The Madison journal. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1888-current, 1917-02-10

been handed his passports
---------------~-~---
returning from his night confer
cuce with the senators. determined
that a break in relations was the only
act consistent with the dignity and
the honor of the United States"
Gerard Ordered Home.
He worked most Of the night pre-
pairing his address 10 Congress.
At 1890 o'clock it became known
that Ambassador Gerard had been or
der"d home and that passports had
been sent 10 Count Won Bernsto~ff
Although there was no official confirm
alton OF the presidents decision until
/ h" formally announced it himself to
| Congress. the knowledge spread rap
| idly.
Count Won Bernstorff heard it unof-
ticially while talking with an Associat-
ed Press correspondent. While an
parently deeply moved, he was not
surprised
Neutral Diplomats Present.
In preparation for the histOry-mak-
ing event. the Senate and House had
assembled in the hall of the latter
body. Justices of the Supreme Court
had seats on the floor the cabinet sat
IN reserved space Ambassador
Jusserand of France occupied his re
served seat in the diplomatic gallery.
which was packed principally with
neutrals, who came TO hear words Of
lar-reaching Importance affecting their
own governments.
As usual. a committee of congress.
men met the president and escorted
him 10 the speakers dias. The whole !
body rose and cheered as the presi-
dent. acknowledging their greeting
without his usual smiles. but grim-fac. |
ed and solemn. took his place at the |
clerks desk and began reading the !
document which is being heard round |
the world.
Not sound came from the floor or
galleries, but the clear. calm tones
OF the president, reading slowly and
distinctly. The assemblage of sena-
tors, representatives and notables
about him listened with closest atten.
ton 10 words which may record one
Of the sOmber moments of American
history, if not, indeed. of the world.
Briefly he revied how last April the
United tSatos warned Germany. after
the destruction Of the Sussex. that I'M
less the imperial government decIar-
'd and effected an abandonment of
hat sort of submarine warfare. the I
United States would have no choice
)ut to sever diplomatic relations. !
Then he quoted from the German re {
by. which gave assurances that no {
hips would be sunk without warning 9
ma provision for safety of passengers t
nd crew L
Three Cheers of Approval. a
The president did not refer to the 5
ong list Of submarine operations h
which have been conducted in viola. il
ion of the Sussex pledge. but pro.
'eded at once to the new war zone G.
rider which became effective Feb G.
nary |. -
When he told how the German pro 4
left nothing for the honor d
nd dignity of the United States but II
break in relations. and that he had -
rd"rcd passports sent to Won Bern. -,
'orff and recall to Mr.. Gerard. the
'sombaCe broke into a cheer, in
hich Republicans and Democrats
IL" joined. More applause greeted "
Is declaration thar only an overt act
'uId convince him that Germany in. I'll
nded 10 violate American lives and 81
ghts. and there was prolonged an pr
ause and cheering when he conclud- ca
by announcing that should Ameri- IN
n ships and lives be sacrificed in
eedless contravention Of the inst 70
ID reasonable understanding of inter. r."
tional law and the obvious dictates Fl
humanity he would again apnear RI
fore Congress to ask authority N w
So any means that may be neces. fin
ry for the protection of our seamar We
d our people" an
Us he concluded there were cbeers An
approval from both sides of the otI
amber and the president returned Ia,
the White House to discuss meas. ca,
Is OF precaution with Secretary no,
niels OF the Navy and Secretary Itb,
ker OF the War D,nor+r,a,,