Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-12

WaSnlaSLOn, F 6O- H. ship owners who have been holding k their vessels in port because of inability to obtain guns for defense against submarines probably will have their difficulty solved in a few days. Strong intimations were given in official quarters tonight that. while the gov ernnment will not actually arm mer- chant craft or even formally advise arning, a way will be found to put weapons at the disposal Of owners who desire to prepare for defense against illegal attack
 Disquiet Over likeness Of Fleet.
 The enforced idleness of the Ameri- can merchant fleet is being viewed with growing disquiet and the general view here is thet not only the export trade but the nations stand before the world demands that American ves- sells continue to ply the high seas with- out regard to the German proclama- ton which the government has re- -pudiated with the most severe means in its power short of war.
 German Proposal Not to Be Considered.
 The German proposal, delivered to the state department yesterday that means be discussed of preventing the break in relations from resulting in war, apparently has struck no despon- sfve chord here No official would in dicate today whether a reply already had been given but there Nas no dis, pOSIIlOn 10 Oeuy that the proposal haQ been made or that the Americans re- garded 1t as an effort in part by Ger many to be forcing the issue. It was made clear everywhere in government cuss unless Germany desired to stop abridging American rights and illegally menacing American life.
 Kaiser Has Called Conference.
 In connection with the German sug- gestion, special interest attached to ca ble despatches announcing that Emper- or William had called a conference, presumably to discuss the submarine campaign and the position of neutrals. It was suggested that out of the con- ference might come something more tangible than the mere oral sugges- tion that Germany would like to dis cuss means of preventing the addition of another nation to her long list of enemies.
 What has been done so far is con strued only a1 attempt to place up- on the United States the appearance of belligerency. Believing the chief purpose is to bewi.deli public opinion heer and divide the country, the move is about as unwelcome here as if Mir Gerard in Berlin had gone behind the German government through the Span United States there, in an appeal to the German people. on a wholly incom- plete issue.
 Mere Acknowledgment Probable.
 Whether any sort of answer beyond 8 mere acknowledgment to the Swiss minister who presented the suggestion yesterday will be made is uncertain, as that matter rests entirely with Pres ident Wilson. Opinions differ, some be- neving it wiser to ignore the sugges- ton entirely It is possible that a summary of the present submarine campaign with list of the singings without warning and the loss of lives may be submitted as further showing l why the United States and other neu- trals believe Germany's course outside | the bounds of law. Destruction of Vessels Growing Smaller |
 The fact that only one vessel was 1 destroyed in the war zone today and | that the number has been growing smaller daily. has mo5ife6 the views of those who thought the new campaign might completely isolate England. Re- ports from British sources that less than ninety vessels out of HOO going | to anr from England f.ad been destroy ed since the canlr7seH started, are re- garded as sieni5ca1t to the success of the undersea warfa Tc to date.
 It is pointe;. c5it that the heaviest days when ma vessels had had no time to mnke EIart CT take precautions. |
 To Take Every Preoaution.
 In the mater of permitting the arm ing of American ships, the government l will tak@ every precaution. it is under SIOO0- rot 10 go IurInGT OI1C1alIy than ! it has T'resdy gone in telling ship own CTS thu the yare justified in arming l for seif-protection it they think it | fecessary. A strong opposition has d~seloped since the beginning of the | 7-1ament. As much as poskble it has | a-nament. As much as possible it has | h-en desired not to take any action --Flich might put the United States | '> the position of precipitating hostili< t-es.
 Guns For American Liners.
 Nevertheless, officials believe that so long as the government has repudiated | Germany,s war zone officially notified American ship owners of their right to arm for self protection, the owners ! should be put in a position to exercise that right The statement of P. A s. Franklin that he has vainly sought guns and gunners for the American E liners has put the question squarely | up to the government
 President Studies the Situation.
 President Wilson has made virtually no engagements for the coming week. but ia khaDinE his tirlA 3saA far Eorl<A As