Clinch Valley news. [volume] (Jeffersonville, Va.) 18??-2019, 1917-02-16
Emphatic Request Will be Made
For Freedom of Sixty-Two
Americans off Prize Ship
Serious Trouble With
Turkey Now Exists.

Washington, Feb. 13.-An inquiry
concerning the retention by Germany
of the siXty-two American seamen
brought in by the prize ship Yarrow-
dale was dispatched to Berlin today
by the United States preliminary to
more strenuous action if the men are
not promptly released.
The cabinet discussed every phase
Of the international situation The
question of providing guns for Ameri-
can ship-owners desiring to arm their
vessels for defense was considered,
but it was stated officially afterwards
that no decision was reached. II is
understood that there was division
of opinion with most of the cabinet Of
ficers strongly favoring furnishing
the guns both on the ground that pre-
mitted American ships to remain idle
in port suggests acquiescence in Ger
many's course and becouse the conges-
tion Of ocean-bound freight in the
countys ports is assuming serious pro-
portions. Other members are said to
have contended that the policy would
be unwise The president will de =.
eide the question.
Last Day of Grace
News that an official statement had
been issued mt Berlin announcing that
yesterday was the last "day of grace"
allowed neutral shipping before the
unrestricted submarine warefare. went
into full effect: did not appreciably
increase tension here. There has been
full realization over the sinking of
the Ancor liner California that the
German campaign is being carried on
in defiance Of the United States and
That Providence only is to be thanked
that the overt act against American
life that will precipitate was has not
been committed.
There were strong indications dur
ing the day that the servance of re-
lations with Germany would be ex-
tended to the other Central powers.
Austria's adherence to Germany's po-
stion is regarded as practically GER
4ain to force a break with that coun-
try. Ambassador Elkus at CONSTANT
nople, was instructed today to ascer-
tain whether submarines operating un-
der the Turkish flag were under the
same instructions as those of Ger
many and Austria.
Serious difficulties with Turkey al
ready exist over interference with
Armenian and Syrian relief and the
detention of more than 1000 Ameri-
can refugees.
Officials Cut OF.
1t developed that no message has
been received at the state department
since the break with Germany from
either Ambassador Ellius at Constan-
tinople or from CONSUL General Muir
ply at Sofia, who cares for American
interests throughout Bulgaria. All
cables to and from both points must
go through Vienna, but officials have
no indication as to whether they are
held up there or by the local Bull
garian and Turkish authorities
Meanwhile, the naval collier Ceaser
loaded with food and clothing con.
tributed by Americans for the suffer.
ers in Syria and the cruiser Des
moies, loaded with medical supplies
are lying at anchor in Alexandria har
Dor, unable to continue their voage tt
Beruit because of the uncertainty al
to what greeting they would meet
They are long overdue t Beirut
where they were to take on board tn,
detained Americans.