Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-11
j. S. SHIPS MAY
FIRE ON GERMAN
UBOATSAT SIGHT
State Department Holds that
Kaiser's Threat Justifies
Immediate Action by -
Americans.
HOLDS TO RIGHT TO RESIST
German Reputation Of Rule Of
Visit and Search Makes All
U Boats Actually Hostile.
GUNS READY FOR VESSELS
HOLDS TO RIGHT TO RESIST
GUNS READY FOR VESSELS

Washington, March l0.-The mere
appearance of German submarine
or its periscope in the presence OF
all American armed merchant vessel
would entitle that ship, according to
State department opinion today, to
take all measures OF protection on the
presumption that the U boats pur-
pose was hostile.
Under this ruling an American
armed merchantmen could fire on
German submarine the moment it is
sighted without being considered as
taking aggressive action. This view
is based on Germany's declared in
tention to sink on sight within GER
tain zones all vessels, neutral as well
as belligerent, and whether passenger
vessels, freightcrs or contraband car
riers.
Stands by Right to Resist.
The United States was said to stand
fatty on its armed merchantmen
warning of March q last, in which it
definitely recognized the right to
prevent capture" as part OF the right
of self-protection." which could be
exercised either by flight or resist
ance
The mere presence OF German
submarine is declared ground for as
suming hostile intent, because OF the
deliberate statement by Germany
that all vessels are to be sunk oh
sight. Denial by Germany Of the old
rule of visit and search makes all
its u boats actually hostile.
The consensus of opinion in diplo-
matte quarters was that the United
States today was nearer to war with
Germany than at any time within its
history.
Guns Ready for Ships.
Preparations for defending Ameri-
can merchant vessels had already been
taken by the government and actual
work of equipping the vessels only
awaited the Navy departments APPS
proyal OF applications from ship owii-
crs. In the various navy yards along
the Atlantic coast are stored guns,
ammunition and other necessary
equipment ready for installation.
In official circles today confidence
was expressed that Secretary Dam
iels' appeal to newspapers not to seek
nor publish specific news Of the arm
ing and sailings of American mer-
chantmen would be observed. A
similar appeal was made to telegraph
and cable companies.
The best news the readers can
have" said the secretary, S'is that the
government will protect the rights of
Americans to the freedom of the seas.
The publication of details can serve
no good purpose and might jeop-
ardize human life"
House Organization Problem.
The organization of the new house
cannot be foretold at this time, for
a majorit. is 2l8 and the standing is:
Republicans, 2l5; democrats, 2l4; pro-
hioitionists, progressives, progressive
protectionists, socialists and independ-
ents, one each; vacancy in democratic
district, one. The republican and
d;mocratic leaders declare they will
HaNc support llolH cHousIi VI tHc 50"
called independent group to control
the organization, but there is consid-
cradle talk Of coalition organiza-
ton. The new senate is democratic
by majority of twelve.
Speaker Clark believes congress
will find so much work before it that
i. will continue in session until Au-
gust, 1918.
Appropriation Bills. b..
Appropriation legislation, which
must be passed before July /, includes
the army, sundry civil, general def
cheney and military academy bills,
carrying in the aggregate more than
$500.000000. Among the measures
which failed in the last congress,
strongly urged by the administration,
are the railroad labor bill, Webb for
eign agency bill, conservation and
land leasing measures and acts TO en-
large the Interstate Commerce COM
mission and give wider powers to the
shipping board.
Hearing Of Slayer Of U. B.