The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-02-08
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the present crisis, declare empheticai
w there might be no question o
doubt. no question whatever as to TINS
case being a clear cut violation o
American rights before actual warIars
VIII result
should the president adopt course
NJ war he must be able, they hoid
to determine the backing OF united
country. It Is pointed out here fna'
the danger Of loss Of American lie on
the high seas is daily diminishing.
As was anticipated, the presidents
action In breaking with Germany mas
accomplished the same result as an
open warning to American travellers
and American ship owners to re.nasn
IN port .,
Action OF American line owners IN
definitely postponing the sailing OF
their vessels indicates they take tnis
view.
with the seas cleared OF American
shfus and American travellers refusing
to take passage on belligerent vessels,
there was small likelihood OF an
American life being endangered, ii
was declared.
Should American ships decide to
arm defensively, as the government
has ruled, then more serious develop
ments may come very soon.
Questions involving the sailings ana
conveying of American ships are ad-
mittedly trying. 1t was signincantly
indicated by officials today that ow-
ing TO indications that Germany Wouio
very soon commit an overt act sucn
az would mean war, 1t might be best
10 conserve this country's navai re-
sources by keeping the navy intact.
Firm belief is held that the next
few days will determine whether or
not there is to be peace or war
In this connection some officials to-
day expressed belief that perhaps Ger
many would be careful not to commit
any overt act until Bernstorf and his
party have reached Germany and Ger
ard and his party are well on their
way to America
Germans to Leave TUESDAY.
WASHINGTON, Feb. S-When
Count Won Bernstorff puts to sea
next week aboard the Frele-ik VIII,
probably next Tuesday, banished by
this government, his wife, n Amerf-
can born woman, will be exiied with
him.
The Countess was Miss Jeanne
Luckemeyer Of New York, born OF
German parents. When she welded
the Teuton diplomat, she took the
citizenship OF her husband.
The embassy staff has about COM
rieted all arrangements Tor leaving.
probably some time Sunday. Whether
a special train will be chartered or
merely two special cars coupled on
a regular train had not been deter
mined today.
Goods at the embassy are all pack
ed, most of the papers and documents
which the Swiss minister will need,
as the representative Of Germany
here, has been transferred to the
Swiss legation and several dozen
photographs-necess adiuncts to
issuance Of passports-have been
taken. Each member Of the two hun.
bred or more Germans who sail on
the Frederfk VIII must have four
photographs taken, as In the case
with all applicants for passports. The
Frederik, by stopping at Halifax for
inspection, probably will not have to
stop after that before arriving at
her Scandinavian destination. Her
route as now planned. is The north
ern lane outside the north Of Scot
land Thus she will avoid PRACTICAL
ly all the British mine fields and the
German submarine zone.
Can All Be Settled.
WASHINGTON, Feb. s.-The state
department today declared that while
cgicial messages have brought infor-
nation telling of Ambassador Ger
rrds' virtual detention in Berlin, it
expects matters undoubtedly will be
adjusted at once. Information reach
Ing the department also told Of other
Americans being delayed.
Safe conduct from the entente al.
lies for Ambassador Bernstorff and
his staff is expected before night.
This, officials said, would end all de-
lay In Berlin.
Official messages showed that the
safe conduct for Bernstorff. plus ex-
element over placing Of guards on
German ships in American harbors,
constituted the basis for delaying
passports Of Gerard. his staff, news
papermen and other Americans.
The department has word from
Ambassador Willard today, explain
,
saying he had heard from Gerard In
Berne, Switzerland, was erroneous,
Willard saying today that his mess
age came from Berlin via Berne.
State department officials said cit
Is only a matter of a little time until
the whole situation will be straight
ened out"
About $50 Americans
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2S-There
are about $50 Americans. including
families, attached TO the American en-
bassy at Berlin and in the American
consular Offices IN Germany. At the
embassy itself there are ten regular
employees and their families. twenty
special assistants and a number of
clerks, totalling about eighty. 1t is
BELl:ANS
Absolutely Removes