The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-02-06
u. s. TO Be GUIDED
ALONE BY LAWS
Of NATIONS
President Wishes to Avoid
Chance for Criticism
From Abroad.
| GERMANY WILL NOT
MODIFY INTENTION
Status Of Relations With
Austria Still Remains
Undetermined.

Washington. Feb. 5.--While the
United states stands before the world
court Of public opinion In the anxious
waiting period. which will determine
peace or war with Germany. President
Wilson is determined that there shall
, he no word or deed to merit n re-
proach, even from Germany herself.
Nothing Is TO be done which il not
fully justified by the laws Of nations
and humanity; nothing is to ba done
for cxpediency: nothing is to be done
which Is not legal and just.
With n hope for peace. and a readi-
ness to meet war IL 1t must be. the
president has made 1t clear to all his
officials that the course of the United
States, difficult as 1t is. must be en-
tirely beyond criticism.
To that end German rights and
property in the United States are to
have full protection OF law, and the
president wishes every American citi.
zen to forebear from any thought or
act which might lead his country
nearer to war.
1Iopc that Germany might at the last
moment modify hcr declaration of un-
restricted submarine warfare was al
most dissipated today by the news dis
patches from Berlin, which gave the
word of high GN'man officials that
there would be no turning back.
American officials now only await an
actual demonstration Of how the new
decree will affect American rights.
The news OF the killing OF an American
seaman in the shcllng OF the boats Of
the British steamer Eavestone IL not
now regarded as tho feared overt act.
II will be thoroughly Investigated be-
| fore ii Is assigned to its proper place
as a factor in tho situation.
Meanwhile Austra's case still Is ,,n-
determined. While II is known that
tho dual monarchy has officially ad-
hered to Germany'ss declaration, as 1t
now stands before the state depart
ment. her announced intentions are
| somewhat different from Germany's.
| but II Is doubtful if there can be :,
| real distinction. Rupture of relations
| with Austria seems no less certain that
It did.
Although cngrossed in the task Of
preparing the country for any even
tuality. President Wilson has not lost
sight Of the participation neutrals
must have in the terms OF, peace
terms which he fondly hopes will In.
sure the world against another con-
flagration.
| The first step to place congress
formally on record In support Of the
break with Germany was taken in tho
senate today and IL expected to be
followed In the house. Chairman Stone
of the foreign relations committee In
troduced as resolution endorsing the
presidents action and It was placed in
a parliamentary position to be adopted
tomorrow.
President Wilson today went to the
navy department and conferred with
Secretary Daniels on expediting legis-
lation to empower the government to
take over ship building plants. mu-
nitions works and facilities in case Of
need. Henry Ford, the manufacturer
and pacificist, offered his great plant
to the government without cost in
case of war and volunteered to op-
crate himself without profit. His offer
will be accepted if there be need. From
Secretary Baker. the president re :
ceived first hand report Of what il
being done within the army.