The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-02-09

tained, is to get assistance in bring
ing pressure to bear at Berlin for
such notifications of her decree, pub
lie or private, as will reassure the
United States.
In the meantime, II is reported in
these quarters more or less active,
though Informal assistance to the
movement is being given by persons
claiming to speak for Count Won
Bernstorff and for various influential
German-American influences.
Play Active Parts.
It is stated that particularly active
parts have been played, in the vari-
Gus informal conferences that have
been held, by Bernard Rider, editor
of the New York Staats-Zeitung, and
DR.. George HIGHWAY former dean OF
the Columbia University School OF
Law.
1t is stated that both of these gen
tlemen have conferred in the last few
days with former Secretary OF state
William ]. Bryan, who was here for a
few hours on his way through TO
Miami, Fla, several days ago, ana
with Senator William ]. Stone, chair
man. of the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee.
Apprised of More.
How far the United States Govern
ment is sanctioning the steps being
taken cannot pc ascertained, out II
is believed that Administration or
ficiaIs have been apprised to some
extent as to what is going on.
1t is known that considerable re-
IL, circles
here when 1t became known that the
American Government had not closed
down completely the wireless facll-
ties for communication between the
United States and Germany.
The fear expressed in these quar-
tiers up to that time was that If the
wireless were closed down on all IN
coming messages from Germany II
would be impossible for any conf
Dental assurances to be received
Unofficial Reports.
Some unofficial press communica'
lions are said to have been sent TO
Germany, censored by the State De
partment, calculated to explain away
the misapprehensions concerning the
German informed liners here.
Complete details concerning the |
sinking of the California, OF the An |
Choir Line, are still lacking, 1t was
stated today at the State Department |
OF most important interest is the |
still unverifed report that Americans |
were on board the doomed vessel |
Otherwise, it Is indicated the case |
seems complete in so far rs indicating |
Germany's present intention to pro- |
ceAd with her new submarine cam |
Ill ha prnpnfzad ruthless /
ness. |
Must BE covert Act"
But-and this emphasizes the ex- |
IRENE caution with which the Admin |
istration is proceeding-it seems as
practically certain as the statements
of the Presidents advisers can make |
It, that war will not be declared I'M |
less there is a clear-cut covert act"
involving the destruction of American |
lives.
In other words-and IL cannot be |
emphasized too strongly-the Presi- |
dent is determined that the first act |
of war shall be committed by Ger |
many, and the destruction of Ameri- |
can lives in defiance of the warning of |
the United States, would be construed |
as such an act Of war.
May Not Declare War.
Thus it may happen that when the
President goes before Congress again
if he does go-it will not be to !
ask that Congress declare war;" but /
that it Becognize that a state Of war
exists"
Official reports concerning the |
sinking Of the Turino appear for the |
time being to remove that incident
from consideration as a "casus belli,'
for Consul Frost, at Queenstown, re-
ported today that the negro, George
Washington, who lost his life when
that ship went down, was not an
American after all, but a native Of /
Alberta, Canada.