South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-02-10
Nation is Preparing For Any
Emergency That May Arise
But Refuses to be
Stampeded.
SINKING OF AMERICAN
SHIP Is FEARED MOST
Destruction Without Warning
Would Mean HoStiIitieS.
NeutraIS Hit by
Blockade.
International News Service:

international news NeFNlCt-
WASHINGTON, Feb. 10.-"Pre-
pare for any emergency that may
arise. but decline TO be stampeded."
That was today the slogan of the
administration in the new German
submarine campaign. 1t will def
nitely be adhered 10 no matter what
the developments may be, officials
say.
If Germany forces the presidents
hand by an overt act, then con-
gress will be asked TO authorize use
of any and all means to protect
Americans in their rights.
Granted such authority, the navy
department, with plans already
completed. would act. IL would safe
where on the ocean as much as
possible. Its plans are secret, but
officials express confidence that they
will prove successful. especially
against submarines. But congress
will not be requested by the presi-
dent to declare war on Germany.
The onus for such action must be
placed on Germany. if it must come.
the leading members of the admin
istration point out.
Would BE Act of War.
of course, a big national disaster
would change this. The sinking Of
sn American liner. dying the Amer
lean nag, and laden with American
citizens. would be in itself almost an
act of war The president does not
believe that a German submarine
commander would take responsible
ity for any such act even though
American vessels shall decline TO be
bound by the German restrictions
on travel and insist on making their
regular trips TO their regular ports.
For the present. practically all
American shipping is held in port.
But it is considered certain that
sailings will be resumed not later
than next week.
Meanwhile commercial experts of
the government familiar with the
entire situation, say that the new
German campaign gives evidence of
falling far short of the complete
when il was launched
Under present conditions. it is
claimed. sailings from Canada and
South American points have not
been curtailed. These vessels are
following the lane laid down by the
British admiralty, are protected by
fotillas of submarine catchers and
F.r. a. 81
for the most part these vessels are
of the largest type with enormous
tonnage. They are carrying. Off
Gals say. only munitions and food
stuffs. And. certain Of the muni-
ton carriers have been detached
from that service to transport food
exclusively.
Damage il To Neutrals.
The main effect of the submarine
blockade. officials say. and the one
which is most serious. has been 10
force neutrals 10 hold their ships in
port. The American line and most
OF the Holland and scandinavian
lines are completely crippled for
the present. at least And, this has
meant lldL Americans VINO want 10
go abroad have had to trust 10 Sc
curing sailings under belligerent
flags. II is believed, however. that
within a very short time all of the
neutral lines Will resume their reg
ular sailings.
Ii is believed that the British gov
eminent eventually will grant the
request OF the Scandinavian and
Holland lines 20 make Halifax in
stead of Kirkwall the port of call for
search for contraband and that il
this is done these lines Will be able
TO keep out Of the danger zone.
Council VIII Meet.
In order 10 find out in what man
ner the offers of manufacturing
plants and the like can best be util
lied for the benefit of the govern
ment- the Council OF National De-
Tense and its advisory council. will
meet here next Monday The coun-
ell is made up of the secretaries OF
trDN-TTNTrEn M PACE TEN