The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-03

sn nsS study with copy OF the Ger
man note. This apparently disposed
Of susscstions that some action might
be taken before morning.
The president saw no callers but
is understood to have used the tele-
phone freely. As far as could be
learned no plans have been laid for
him to 90 before congress, as he did
to announce the sending of the sus-
sex note threatening to break off
diplomatic relations.
Washington. Jan. 31.--Germany has
declared unrsstrlcted submarine war
fare. ~ 49,
A starvation blockade OF England,
the like Of which the world never has
seen. was announced today in notes
delivered TO American Ambassador
Gerard in Berlin and to the state do.
partmsnt here by Copnt Won Bern
storff.
Thus begins the long feared CAM
y paign conceived by Won Hindenburg,
" In said here. on n magnitude never
even contemplated by Won Tripitz.
Again the United States faces sever
ancs OF diplomatic relations with Cor
many with all It's eventual possibili-
tiss. President Wilson's repeated
warnings Of IA world. afire" and Sec
retary IAnsing's verge of war; state
ments are being recalled In the CAPT.
tai tonight with feeling of apprehen-
slon and misgiving.
"osrmany's action brings the sa-
preme crisis Of all those that have
stirred the American government in
two and half years of world war.
Talk Of peace and means of pre-
asrving peace has gone glimmering.
President Wilson. incrsdulous at
II - Vnen tAe ofsclal text of Ger
~ 49, G. snynp. Mn, q
n ~ \ ~ tho ollelal document
1loA had jusl been presented to sec-
Sstary Landing by tho German ambas-
mdor. Mr.. Lansing refused to make
. comment. President Wilson began
st once q careful study of tho docu-
ment.
The president has the task Of do
elding what shall be the course of tho
I United States. Three immediate steps
sppear among the possibilities.
The United States might solemnly
yarn Germany against violation of
her pledge; II might be decided that
me German warning is sufficient no.
ice Of an intention to disregard those
pledges and sufficient warrant for
breaking Off diplomatic relations; it
might be decided to await the results
CT the blockade and determine tho
course Of the United States as the ac-
tual operations develop.
On slmost every side Germany's
drastic action Is interpreted as an
open confession OF the effectiveness
Of the British food blockade. 1t /
REGARDED as a determination to strike
back In kind. German officials In
the United States estimate the foo
sspply of the British Isles will last
q month.
Admittedly the plan Is to carry
starvation to the doors of England
With swift. staggering strikes as
nlnllment Of Germany's announced
determination to use every weapon
and agency at her command to end
the war quickly. She counts on the
SEPARATIONS Of an unheard Of number
q submarines to deliver blows to
bring England to her knees within
% days. One German Official here
predicted today the war would be
over In amonth.
Conveyed TO the world as her an
swer to the refusal Of the entente
allies to talk peace. Germany's latest
warning says:
From February 1. 1917. within
barred zones around Great Britain
france. Italy and In the eastern Med
werranean. all sea traffic forthwith
viii be opposed"
IL virtually is a renewal and an
extension OF the celebrated subma-
rine blockade OF the British isles
proclaimed on February 4, 1915 and
which became effective February Is.
1915. Under II ships were sunk with
out warnins until Germany aban-
doned the practice and gave her as
surances. in the Sussex case. TO abide
by international law. The Lusitan a,
Falaba and scores of other ships
were sunk under the decree.
American citizens and American
ships are warned from entering The
war zones. although certain precau-