The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1917-02-08
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United States Rushless Piepltalra-
lions for War,
GUARDING ATLANTIC COAST
Hundreds Of Naval Craft Are on Duty
Several Miles Out to Guard Against
Any Surprise Attack-Eittle HOPE
Prevails Germany May Modify Its
Decree. ."' .r.r

Decree. "' -
Washington, Feb. 7.-Waiting for
the overt act and hoping that it will
not happen, but meanwhile rushing
every preparation for war, seems to
be- the attitude of the administration.
The opinion. was expressed here that
the present status of things will re
main unchanged until Ambassador
Bernstorff has arrived in Germany
with his staff and consuls and Ambas.
sador Gerard, staff and American con,
suls have arrived in the United States
and that the covert act'' will not take
place until then. .' - :. e:
It was made plain here that this
government will do nothing that will
invite an overt act, but if it occurs a
declaration of war will Immediately
follow. $500. .,.t+ ~.
Preparations of the most extraor-
binary character are being made by
the government. - ..
1t became known that steps had
been taken to take charge of the sup
ply of bituminous coal and these
preparations included taking charge
of the mines if necessary so that the
navy and the auxiliaries that will be
pressed into service will not lack fuel
Reports received here indicated
that the Atlantic coast of the United
States for several miles out is being
carefully watched by hundreds of
naval craft with strong glasses by day
and powerful searchlights at night to
guard against. a possible plan of Ger,
many to declare war suddenly when
submarines had reached certain places
and intended for a disastrous blow to
American Warships.
Every phase of the situation was
discussed by President Wilson and his
advisers at the cabinet meeting.
Still Hope for Modification.
The faint hope that Germany after
all might modify her new submarine
campaign so as to avoid making an
active enemy of America was touched
upon, as was the probable position of
other neutrals. -t4'''.
But most of the cabinets attention
was given to reports by each member
upon the energetic efforts of his de.
rartment of the government to pre-
pare for war, if it is to come. -,. -.
In some quarters here the inter
view given by Foreign Minister Zim-
norman in Berlin expressing friend
ly feeling toward the United States
was viewed as a favorable sign
Little weight was attached to it by
the cabinet, however, for the foreign
minister's remark that he hoped the
American government would under
stand Germany's reasons for inaugu-
rating unrestricted warfare on the sea
was construed as meaning that no
change of course was to be expected.
The position of the government was
said to be still one of waiting after
the cabinet meeting. 1t was stated
officially that there had been no de-
velopments to change that attitude.
1t also was explained authoritative
ly that the next step of the United
States, if one is necessary, will be
taken without addressing any inquiry
to Germany. II
If American lives or ships are il
legally destroyed by the Germans &C.
ton will follow as soon as the fact is
established to the presidents salts
faction.