New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-06
Have Guns for Liners

President Wilson, there is no doubt,
is thoroughly aroused on the situation
and deeply realizes the pitiful unpre-
paredness of the country in all
branches. But just at present appar'
emily his first effort is devoted to keep
ing the country cool. TO convey the I'M
preston there is no need to worry.
He believes in a certain amount of os-
tentation and the spectacular. He likes
TO make the activities Of the govern
ment apparent.
The President walked from the White
House across the street to the State,
War and Navy Building this morning.
Instantly the wires hummed with the
news of important conferences"
Mr. Wilson went 10 the Office Of the
Secretary of the Navy and talked to
Secretary Daniels and Admiral Benson,
chief of naval operations. The ques-
tion of conveying American ships and
arming merchantmen was discussed
Later it was announced that the last
naval bill carried an appropriation for
guns for merchant ships. The navy is
ready 10 supply guns and gunners, the
President was told, and even conveys
for merchant ships as soon as the
State Department gives the word.
TO Take Over Private Yards
After the Presidents visit to Secre-
tary Daniels the latter conferred with
Representative Padgett, of the House
Naval Affairs Committee. Mr.. Pad
gett. acting on request, at once intro
duced amendments to the naval sppro-
priation bills, giving the President au-
thorfty. in his discretion. to comman-
deer private shipyards and munitions
plants. A further amendment may be
proposed in day or two Authorizing
the President to commander ships
also. The navy has complete list Of
available private shps Of all kinds.
In this connection the President is
sued a proclamation declaring that an
emergency existed and forbidding the
transfer of all American vessels to
any foreign register.
HRing finished with the navy the
President. fsnked by the Secret Ser
vice squad, dropped in on the Secretary
of War. II was the first time the
President had been in the War De-
partment since Mr.. Baker went into
Office. At the conclusion of the call he
said to the newspaper men:
Nothing important. gentlemen
purely routine"
"The visit was purely social and cas-.
ual," said the Secretary of War
Optimism at State Department
Just at present there is probably
more activity in the State Department
than in the War or Navy department
Here also is the inveterate optimism
loudly asserted.
At the momeLt tho stream of hope is
all devoted toward the other neutrals.
The governments of the peaceful ma
tions have been asked 10 follow the ex-
ample Of the United States and TO break
off diplomatic relations with Germany.
No word has come yet from any OF
the other neutrals. No unanimity of
action is expected. Certainly Holland,
Denmark and Sweden are not likely TO
reply in the affirmative. Blu: the gov
ernment of the United States does eX-
pect a favorable reply from some OF the
South American republics, and If from
them. then also from Spain.
Hope as far as Austria is concerned
has been abandoned. The break with
the Dual Monarchy may be expected
momentarily 1t cannot be long de-
layed.
Fear Trouble with Japan
The State Department at present is
also vitality concerned over the rela-
tions between this government and
Japan. The passage OF the immigration
bill over the veto OF the President was
viewed with alarm in the State Depart
ment. T. is regarded as certain
trouble breeder.
stu Il may be said with authority
that the Japanese representative here
has made no protest against the present
form OF this bill, although he has pro-
tested against the land law legislation
in Western states. That may seem a
far cry from the present cr{is. II is
not II is very close.