The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1917-03-19
MANY AN ER|CAN
SAILORS KILLED.
BY SUBMARINE
Freighter Shelled Without Warn.
ing and Believed Nation On
Verge Of Hostilities
WILSON MAY CONVENE
CONGRESS AT ONCE
Number Missing Is Placed ct
Twenty four Thought Kaiser
Wants to Force Fight
UNITED PresS.)

States and Germany are today on the
verge of open hostilities. With vir-
tual state of war existing between
the two countries, as result of the
sinking by German submarine Of
three American freighters, it is now
believed inevitable that the first meet
ing between an armed United States
boat and U-boat will make the open
ing of the hostilities. In official cir
cles, Germanys destruction of the
three vessels with possible loss Of
20 American lives, leaves no doubt
that the kaiser has forced state Of
war. The state of armed neutrality
in which all American vessels are now
being placed as ordered by President
Wilson continues. although it had ap-
parently failed in its object in pre-
venting the sinking of the Laconia,
Algonquin, City of Memphis, Illinois
and Vigiancia.
May Convene Congress.
That the presidents next step
would be to call an extra session OF
congress before the scheduled date,
April 16, was deemed likely by some,
though the general view is that he
would have them meet as scheduled,
and then inform them that a state Of
war has, existed since March IS, and
ask for real war measures, It was
expected he would consult other al-
thorities during the day. The navy
may be called upon to take vigorous
hand. Any call will await the full
authorization of congress. The presi-
dent studied dispatches from abroad
up to an early hour this morning. and
is still awaiting further details from
Consul Frost at Queenstown. f5 q 5@'
Visits Departments. iSNt
President Wilson made another per
sonal visit to the state, war and navy
building this afternoon and there
were outward indications that Some
new definite action was impending as
the result Of the latest destruction
of American ships by German subma-
rines.
President Wilson conferred with
Secretary Daniels, it was understood,
about the issue of $15O,O00,000 In
bonds for the hurrying of naval con.
struction because of national emerg-
ency. There was no Official announce
ment, however, to confirm this.
Aggressive Protection.
Immediate announcement by Presi-
dent Wilson of the course of action
he intends to take in reply to Ger
many's latest affront on the high seas
was forecast by officials today. Some
believed that he would call an extra
session at once, to have that body on
hon TOT
lieved he might issue a proclamation
empowering Secretary OF the Navy
Daniels to use the emergency fund ap.
propriated in pursuit of a policy for
the aggressive protection OF Ameri-
can shipping.
May Be Prisoners.
Fear that Captain Borum and nine
missing scamen, from the City OF
Memphis, American trader, are now
possibly prisoners aboard the submar-
inc, which sank the ship. was con-
veyed in the second of two dispatch
es received today from Consul Frost
at Queenstown. The message read:
"The captains boat was found at
II o'clock which, indicates a hasty
abandonment. The captains papers
were found in biscuit tin in the
boat"
Lansing in Conference.
At IL o'clock Secretary Lansing
went to the White House for q con-
ference with President Wilson.
The situation is too serious to dis.
cuss" was the only official word from
the state department previous to Sec
retary Lansing's departure to tho
White House.. He left shortly altar
noon, refusing to comment in any
way
Commander Craft.
Mobilizing of forces today, appeals
by the navy department to American
boat builders for construction OF sub
marine chasers, to patrol American
waters, and preparations being put
into effect for the commandeering Of
all private motor boats Of sufficient
size and speed to meet the require
ment of submarine warfare, indi-
cate that the navy department wants
to act swiftly. Bids for new tofpe-
does will be opened Wednesday. Usu-
ally some time is given between the
and the day when they
are opened. In addition to the com.
of all private craft, it BE-
came known that the naval boards oe
every coast state have listed all av1il.
BILE vessels, and that tentative Con.
tracts for their transfer to naval go
vice have been issued Telegraph o..
ders to close the contracts and tako
Dyer all necessary craft is an TIT