The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-10
S. 5. California SUNK.
Vessel Torpedoed Off Coast of Ireland
Without Warning.
President Wilson-ASon is Taken as indication That
Germany Will Stop at Nothing Garry Out Its Aunoun-
ced Plans -. g.

VINO made the fight against it, stand
ing alone in opposition when the roll
was called.
With the California the Immediate
issue, officials were deeply impressed
by the complete thoroughness of the
German undersea campaign and it's
promise. on the figures of the Last,
1.-TWO days. of carrying out Germany's
threat to isolate England completely
Lloyd's reports received here show q
ftotal of $4,000 tons for two days, or
kdestruction at the rate of $4,000 a
tmonth.
German naval experts have said 1t
would be necessary to cut off 1,OOO,-
700 month completely to isolate
tiEngland. If the present rate Of $780,
E00O destroyed is maintained it is sug
i eested that the balance will he more
than made up by the enormous
/! amount Of neutral shipping held ir
! port,
Hereafter the government will seek
re. have kept secret the fact of de-
. pArture of vessels for the war zone.
/ 4he treasury department. has pre-
i x1Qusly issued strict instructions
4 fHeAinst publications of manifests and
4 every effort will be made from now
j o. to allow as little information as
i Ipq4sible to find it's way to German
4 50 mArine commanders.
ne statement to shippers was sent
" 70 all who had previously re-
TED 9 ruling by department anG
seth freight ana. passengss
fyinE Vessels. AiAong others ii
went to the Standard OH company,
i whose offices had ordered all their
huge oil carrying fleet to hold to port
4 whether the implied invitation given
shippers to arm if they see fit will
cause that policy to be adopted is un-
known but information at the navy
department. shows that guns are avail
able in practically all navy yards am,
that gunners could be quickly pro-
vided
Passengers who intended to sail TO
Europe are referred by the state de-
partment to officials of the lines on
which they are to sail on the basis
that such officials can, if they wish
show them the opinion rendered by
the department as to their right to
sail and explain to them any meas
ures that may be taken for their
safety 1t is understood from this
that the department will issue no fur
ther statement.
The Austrian situation seemed NOR,
hopeless today than at any time since
the German declaration Charc,
zwicaliney called at the department
but no details were given out either
| as to his visit or as to whether infor
| nation explanatory Of the Austrian
note has been received from Vienna
An interview cabled from there how
| ever, indicated Austria's total adhesion
| to the German policy and about dis
| pelied what little hope remained TO
modus vivendi that would prevent
severance and allow the Jrnited
States still to care for the great prise,
camps over which she has assumed
guardianship.
That most Of the neutral world vii
line up behind this country at least
to the extent of vigorously protestin.
against the German campaign became
evident today with reports that Spain
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Brazil
Bolivia and probably other Latin
American countries would publisi
their replies shortly.
While it is not believed that any of
these nations, particularly the Euro
peans contiguous to Germany, wi
formally sever relations as this coun-
try has done, their protest is valued
IS Il means Of moral condemnation.
After consultation with the presi-
dent. Secretary Baker issued a state
ment pointing out that German ships
1t Panama and the Philippine islands
had not been seized, as has been re.
ported. and that nothing would DC
zone by the American authorities
which might he considered as qucs
uoning their ownership. Because @
the disabling of some Of the ships
powever. precautionary measure.
have been adopted
SpOkeSmen Of the administrators
went to great pains to emphasize tina
the American government will follow
the letter of the law in dealing with