The Robesonian., 1917-03-19

Washington Dispatch, March 18.
With the announcement of the
ruthless destruction of three unarm-
ed American merchant ships by sub
marines, it was unofficially admit
ted here tonight that virtually state
of war exists between the United
States and Germany.
Technically the United States re-
mains in a position of armed neu-
trality. Whether this shall be chang
ed before April 16, the date fixed
for a special session of Congress, the
war-making branch of the govern
nent, President Wilson has not de-
cided.
One step the President is contem-
plating is a call for an immediate
session ofCongress to hear an address
asking for authority to adopt ag-
gressive measures against the sub
marine menace.
Navy to Make Next Move
Already American ships are be-
ing armed to defend themselves. The
next move must be to send warships
with orders to seek out submarines
and clear the transatlantic lanes.
Some of the highest officials of
the government hold that the exec
utive has the power to declare that
a state of war exists and to proceed
with aggressive protective steps
pending the assembling of Congress.
There is no indication, however, that
the President will follow that course
Of the three ships destroyed, two
were unloaded ard homeward bound
and all were American built, Amer
lean owned and officered and man
ned largely by American citizens
Meager dispatches indicate that al
were sunk with complete disregard
for the safety of those on board, anc
that many of the crew may have
been lost.
Must Form Definite Policy
Today's developments brought tn
government face to face with tn
problem of formulating "a definite
policy for the nation in case tn
United States actually enters tn
war. This possibility was mentione
by the President in his inaugural ad
oress March 5.
All of the conditions outlined b
the President in his message an
rcuncing the diplomatic break wit
Germany as leading to state G
armed neutrality have now been flu
filled. The "overt act" describe
by him then has actually come, if
fact it had not been committed whe
The President went before Congress
Since then he has established a sta'
OF armed neutrality without the sp'
cific authority of Congress.
International lawyers and const
tdtional experts here showed no he
ltancy in saying that President Wi
son has full authority to interpr
as an act of war, and announce tn
this country considers that an actu
state of war exists by reason
Germany's flagrant assault on Anne
lean shipping. Such action would
subject to the approval Of Congres
Despite the unwarned sinking
big passenger liners like the Ca
fornia and the Laconia, the jeopa
dizing of Americans on nearly
score of other vessels and the sin
ing of three other American shll
the Housatonic, the Lyman M. l.:
and the Algonquin, since the UNI
stricted warfare began, some off
ials, inspired by the Presidents .
nounced reluctance to believe II
Germany would carry through |
threat, have clung desperately to
hope that some slight respect
International law might still
shown.
Pessimistic Forecasts SURPASSED
The German undersea warfare N
fairly be stated, however, to h;
surpassed even the. most pessimis
FORECASTS here. That sfe actua
means to serd every vessel to
bottom tfat dares to venture wit
her forbidden zones is now accep
rs fact. Neutral, passenger, +
gian relief, appear to be all in
same category.
With the practical certainty t
this country will become involved
hostility, even if only for the Ike