Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1917-02-08

voted to energetic preparations for
the war, regarded as virtually inevi-
table, and to guarding against any act
by the United States which might pref
ctpitate hostilities
The most important step taken dur
ing the day was the sending of tele-
grams BY Secretary Lansing formally
llntdy'aM 4 Eatf9can tsi1 .rrn-IS that
the state department could not ad-
wise them as TO whether their vessels
should sail on voyages throughout the
war zone, but at the same time stating
that the rights of American vessels
to traverse all parts OF the high seas
are the same as they were prior to
the issuance of the German declara-
ton and that a neutral vessel may
take any necessary measures to pre-
vent or resent attack If 1t believes 1t
is liable to be attacked unlawfully.
At Liberty to Arm.
This, in effect, informed American
owners that they are at liberty to arm
their ships If they desire and send
them to sea prepared to resist German
aggression. The text Of Mr. Lansing's
message was not made public here
for the reason, II was officially ex-
planned, that 1t was sent in response
to inquiries and the government de-
sired 20 avoid making a formal an
nouncement on the subject
Formal endorsement OF the break
ing off OF relations with Germany was
given by the senate after a five-hour
debate on Senator Stones resolution
expressing approval Of President Will
sons action. The resolution was
adopted by a vote OF 78 to 5, two
democrats and three republicans, who
made the fight against It, standing
alone in opposition when the roll was
called
May Isolate England.
with the California the Immediate
issue, officials were deeply impressed
by the complete thoroughness Of the
German underseas campaign and its
promise on the figures of the last two
days, of carrying out Germany'S
threat to isolate England completely.
Lloyd's reports received here show d
total of $1,000 tons for two days, or
destruction at the rate of $4,000 a
month
German naval experts have said 1t
would be necessary to cut off 1,000,-
600 month to completely isolate
England. If the present rate of $780,
600 destroyed Is maintained, 1t is sug-
gested that the balance will be more
than made up by the enormous
amount of neutral shipping held in
port by the various neutral govern
ments and private shippers.
Hereafter, the government will seek
to have kept secret the fact of de-
parture of vessels for the war zone, in
order not to invite unnecessary risks.
The treasury department has previ-
ously issued strict instructions against
the publication of manifests. and every
effort will he made from now on to
allow as little Information as possible
to find its way to German s,Ibma-
line commanders.
The statement to shippers was sent
today to all who had previously re-
quested ruling by the department,
and included both freight and pas
senger carrying vessels. Among
others. it went to the Standard Oil
company, whose officers had ordered
all their huge oil carrying fleet to
hold to port Whether the implied in
vitation given to shippers to arm if
they see fit will cause that policy to
be adopted is unknown, but the navy
department shows that guns are avail
able in practically all navy yards.
and that gunners could be quickly pro-
vided.
No Further Statement.
Passengers who intend to sail for
Europe are referred by the state de-
partment to the officials of the lines
on which they are to SAIL on the ba-
sis that such officials can, If they
wish. show them the opinion rendered
by the department as to their right
to sail and expIain To them auy meas
ures that may have been taken for
safety. It is understood from this
that the department will issue no fur
ther statement.
The Austrian situation seemed more