The Sentinel=record., 1917-02-24

Washington, Feb. 23.--The depar- ture of Secretary Lansing tonight for three day stay at White Sulphur Springs, W. Va, was yariously inter- rreted with possible developments in the German crisis. At first there was general tendency to believe that it meant the middle of next week, that il decisions had been reached and plans worked out. the head of the state de- partment could be spared for a few aays rest now better than later.
 TEere was d two hour oabnet meet ine this afternoon, followed by the an- nouncement that the international sit nation had undergone no change. Members were more than usually Ileticent in discussing afterwards al though they indicated that President Wilson still had made nc plans fo" his expected visit to congress to seek authority to protect A lercans and their ships from submarines.
 Administration officials woIld not comment on the probable effect upon tte presidents course of he repuhii' can flibuster started m the senate with the apparent intention Il forcing an extra session and the threats of some republican leaders 10 oppose granting any additional power to be rsed by the executive after adjourn ment.
 A furry came late ln the day over 4 dispatch announcing the torPedolnS without warning of the French liner Athos and the drowning of ar Amel- ican missionary on boarG as passen ger. Any idea, however, that thls might be the overt act which would lrecirate war was cleared away later by press dispatches telling hoT the liner was being used as a troop sh.p under convoy of two cruisers.
 No word had beou received from Ambassador Penficld regarding Aus tria's reply 10 the request f}r a state ment as to whether the Vienna gov elnment adheres ful,y to Germany rolicy. Germany is understood to be cXerting strong pressure on AGstfia for complete defiance or this fountrv and officials here do not con- ceal their belief that a break is ineyi- table. Baron IwiedineN charge of the Austrian embassy called at the state department today and IS said to nave learned that no ,tme would he set for the presentation oi credentials to the uresident bv Count ra,nOkski, the new Austrian ambassador, until the issue with his government was hecio' ed
 The intention of Secretary Lansing to leave Washington for a short Va cation. the first he has had since he attended the army and navy football lame last iall. became known shortly after the cabinet m eetlng
 Premier Lloyd-George speech to the effect that extreme measures must be taken to save England from disaster from the submarine cam paign caused much surprise here be cause of the frankness of it's eXpres- sion. Nevertheless, it was pointed out .hat the German submarine campaign had given the British premier just the opportunity he wanted of making a supreme appeal to the British people and of imposing restrictions both on tham and other neutrals which he had long desired to put into effect.
 The dastic prohibitions of imports were understood here not only 10 De fl means of saving cargo space but or enforcing some of the personal econ omv in England that has been practie- cd in Germany during the war. lm- mense financial saving which this will effect is expected also to strengthen Eneland considerably in neutral mar llets and increase the expenditure or munitions.
 Officials at the state department allowed it to become known that while the official notification of the rev British order-in-council widening he blockade had been received here,