The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-10
ny TCH SPECULATION IN WASHINGTON ON
 WILSON'S COURSE
 IF WAR IS DECLARED
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as long as England. France. Russia or Italy desired that it be continued. If the United States simply contented it. self with actively cooperation with the allies the United States could withdraw as soon as Germany aban- doned a programme which was the basis of it's offense against the United States
 The opinion in Washington is that the first move of the United States following a declaration of war would be to open an avenue across the At iantic, protected by American cruisers and submarines. through which Amer lean shipping could be safely landed in Europe. This would be entirely defensive step. Should Germany main hands off, there would be no oc- \ Nsion, it is pointed out, for the Uni VI States to attack Germany. But
 sud the Teutons interfere a sea- l,nflict would, of course be inevitable. I ABOUT THE ARMY " Up to the present time, it is known i8 hat the government has not seriously
 bnsidered. in the event of any emer- sT1ncy. sending an army to Europe Every available man would be called to arms, but the entire force would be held indefinitely in the United States The units would be distrib- uted throughout the country in order that points most liable to attack might have adequate protection. Should the United States be embroiled for several years it is possible that so many available men would be under arms that it would be deemed advisable to send an army to France.
 The war department is considering the advisability of issuing a call for 100000 volunteers. Should these volun- teers be obtained they, together with the regular army and the National Guard, would comprise a strong ganization by means of which to re- cruit and train the millions who would be necessary in the event of dec laration of war. It is apparently the contemplated policy of the war de- partment to use the members of the E NztIonal Guard, first to train green recruits; and next, as active fighting men. It is the intention of the de- partment. in the event of war, to ac- 'quire for service a total of 1S 900, 900 nen
 STATE OF WAR
 In a preliminary sense there Is now state of war It has already become feneral Knowledge that the United 'tates has seized certain German ves- ., els interned in American ports. It is known. too. that several states have Aalfed out the National Guard and that
 i New York and other port cities guns are actually mounted and trained All arsenals and Notifications are pre- pared for any emergency and great care is exercised lest a German sym pathizer gain access and do damage
 In Washington the government po- lice force is doubled and while no trouble is experienced in gaining en- france into the capitol, the gates open- ing into the White House grounds are closed and visitors barred. To enter the war or navy departments one must be equipped with passes signed by the respective secretaries Such precau- lions are traceable to the possibility Of damage following the work of spies fIor nihilists No one entering a gov Rss rnment building can carry an unex- N mined bundle
 PULLMAN A VICTIM S8 senator Tillman of South Carolina, )xo:. thH coldest day in the recent his V atsyH Washington. was held up" to lfta ront of the navy department The t+1
 erfect Healt]