Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-02
EXPECTS SEVERANCE
(continued from Page One)

II was pointed out that one reason
for Withholding knowledge of the Pres
ident's course is the necessity of COM
pleting certain arrangements. many OF
a physical character, to prepare the
country for eventualities which would
be expected to follow diplomatic
break.
The safeguarding of American ports,
safety of Americans in Germany, the
presence of German ships in American
harbors and many other considerations
are among them.
An Altogether Break"
The last correspondence with Ger
many which demanded the total
abandonment of such submarine war
fare as the Central Powers are about
to resume, declared that the United
States would sever diplomatic relations
"altogether" That is interpreted as
leaving no opportunity for halfway
measures; it means the withdrawal OF
Ambassador Gerard and the whole
embassy staff from Berlin and the
closing of the German embassy here. 7
Inasmuch as any action by the Unit
ed States would be directed against
Germany as nation and not against
her ambassador as an Individual, i
was thought unlikely that a severance
would he announced by the delivery
of passports to Count Won Bernstorff,
but would be preceded by formal mott
. fication to Berlin of the American gov
ernment's decision. The delivery of
passports to the ambassador would be
laft oil; of no fIlff
Germany's view. as expressed here.
is that neutrals should not object to
the German blockade inasmuch as
they have been unable TO raise the
British blockade American ships VEN
, turing into the barred zones, it frank
~ was said, would be in danger of be-
ing sunk, but it was declared that Ger
many and her allies would give up the
campaign of ruthlessness should neu-
trails acting together cause Great Brit
ain to raise hel blockade or should
there be peace conference.
Bernstorff's Attitude
Austria and Turkey are expected to
make similar war zone declarations. The
! first notification that Austria has joine
Germany was in dispatches from Paris
! No official announcement had reached
here tonight. The only announcement
the German ambassador made today was
to deny a published report that he had
told a friend he expected to receive his
passports within As hours. There was no
denying. however. that Count. Won Bern
storf fully expected the action of the
United States to be swift and decisive.
1t became known that several times dur
ing the last week he had attempted to
discourage Americans from sailing for
Europe. He had declined to write letters
of introduction for friends and, without
disclosing his knowledge of what was
about to happen. has done his best to
discourage them from going to Europe.
Chairman Stone of the Senate foreign
relations committee. who has been in
st. Louis. telegraphed to the White
House that he was hurryng back and
would arrive at | p. NJ. tomorrow. He
probably will see the President during
the afternoon.
On "a previous occasion the President
told members of the committee that be-
fore breaking relations with any coun-
try he would inform them. Senator
n, L,
was at the White House during the day
but was given no information. The usual
cabinet meeting will be held tomorrow
afternoon when for the first time all the
members may know definitely of the
Presidents attitude. Col E. NJ House
spent the day here but left tonight for
New York After a long talk with the
President he saw Secretary Lansing
Counsellor Polk of the state department
and Secretary McAdoo.
II WAS stated that the President had
made no arrangements for going before
Congress. but it was considered possible
he might decide to adopt this step at
any time.
Public opinion in this country Is being
carefully considered. not so much as
decisive force but as indicating the I'M
it of the first step to be taken. Inc
officials realize that a severe mental
wrench must be experienced to turn pub
lie thought from hopes of peace to the
eyeutualities of Germany's action.
There apparently is no division In
Official opinion that Germany's an
nouncement justites this country IN
severing diplomatic relations or TAX
ing belligerent steps to safeguard
American rights. The complete repudi-
alton Of all Germany's pledges in the
Sussex case is viewed as an open
threat made in full consideration and
in utter disregard of all that may fol-
low.
Previous cases merely have involved
isolated instances for which apology
or reparation could be offered. or
new announcement which could be
modified without admission of defeat.
The present is regarded as represent
ing mature policy made in full con-
sideration that it will cost the friend
ship, if not the neutrality. of the Unit
ed States and probably other neutral
nations.
Preparations are now known to have
been underway in Germany for months.
Bethmann- Hollweg's speech today is
interpreted as disproving statements
allowed to come to this country that
the chancellor was opposed to unre-
stricted submarine operations. The
fact stands out that official Germany
has held off from such policy not be-
cause of international law or consid-
Grafton for the United States, but be-
cause she did not feel it expedient at
an earlier time.
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