be Ready.
International News Service

International News Service.
WASHINGTON. March 2O.-The
president took up with the cabinet
this afternoon all OF the big ques-
tons growing out OF the latest Ger
man submarine outrages. IL was
stated on authority, just before the
cabinet assembled, that the president
still retained an open mind on the
question Of advancing the called
extra session OF congress scheduled
TO commerce on April 16.
He has not formulated any new
policy regarding Germany. it was
stated. and whether one is 10 be
framed viii depend entirely on the
complete reports already called for
dealing with the sinking Of the CITY
OF Memphis. the Illinois and the
NigiIancia; on the suggestions that
are made by the cabinet officers. ana
on other matters that are Sery close
ly affiliated with the national de
Tense.
The president. IL is stated. intends
that no matter what provocation is
given il. the United States shall act
with the utmost deliberation. The
policy Of armed neutrality, as out
lined by him 20 congress, will be
continued i'm every way. The navy
will continue its work of strength
ening the first line Of defense and
nothing will be left undone TO safe
guard American vessels everywhere
Plot Not Repudiated.
In connection with the making
public today Of the reply Of the
United states rejecting Gen. Carran-
za's suggestion that all neutrals re-
fuse supplies 20 all Of the belliger-
ents II they decline 10 submit the
war 10 mediation il was officially
stated at the state department that
ND 70 the present time there has
not been received here any repudia-
ton by Cen Carranza or any OF his
responsible officers, Of the German
proposed Mexican Japanese plot
against the United States.
Reports are current in official cir
cles that the president may. within
the next as hours. indicate his posi-
ton. These reports are conjecture
ONLY The cabinet officers who best
know the presidents mind say he is
deeply stirred by the present sit-
nation but that he still Is determined
that no charge Of "snap Judgment"
shall be made.
Responsibility A. an times has
been placed on Germany by The
president Today with unofficial ad-
vices before him telling Of the death
I'm the icv waters Off the English
coast Of Is rnembers-mostly Amer
lean citizens-of the crew ~ the
Nigilancia. fving the stars and
stripes and with her identification
marks I'm full view. he maintained
that attitude Of serious calm whlcr
has marked him since the break IN
diplomatic relations No one who
| is close 10 him but realizes that he
now believes that war has been
forced bv Germany. But until the
necessary preliminaries are COM
nlate ne viii content himself WIN
ureine the greatest haste on the
varioue factors 20 a successful ma
tionaI defense
War OF Dcfen-c.
Again and again officials TODAY
emphasized that when the war. con-
/ si0ered inevitable. comes. DC VIII pr
war Of defense % the honor OF
the United Statea The intoleraoie
situation is Of Germany's own max
inE.
No Official today professed 20
| know whether The president yef
made I'D his mind 90 advance the
extra session Of congress Tn this
! connection 10 g. known that while
there has been a popular demand
that this be done certain officials
who are deeply concerned in the
| defense ~ the nation have raised
their voices I'm the matter. They
saw it is certain there are German
feet submarines on this side az a
secret base These submarines are
( fn communication with spies with
out doubt Advancement OF the
/ extra session could be regarded as
tantamount 20 war declaration.
| these officials say. and Immediately
these submarines could pc depended
on to raid all American shippiog.
especially coastWise vessels.