Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1917-02-10
Republican A. p. Leased Wire1


to be taken by the United States il
Germany compels the use of force tc
safeguard American lives and rights
| has been determined. 1t was learned
authoritatively after todays cabinet
meeting that in the event President
will not be to ask for a declaration
of war, but to follow literally the
words of the address in which he an
nounced the break of diplomatic re-
lations, ana request authority to use
means deemed necessary to protect
American seamen and people.
The president. it was stated, is as
anxious as ever to avoid war with
Germany, but also is as determined
as ever that American citizens and
ships shall be free to travel the high
seas unmolested. His next step, if
taken, will be to enforce that right
and even the issue of war or peace
will be with Germany. Any hostile
action will have TO come in the form
of an interference with an American
right.
Details of the governments plans
are not discussed. 1t is known, how
ever, that conveying and arming mer-
chant ships are being considered.
No new development came today to
indicate that the overt act by Ger
many regarded as inevitable was
nearer at hand Fewer reports of
ships sunk came in, and none told
officially Of the loss of an American
life. Further information received
about George Washington, the negro
fireman lost on the Turino indicated
that he probably was a British sub
ject.
The cabinet met today with all
members present except Secretary
McAdoo. Just before the meeting
the majority Of the members had at
tended a session OF the Council for
National Defense, called at the war
department to discuss mobilization of
the nations resources as a result of
many offers from manufacturing and
other companies to place themselves
at the dispOsaI of the government in
the event of trouble.
Practically every men Der took 10
the cabinet meeting information about
the activities of his department in
connection with the general precau-
tions being taken. Questions discussd
included proposed emergency legis-
lation, steps for protecting property.
mail problems precipiated by the
ports for Europe. economic issues,
and army and navy Preparations.
After the meeting it was authori-
tafivelY stated that nothing had yet
happened to change the course pur-
sued by the government since the
break in relations with Germany The
cumulative effect of reports cf vessels
sunk by German submarines collected
hv the state department. however
has been to make officials certain
that Germany is indeed proceeding
with her proclaimed policy of ruth
lessness.
The effect Of the tying up of ships
in American harbors because of fear
that they will be sunk if they pass
through the war zone. is one of the
questions being given careful con-
sideration. As far as has been learn
ed today, there have been no reports
| TO the government of serious cons
uuences to industries. but such re-
ports are expected and the enforced
| idleness Of the merchant fleet is a
| subject of growing evaporation.
Some resentment was expressed in
administration quarters today ovel
what was construed as an implica
! tion contained in Germany's request
of Ambassador Gerard. that old
AitsillfS UtNNN0I tIQSSl1 ana lllt
| United States lie re-affirmed, thai
such action was necessary TO make
certain that the rights of Germans IN
this country guaranteed under those
treaties be made secure. 1t was
reiterated chat the American govern
ment fully intends acting according
| to the spirit of the treaties. While
| the treaty actually was abrogateG by
passage of the seamen's law with 4
| conflicting section. the government
| here looks upon the pact as at least
furnishing the guiding principle un.
| der which it will act
| The administration is understood
to be highly gratified by the actor
! taken by many of the neutrals il
| protesting with VARYING degrees o.
| firmress against Germany's new sub
marine policy. While none has 81
far followed the lead and suggestion
Of the United States by breaking of
diplomatic relations. nevertheless the
| expression of sentiment was said tC
| De the chief object desired by Presi-
| dent Wilson's insuggesting action tC
| them
! There was no sensation to disturb
| the capitol today. Preparations went
on with quiet thoroughness for all even
Qualities. Within a short time. perhaps
| a few days, officials fear that Germa-
ny will take the step which will make
these preparations essential.
| There is no expectation here that sht
will modify her plans or relent suffi.
| ciently in her execution of them to al.
low even the present dangerous stua-
| ton to continue. In a sense, official.
| feel that every submarine commands
Virtually has been entrusted with dec
| laration of war against this country.
| The open issue as to Germany's treat
ment of Ambassador Gerard, which ha,
| caused much i'll feeling here, appear,
| about to be cleared uD. While Officials
have had no word from Mr.. Gerard
since February five when he reported
through Copenhagen that his departur
was being delayed, they accepted pres
dispatches today as to arrangement
for his leaving tomorrow and salt
CONTINUED on Page Two)
ID ATTIC ADDIX/E