Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-02-06

slraDle than ever that Spain should
remain outside the struggle.
King Alfonso has been officially
stated on several occasions to be
waiting for an opportunity that may
present itself to further moves toward
peace and now that the usefulness of
the United States has been impaired,
stands as the most likely mediator.
Await Eaycstone Reports
With prospects for another day of
waiting for development of the ruth
less submarine campaign that may
bring war between the United States
and Germany, immediate interest here
centered to-day upon the destruction
OF the British steamer Eavestone, in
which an American seaman lost his
lie. Apparently officials are con-
tident that this incident will not prove
TO be the overt act that will cause
hostilities, but nevertheless complete
reports are y awaited with grave
anxiety.
Earlier in the war the State De-
partment received several similar re-
ports OF the shelling of vessels by sub
marines and the injury of passengers
or crew in life boats but investigation
in each instance lead to the conclusion
that vessels were resisting or trying
to escape. If this is found to be the
case with the Eavestone, the act will
not be regarded as illegal.
Meanwhile, conference of neutral
nations is being discussed, on sugges-
tion of one of the European neutrals
most severely affected by the war, and
although it is believed the idea has
been fdvorably received by President
Wilson there is no definite indication
that the plan will mature.
Relations with Austria are not on
a sound foundation, owing to the
known adherence of the dual mon
archy to Germanys submarine war
program, but certain differences in
her announced intentions make it un-
certain just what the United States
government may decide TO do.
The Senate to-day was ready to
adopt resolution endorsing the
Presidents action in breaking rela-
tlons with Germany, ana the House is
expected to place itself on record IN
similar war.
Mobilizing All Forces
The War and Navy Departments
continued to formulate plans for
mobilization of industrial and COM
mercial forces, as well as military. so
that these might be placed in opera
ton under government direction of
short orders. The Navy Department
issued list of manufacturing COM
panles which have offered their sery-
ices in case of war. APPROPRIATION
measures and bills to clear a legal
path for freer and speedier action by
army and navy agencies were given
close attention in both houses of Con-
gress.
Count Won Bernstorff, his staff and
all German consuls in this country.
composing a party of more than 200
will sail next Tuesday from New York
on the Scandinavian liner Frederick
VIII for Christiana, and the State
Department feels assured of guaran-
tees of safe conduct for them from
the allies.
President Wilson's proclamation
forbidding transfer of American ships
to foreign registry although recom-
mended by the shipping board before
the present international crisis de-
veloped, is expected to have a highly
important effect in the retention OF
tonnage which would be needed i'm
case of war.
Indications in official circles are
that the government will not under
take to convoy merchantmen through
the prescribed war zone or to arm
them for defense, although no inten-
sive consideration of these subjects is
believed to have been undertaken by
government agencies. A statement on
the shipping problem was being pre-
pared to-day.
WHEAT DROPS FOUR CENTS
Chicago. Ill. Feb G-NVbaat -,