Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-09
u. S. POLICY
is UrlALTERED



The neutrality guard upon the piers
where the ships are decked will be
maintained for the protection OF the
vessels and the surrounding property.
Expect Gerard Release"
London, Feb. 8 The fact that Eng
land and France have promised safe
conduct for Count Won Bernstorff, 50
far as it is in their power to do so,
gave rise TO the opinion here today
that the departure of Ambassador Ger
ard from Berlin will now be FASTENED
II. as was stated in Copenhagen adj
vices, the German government was
merely awaiting this action by the al
lies before allowing Mr. Gerard to
leave the country. it is probable that
the retiring American diplomat will
be out OF Berlin within the next four
or five days.
Orders Sig Guns.
Washington, d. C.. Feb. 9-Secre-
tary of War Baker today sent direct
orders to the Bethlehem Steel Plant
TO cease work on minor orders for the
war department and concentrate ali
available men Immediately on the pro-
duction Of 30 batteries of four inch
and T. batteries Of six inch guns for
the United States field artillery.
These guns will be built from designs
completed as the result of the obserya-
ton of military officials in Europe.
The Bethlehem Plant also will i'm
modiatiy commence 10 turn out 9.2
gun for the United States. which it is
declared. will prove far more ef-
ncient weapon than the ~ centimetre
guns Of the German army. These
guns as a resait of new departure o.
design will not be wasteful and can
be handled far easier than any weapon
OF similar design now in use in Eur
ope.
The new four and siX-inch guns are
TO be distributed to artillery units as
soon as they can be completed. Up
to the present the guns in Use have
been the inch pieces anj it is admit
ted that they are OF decidedly doubt
ful usefulness. The 80.
American Status in Germany.
Washington, D. c., Feb. 9-Ambassa-
dor willard at Madrid and Minister
Eagan at Copenhagen today were di-
rected by the State Department to
exhibit to the United States all avail
able Information regarding the status
of Americans in Germany. They also
have been asked to confirm the report
that the German foreign Office has told
former Ambassador Gerard that his
passports now are available whenever
he desires to leave. The last direct
word from Mr. Gerard was dated Feb
ruary 8.
Meanwhile the position Of the Unit
ed States remains unchanged. Official
have made it plain that while Their,
has been Technical violations OF th'
international rights Ct the Unitet
States they have not been of thu
character upon which the Presiden
woui1 base his next step. The Ger
man submarine campaign continues il
full swing and vessels are being tor
peaocd and sunk without warning, bu
upto the present time no American
vessel has been attacked withou
warning The presidents attitude, hi
advisers say today, it one OF continued
"watchful waiting"
The state Department has received
only unofficial dispatches reporting
the death OF George Washington, al
American negro fireman on the British
steamer Turino It's agents have beer
directed to send along ali particular.
Immediately and they will be consider
ed along with the reports Of the ten
pedong of the California, on whic,
was an American citizen and q numbe
of other sinkings about which tn
American embassy in London ha
full usefulness.
The question Of this government re
affirming the Frussian treaties of l79
and 1928 will not be considered by Ii
administration until after the Gel
man request is officially received. AZ
ton OF Ambassador Gerard in refus
ing to take the matter up with tn
German foreign Office is approved her
. where il is pointed out that he h11
a ing been recalled ana The embass
: turned over to the Spanish amhasst
dor there was nothing that Mr. Gel
. ard could do in The premises. lnai
= much as President Wilson already h.
a made it plain that he intends to sc
:, that the spirit of the treaty as $
h far as mutual protection of rights ar
. concerned is lived W to it is believe
= here that eventually the entire PR
:. visions will be reailirmed
Arrangements for the departure {
D Count Won Bernstortt and his suite ar
about complete. lie has asked thu
the State Department secure his SAT
conduct in writing and this will |
u done. Just when he will leave hei
y has not been determine |, that bein
left to tho secret srvicc guards d
Y tail1l 70 Iaal. nEtnr IL. ..aEntI.