The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-08
MORE OUTRhGES
FAN WAR FLAME
AT WASHINGTON
Sinking Liner Without Warm
ing Is Horrible Illustration.
Holding q. S. Diplomats as
Hostages Is Hostile Act.
AMERICAN ABOARD ESCAPED
By Mere Luck Expected covert
Act'' Thus Averted.
Wilson Firm, American Lives
Abroad Must Be Respected.
Holding q. S. Diplomats as
Hostages Is Hostile Act.
AMERICAN ABOARD ESCAPED
By Mere Luck Expected covert
Act" Thus Averted.
Wilson Firm, American Lives
Abroad Must Be Respected.
nv ROBERT y. BENDER.

washington, Feb. S.-A crisis in the
present strained situation between the
United States and Germany appeared
to be drawing nearer today
Two factors at least contributed to
the feeling in official circles that the
break in diplomatic relations now ex-
listing may quickly develop an even
more serious phase.
First was the official version of the
torpedoing of the Anchor liner CAN
fornia, carrying 200 passengers and
crew-including many women and
children.
Second, advices that Germany, con-
trary to all international diplomatic
usage, was withholding issuance of
passports to American Ambassador
Gerard and American citizens, pending
information from Washington as to
Americas granting of a safe conduct
to German Ambassador Won Bernstorff
as we'll as to Washington's interpreta-
ton of old Prussian treaties
Lone American Escapes.
The fact that the ''one American
aboard the California-John A. Lee of
in cable from Consul Frost at
Queenstown, was saved, may prove
the slender thread by which President
Wilson will hold to the existing tacit
peace with Germany.
There were some officials, however,
who admitted they feared this thread
would not hold. They cited America S
frequent warnings that American
lives must not ''be placed in jeopardy
by Germany's unlawful submarinings
Complete astonishment was express
ed in official circles, coupled with in
dignation, over Germany's withhold
ing passports. 1t was admitted at the
state department that yesterday they
had received a message indicating
Gerards detention but officials IN
a CI1hc hi
emily cleared up that difficulty, in1i-
eating Gerard would leave soon
OFFICIALS said the California sinking
might be the covert act necessary to
convince the president that the i'm
peria1 government is indeed bent on
carrying out to the letter the "willful
prosecution of the ruthless naval pro-
gram" announcement of which
caused Wilson to sever relations.
Shows Germany's Desp. alton.
The fact that no American persisted
was simply a case of pure luck" Of
ficials admitted. The spirit and intent
of Germany, they declare, was openly
displayed. regardless of the personnel
of the passenger list. Had a majority
of the travellers been American women
and children instead of foreigners, the
attack would have occurred Just the
same, they believe.
On the other hand, those swho
know the presidents mind and pur-
pose in the present crisis, clare en-
| phatically there might be no vestige
| of doubt, no question whatever as to
the case being a clear-cut violation of
American rights before actual war
fare will result.
| Should the president adopt a course
| of war he must be able, they hold, to
| determine the backing of a unitel
country. It is pointed out here that
| the danger of loss of American life
| on the high seas is daily diminishing.
| AS was anticipated, the president
action in breaking with Germany has
accomplished the same result as an
| open warning to American travellers
and American ship owners to remain
| in port
| Action of American line owners in
! definitely postponing the sailing OF
| their vessels indicates they take this
view
With the seas cleared of American
ships and American travellers refusing
to take passage on belligerent vessels
| there was small likelihood of an
American life being endangered. it
was declared.
Should American ships decide to
arm defensively, as the government
I has ruled they may, more serious de-
velopments may come very soon.