Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1915-current, 1917-02-03

patton OF the large crowd OF curiosity
seekers that would be on hand the pre-
OF allowing no one TO enter the
except those holding cards
their right TO attend. Mrs.
Wilson and the presidents daughter
were there. The chief justice and the
members OF the United States supreme
court were there and this is the first
time In the life OF the present admin
istration that the members Of the
court attended an official meeting of
the president Along with the Amer
lean representatives OF our own gov
ernment were many OF the diplomats
OF other countries. Beginning his ad-
dress, the president recounted the
series of notes that had been eX-
changed with Germany all leading up
TO the present diplomatic crisis.
He read the sensations OF the vari-
reached the note of last Wednesday
from Germany, stating her purpose to
sink ships without warning. Then he
said: II think YOU will agree with
me in the view that this declaration
suddenly withdraws the solemn assur-
anCe given by Germany in May. 1915,
that this government has no alterna.
tive consistent with the dignity and
honor of the United States but TO take
the course which. on April lS, 1916, We
announced we would take in the event
that the German government did not
abandon her methods OF submarining
ships of neutral nations and to which
the German government now purposes
again to resort.
Il have. therefore, directed the sec
rctary of state To announce TO his eX
CcllcnCy, the German ambassador. that
all diplomatic relations are severed
that the American ambassador at Ber
lin will BE- Immediately Withdrawn and
| TO hand his exCellenCy passports. Not
| withstanding this unexpected action Oi
! the German government. this sudder
, and deeply deplorable renunciation o
the assurances given at one of tn,
| most critical moments in the tension
OF our relations ! refuse 10 believ'
| that It is the intention OF the German
! TO do what they Informed the worlt
| they intended TO do. | cannot brini
myself to believe that they intend I,
! pay no attention to the ancient friend
! ship thai has existed between us. o
that they intend TO disregard the sol
emn obligations that they have eS
changed and now destroy our ship
1 and take the lives of Americans In
wilful prosecution of ruthless 2ava
program. Only actual overt acts o
their part can make me believe il eve
now.
President Still Hopes
III this inveterate confidence on IN
part in German sobriety and pruder
foresight should unhappily prove III
founded, II American ships and Amer
can lives are to be sacrificed, I sha
take the liberty Of coming again b.
fore congress to ask authority TO us
all means necessary for the prOtectio
OF our seamen and our people. ca
do nothing else and take II for gran
Q ed that all neutral countries will tab
!. the same course.
I'VE do not desire hostile confli
with Germany. We are since
!, friends of the German people and Y
| earnestly desire TO remain at pea,
/ with them. we do not believe tn,
/ will become hostile unless they q
4 Obliged to do so. We purpose nothir
!. more than reasonable defense. "
wish 10 servo no selfish ends. v
Il seek merely 20 vindicate the right
liberty, justice and unmolested III
II These are the basis OF peace, not
"A war. Grant that we shall not be CHI
1 lenGed TO defend them by acts OF "
Il ful injustice on the part Of the &c
II crnmcnt OF Germany"