The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1917-02-15
Berlin Is Queried About Yarrowdale Prisoners.
Central Powers Interfere With Conn
munication With Envoy Elkus.
CRISIS ENLARGED CONVOY SHIPPING
BY Possible Break With Aus
tria- Hungary. -Consider
Salisbury Scheme.

Washington, ID. C.-Germany's
continued detention OF ~ American
seamen, brought in by the prize shir
Yarrowdale, loomed up today as an
incident OF increasing seriousness. An
inquiry on the cause of the Americans
detention was sent to Berlin yester-
day and the subject was discussed at
the cabinet meeting, along with the
question of arming American mer-
chant ships.
A break in diplomatic relations
with others of the Central powers
seemed nearer today. Ambassador
Elkus, at Constantinople, has been
INSTRUCTED to ascertain whether Turk
lsh submarines are operating under
the same orders as those of Germany
No word has been received from him
or the American consul-general at
Sofia since the break with Germany
and an effort is being made to dis
cover why communication has been
cut off.
The Turkish government has inter
fered with American relief for Ar
menians and Syrians and now is de-
tanning thousand American refugees
at Beirut.
Among some officials here today it
was suggested that the United States
next step may be based upon Senator
Saulsbury's suggestion to throw open
American ports to warships of the
Entente Allies, thus aiding in the
fight on the submarine campaign,
without actually entering the war.
nffipinlc Ennlin,r Irnnocv-
The re-detention of the 70 Ameri-
cans brought in on the prize ship
Yarrowdale is regarded as another
acute illustration of Germany's dis
regard of American rights. If in fact
a vigorous protest already has not
gone forward, there is reason to be-
lieve one will be sent on at once.
1t is believed in official circles that
the accumulation of acts against
American rights may prove as strong
as any individual covert act' in pre-
cipitating more serious phase to
the present crisis.
The reports of the piling up es
freight destined to Europe, with the
shutting down of grain elevators and
other evidences of the new submarine
regarded as part of the accumula-
ton of aggravations which are ex-
pected to lead to action.
A vigorous denial was made today
of the reported split in the cabinet
over the question of furnishing guns
to merchant ships. 1t was emphasized
that the members will stand solidly
behind the president in any decision
he may make.
Report Puzzles Officials.
Washington, d. C.-Officials We're
somewhat puzzled at Berlin dis
patch last night, saying it had been
authoritatively denied that Germany
had made an effort for further nego-
tiations on the submarine issues, in
view of the representations made to
the department Saturday on Ger
many's behalf by the Swiss minister.
There was an inclination here to be-
lieve that the Berlin story had been
put out for it's effect on Germany's
public opinion.
Denies Sending Note.
Berlin, Germany.--It is absolutely
denied here that Germany, in note
TO the United States or through 9TH
er mediums is inviting suggestions
for the avoidance of actual war.
1T is reiterated that the imperial
is not permitting doubts
in any quarters regarding the position
actively assumed in the T-boat war
fare, and that there can be no talk or
thought of recession from the pro-
gram already being carried out.
In view of this, it is declared in au-
thoritative circles. that any further
parley or exchange of notes may be
dismissed as unwarranted and i'm
probable.
Won't Rc-Ratify Treaties.
Washington, ID. C.-While the
United States considers that Germany
has given grounds which might prop
erly and justly denounce the Prus-
sian-American treaties of 1899 and
1928, it was declared at the state de-
partment today that this government
will continue to live up to the spirit
of the old conventions. There will be
no re-ratification as asked by Ger
many, as the United States prefers to
lean on the old conventions.