The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-03-21
ALL MEMBERS OF
|. CAB|NET UNITE
IN THIS STAND
UNANIMOUS THAT A
STATE OF WAR EXISTS
Formal Declaration by Con-
gress to That Effect
IS Desired.

WASHINGTON, D. c.. March
20.-For two hours today, Presi-
dent Wilson discussed the inter-
national crisis with his cabinet,
and heard urgent suggestions that
the date for the extra session of
Congress fixed for April IS, be set
forward to consider further steps
in defense Of American commerce
against German submarines. It
Is understood there was not q
dissenting voice. against this ad-
vice.
The Presiden himself did not
express his views, and so far as
could be learned later had not
finally decided upon the course. to
be pursued. The prevailing belief
was that he would announce the
call for an earlier meeting OF con-
aress tomorrow.
Among officials virtually the
unanimous opinion is that In spite
Of the technical armed neutrality
status of the United States, ac-
tualIy a state Of war exists as the
result of the ruthless destruction
of American merchant ships and
the killing Of American citizens
in defiance Of international law
and Of the most solemn warning
one nation can give another. ne
only question is what shall be done
about it, further than the arming
of merchantmen to resist subma-
rine attack if they get the chance.
The cabinet members generally
are said to have expressed today
their willingness to support pro-
qram based on an early call tor
congress and a formal declaration
that a state of war exists between
Germany and the United States.
Tonight the President went to the
theatre-a thing he frequently
does when he has made a prel!m-
mary decision on grave question
and wants distraction in order to
look at the problem anew with
treshened mind.
After the cabinet meeting Sec
retary Daniels, saying that no new
naval orders had been issued, hur--
ried to the navy department and
went into conference with mem
bers of the general board. In
formation for the president ana
tentative plans for further naval
activities were discussed.
The only argument known 70
have been advanced in official
circles AGAINST the early calling OF
conoress was that the president
himself can do almost everything
possible Immediately. But in spite
of this argument the preponder-
ence Of official opinion seemed TO
be that congress should be sum
rnoned lust as soon as possible,
so that the full power Of the gov
ernment would be assembled IN
Washington.
A further step in the plans to
protect and promote Amer'edn
commerce was taken atteF INC
cabinet meeting when the Feoeral
war risk. bureau, under the oirec-
ton of Secretary mcAooo, an
nounced q new policy of !nsurIng
American ships. under which poll
cies would be written on all yes,
sells except those carrying actual
munitions of war. UP to the pres
ent no insurance was granted on
ships laden with cargoes tisted oy
the bellieerents as contraoano
and this has barred almost every
American product.
plans for organizing patrol
souadrons Of privately owned
motorboats and yachts along. the
Atlantic coast were discussed TO-
niuht at a conference between
Secretary Daniels and Captain
George r. MARVEL, an assistant
for operations. who has just re-
turned from a trip to New Yor K,
Boston and other coast points, to
enroll available craft. Captain
MaveIl reports he had arranged
contracts with many owners OF
small. speedy boats suitable for
mounting guns and chasing sub
marines or patroIIing the coast, to
turn their vessels over to the gov
ernment in an emergency. A num-
her of boat owners also agreed to
volunteer as reserve officers.
Both Secretary Daniels and Sec
retary Baker spent several hours
(conttnued on Page Eighty