The Sentinel=record., 1917-02-07

" uSNlNGlQui rep. p.-~L Every pidSS of the situation which at any hour may bring the United States to war with Germany was discussed by Pres ident Wilson and his advisers at to- days cabinet meeting. The faiu hope that Germany after all might modify her new submarine campaign so as to avcid making an active enemy Of America was touched upon, as was the probable position of other neu- traLs. But most of the cabinets atteu tion was given to reports by each member upon the energetic efforts of his department to prepare for War if t is to come.
 In some quarters here the interview given by Foreign Minister Zimmer min in Berlin expressing friendly fec ing toward the United States was viewed as a favorable sign. LitUe weight was attached to it by the c3biaet, however, for the foreign min .isters remark that he hoped the American government would under stand Germanys reasons for inaugur- atng unrestricted warfare on the sea was construed as meaning that o change of course was to be expected.
 Preliminary reports Of the sinking of the British steamer Eavestone and the killing of all American negro seq man are not regarded as establishing such case as would be the signal for hostilittes. A brief dispatch from Consul Frost at Queenstown today an- nounced the destruction of the ship aud the killing of the American sailor by sheels striking d boat which had just left the vessel
 A complete report will be awaited, but officials believe that circum- stances surrounding this incident in dicate au act on the part of the Fave stone to resist capture.
 There is also involved the Ques ton of whether the snip was in the ser vice of the British government. The con. ,l's dis. atch referred to her as ''a provisional collier" but as the term cl(ter is used abroad in shipping O. coal carrying craft generally not much sjtuficance is attached to the consurs description Moreover, t is suggested that the message mlghs have been sarLjed by sheletoniztng for the cable
 The position Of the government was said to be still enc of awaiting after the cabinet meeting. l. was stated of. ficially that there had been no de yelopments to change that attitude. l. also was explained authositatively that the next step of the United States if ole -s necessary, will Do taken without addressing any inquiry to Germany. If American lives on ships are Illegally destroyed by tdle Germans, action will follow as soon as the fact is established to the pres idents satisfaction.
 Secretary Houston told the cabinet today that data in the hands of the department of agriculture shows that N'l' V Hlliu 9ldlEG N1H Dt AEAl SltS- tainiag whatever may happen to cut her eft rom the rest of the world. There is no danger, he said, of the country being placed in the position Of most Of the Euro. can belligerents so tas as the food supply is concerned.
 Attorney Geenrai Gregory reported on bills which will soon be pressed in congress strengthening the hands of the government in many directions.
 Secretaries Daniels and Baker went over the plans previously taken ap in detail with the president him self for strengthening the army and navy. Secretary Daniels said that as soon as congress gives the necessary authcrty work on ships under con. struction would be rushed Mir. Bak. CT declared there were no changes in the plans for returning national guard units now along the Mexican bora.v
 President Wilson deyotr 'ne e'fy