The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-20
in STATE OF war
Cabinet Discusses DefenS,
Problem This Afternoon.
Z. S. May Drift In Without
Formal Declaration.

Washington, March 20.-Certain
members of President Wilson's cabi-
net when they arrived at the White
House for the cabinet meeting this aft
ernoon, were outspoken in their view
that a state of war now exists with
Germany
While saying they believed declar-
alton of war unnecessary at this time,
they were firm in their stand for
preparation for hostilities.
They indicated that when the presi-
dent next addre SseS congress be would
say a state of war had existed with
Germany since last "Wednesday when
the American steamer Algonquin was
sunk.
The United States will gain an inn
mense advantage in coping with sub
marines if it can drift" into a state
of active warfare without formal dec
| 1aration of war, military men here
held today. They have so told White
Hbuse officials.
Under such u condition this coun-
try. they pointed out, could engage in
an industrial cooperation with the al
lies which, it is believed would soon
break the back of the Central Pow
ers. Munitions and gold could then
| be poured across the Atlantic be-
| tween the allies and United States
warships.
Would Keep Munitions at Home
| L,
declare formal war, public opinion
here would demand an Immediate ces-
sation of shipments of war materials
abroad until the country accumulated
sufficient supplies to care for itself.
! 1t would then be America first
with the public insistent that Ameri-
can resources be conserved, at least
until the country is on an adequate
war footing.
AS has been the case since all Off
cial Washington acknowledged that a
state of war practically exists between
the United States and Germany, there
is wide range of speculation on the
precise action President Wilson con-
templates. but there is no official
ground for any forecast.
1t was learned definitely today be-
fore the cabinet meeting that the
president, while considering deliber-
ately all phases of the situation, had
not finally made up his mind on any
forward step beyond the active prep
aration of the navy for any eventu-
ality.
For the present President Wilson is
taking the position that at all event:
the nation must be placed in better
state CT preparedness because he be-
lieves that from a practical standpoint
Germany is making war on this coun
try.
Will Address Congress on 1t.
While the situation now facing tn.
nation has been anticipated by thu
president ever since the submarine
question between the United State
and Germany became acute he is con
sidering it again now from all angle
because of the far reaching question
involved in active entrance of tn
United States into the war. The presi
dent is known to believe that the OBJ
jects he has in mind-the establish
ment of a league to preserve futur
peace-haS> been set far forward b.
the revolution in Russia. The muir
muring against autocracy in German
are also being considered.
No doubt now remains IN the mind
of most officials that unless there i
, some unlocked for change before con
gress meets the president will ope
the extra session with an address
making clear the new position int
which he feels the United States ha
been forced by Germany's ruthles
disregard of American rights Admin
t istration officials believe the natio
: is already virtually IN a state of wa
) with Germany and the only questio
: undecided is whether there shall b
5 any immediate announcement, of tina
5 status thru new call for congress
or Ofhorui4h