The Mankato free press., 1917-03-23
UNITED STATES is
NOW CLEARING


(Continued From Page One.)
emergency of war against Germany.
| 1t is understood that mobilization of
the naval militia will be undertaken
in the near future The government
| is particularly anxious about the
proper defense of the American
coasts.
Universal Military Training.
GUnited Press Dispatch.l
Washington, March 21.- Senator
Chamberlain, chairman of the mill
tary affairs committee of the senate,
was to hold a conference this after
noon with President Wilson in re-
gard to the subject of universal mill
tary training. Another subject to be
taken up by them was the increase
of the ordnance supplies so as to
equip the vast army which such uni
versal training would produce. 1t is
understood that strong pressure has
been brought on President Wilson to
take measures for the adequate coast
defense
What May Be Done.
Congress is expected to pass a reso-
ution that state of war has existed
for some time. Such resolution in it
self will not be a declaration of war
in technical sense, although it prac-
tically amounts to the same thing. AS
consequence the United States will
take further steps to protect her in
terests on the high seas and elsewhere
against warlike German acts. Wheth-
er an actual state of war will come in
full sense will depend on further
acts of the imperial German govern
ment, since last Sunday when three
American ships were sunk off the
British Isles with loss of American
lives, bringing the total number OF
Americans lost through German sub
marine operations to over 200. The
president and all his advisers have
recognized that state of war existed.
From all parts of the country have
come calls for the immediate sum-
moning of congress in extra session.
Making Needed Preparations.
All the resources of the nation, in
dustrial as well as military, are
speedily being mobilized to place the
| nation in the fullest state of readiness
| for any eventuality, for the present
responsibility rests with the navy
| which is arming American ships, plac-
| ing rush orders for submarine chas-
ers and naval construction. Although
plans for the army are not so fully
matured the army war college has
| worked out tentative plans for mar
shaling the full strength of the regular
army and national guard, also raising
| a volunteer army of 100000 men.
With the knowledge that the Unit
ed States practically is certain to de-
clare that state of war is existing.
many officials believe Germany may
| begin warlike operations against the
| United States in fuller sense. Pre-
cedents of history show that great
majority of the worlds conflicts have
begun before formal declaration of
war was made.
Outline of Governments Course.
TUnited Press Dispatch.1
Washington, March 21.-One of the
members of the cabinet of President
Wilson today outlined what he thought
was the governments probable course
of action in the event of war. The
United States would align itself with
| the entente allies. The French and
British fleets that are now on duty
in the western Atlantic waters would
be released for service elsewhere.
The service performed by these fleets
would be taken care of by American
war vessels He did not think the
United States would send any armed
men for duty on the European conti-
nent. The allies already had an am
pie force of men there now. The
American ports would be thrown open
for use by the allies for all purposes.
There would be an extension of un-
limited credit to the allies, so That
they might draw military and other
supplies from this country to the full
est extent needed.
While it is unknown how much
money President Wilson may suggest
to congress necessary to meet the
situation, senate leaders held the view
that $5OO,O00,0O0 would Immediately
be necessary if war is declared.
Calls for party leaders in congress
to hurry back to Washington went out
4 Immediately. Plans for party caucuses
will be readjhsted Immediately.