New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-04

TO the unfortunate "too proud 20 fight
utterance, but rather tremendous
feeling Of gratitude and respect for the
Presidents act.
The drawbacks OF the American &C
ton are almost as many as the advan-
tages. and were quick TO be recognized
by British officials. The severance OF
relations between Germany and the
United States deprlves Entente prison.
ers in Germany and Austria of Ameri-
can assistance, for.one thing, and there
is grave doubt of the ability of any
other neutral accomplishing the same
results.
Then. there is the danger that now
confronts Belgian relief work. Inc
British fear that hundreds Of thousands
of Belgians will starve, once the Amer
lean relief commission is withdrawn.
The status of Americans in Belgium
attached to the Relief Commission IS
causing the Relief Commission anxiety;
The London headquarters has cabled
TO Washington for instructions.
II is believed here that the rupture
between the United States and Ger.
many will result in the withdrawal Of
the American Minister, Brand Whit
lock. from Belgium, but 1t is hoped
continue the relief work.
Believe War Certain
The part that the United States will
plav in the war, however. is the chief
topic Of conversation. There is niue
belief felt in any quarter that America
can now keep out of actual war. news
of fhe sinking of the American steamer
Uousatonic confirmed the general pc
lief that a few days Only would sufhce
10 see the United States drawn INTO
the maelstrom. -,
Another topic Of conversation is the
possibility of the German merchantmen
in American ports being selZed ana
pressed into transatlantic service. WIN
a great part of neutral shipping heid IN
European ports on account OF the ger
man declaration, the addition TO tne
Atlantic trade Of all the German SHIPS
now in American ports would be OF IN
second only to the action of America
herself is the effect it is bound to have
on the European neutrals. They are
awaiting Americas lead, and some, IL
not all. are sure TO follow her action.
England awaits their action with the
keenest of expectation.
Then comes the moral effect on the
peoples Of the Entente and the Central
Powers. Upon those of the Allies II
Is bound to have a heartening and
streupthening effect. Conversely, upon
the peoples Of the Central Powers
Americas action must have demon
alizing and depressing effect TO know
that the rest of the world is against
them. This is what British statesmen
mean when they rejoice over the moral
support Of America.
Lord Northcliffe voiced the very gen
eral feeling when he said TO me to.nlght:
| "Mv view is that Great Britain is very
| glad of Americas support. While we
! welcome her assistance IN financing
Russia. Italy, Rumanla, Montenegro
[ Serbia and Belgium, We can finish inc
, fighting Job by ourselves. Her mora
support is of immense value to us ana
to all neutrals:
"When the history Of this war is
writtep. the United States VIII want
and will deserve a place. Americans
are good fighters. Those now fighting
in France prove that the present gen
Grafton has lost none of the ability OF
their fathers and grandfathers. The
Germans are desperate; they have
gone mad.
Many Americans Sail Home
Although large crowds of homeward
bound Americans left the city this
morning. the demands for transporta,
ton were far less urgent than had
been expected.
At the American Embassy and con-
sulate the scene resembled that IN the
early days Of the war. CROWDS OF
American travellers were seeking pass
ports and making inquiries.