Arizona republican., 1917-03-23
MEDIATION. No
MEANS To END
PREPARATIONS
TRepubIican A. p. Leased Wirel

that a European neutral might offer
mediation to prevent open war between
the United States and Germany has
come to the administration without
causing surprise or in any way affect
ing the governments plans for meet
ing the situation forced by submarine
ness. Such a proposal is re-
nothing more than an
o.. AyAuz~ Germany with
tlos.ih19 the h19e airjd,n.- ! 7IVIsnae fbis a%s
country while the destrucrrv- Amer
lean lives and ships on the high seas
continue.
At the state department today Off
cials would neither deny nor confirm
that the government already had been
approached on this subject, although
it was admitted informally that some
such move was not unexpected. 1t was
very emphatically stated that TO suS-
gestion Of mediation would be Consid
cred unless it was accompanied by
abandonment of illegal assaults upon
American shipping, a course to which
there is no reason for believing the
imperial government is giving
thought.
The feeling in all quarters here is
that the United States has done every
thing possible with honor to avoid the
virtual state of war now existing
through German aggression. So long as
this aggression continues, officials say,
there is nothing to be done but adopt
measures of defense, and no basis eX-
lists for discussion.
During the ten days that must elapse
before congress assemblies, President
Wilson will give close personal atten-
ton to the preparations going forward
through the war and navy depart
ments. He saw no callers today. but
was in touch with both of the depart
ments. One OF the duties he performed
| was the signing of a formal proclama
| ton suspending the eighthou law as
applied to plants engaged on naval
| work. step authorized by congress as
a part of the general plans for speed
| Ing up construction.
! Secretary Baker, as chairman of the
| council Of national defense, today called
| the council and its advisory committee
| of heads of great industrial concerns
/ to meet here Saturday to discuss how
| much more work is necessary to put
the country in state OF adequate
| preparedness for defense. The counCi
already has accomplished much toward
| mobilization of the nations resources
| Samuel Gompers, as chairman OF thC
! councils committee on labor, ISSUED
invitations to a large number OF work
| men. employers and scientists to ac
| cept membership on the committee anC
| attend it's first meeting April ,.
Additional efforts TO stimulate re
| cruiting for the navy were iaunche'
during the day. The response to tn
recruiting service during the last fey
months mas been the best on RECORD
but Secretary Daniels is determined t
recruit to- the full authorized strengt
Of "a 100 men.
Word was received that every shi
building plant capable Of building de
| stroyers would be represented at tn
| department Saturday when a grea
| number of orders win be placed. III
| department plans to build to the flu
! capacity of the yards, and the numbe
| of destroyers to be ordered can be de
| termined only when that capacity
known. A standard type boat the thiI
, ty-five knot vessel designed last yea
will be ordered.
The only army order given out toda
was the recall of the 22nd infantT
! from the border, assigned to Governor
, Island. New York The regiment
| destined to be used in connection wit
, | spring training camp work and a reg
| ment also will be sent to the centr
department for that purpose. The 22r
g, has been under canvas practically col
| tinually since early in 1911 when
: ! vas called out for border service. !
service in the field has been more COZ
| tinuous than that of any other infant
| unit.