The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-02-05
ENTERING THE
DANGER PERIOD
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DANGER PERIOD
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dividual or parallel action instead
OF joint action, there are unofnciai
indications that many OF the coun
tries now will decline to enter a
parallel effort to force Germany INC
modifying her submarine war. The
ruling classes of Spain and Sweden
are generally understood to be some
what pro-German while the other
Scandinavian countries lean the
other way.
Holland, 1t is believed, by some
authorities here, will stay out OF the
struggle entirely. owing to the 1act
that Germany has made exceptional
concessions to her, doubtless tnfiu-
enced by the presence OF a four nun
dred thousand Dutch army on her Dor
der twenty miles from the Essen mu-
( milton works.
A majority OF officials hold this be-
Z lief, but there are others who are not
SO sure Holland will be able to keep
out. These officials pointed to the
fact that Germany also has large
forces grouped on the Dutch frontiers.
But even these officials say they pc
Iieve that if Holland does change her
present status. it would probably De
actually 10 enter the war anu not
merely sever relations, as the presi-
dent calls on neutral nations today.
Switzerland, being an interior nation.
Is not directly affected by the new
German warfare.
Hence the greatest significance Will
be attached to the attitude OF the
South American countries as tneir
decision may prove to be an influence
OF great weight on Spain ana the
Scandinavian countries.
South American newspapers ana
some South American diplomats here
have indicated that President Wilson
Is perhaps now too late in changing
his former course of strictly isolated
action.
Despite the efforts of President
Wilson to change Germany's plans by
moral force, there is strong BELIEF
that she will not alter. And this view
had strong backing when United Press
dispatches from Berlin showed that
close Berlin observers would be sur
prised IL Germany modified her war
: fare now
The possibility-even the probable
ity of war-will not deter the pres
ident, however, from proceeding IN
his efforts so long that there Is
thousand to one chance OF success.
On the other hand. II war is the only
answer, he is ready for it, as he said
In notifying neutrals, he will ask pow
err to protect Americans in their
rights.
Preparations that will make the ma
ton ready to afford its citizens and
its ships this protection. continued to-
day
The work of affording protection to
government property and especially
government and navy property and
private and public property that would
serve the country in case OF war. Is
going on raidly.
Note From Austria.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-Austria
has sent the United States note
practically identical with the German
declaration OF unrestricted sea war
fare. but despite this the admtnistra-
: ton Is making every effort to get
change on Austria's part and avoid
break similar to the German rupture.
These negotiations have proceeded
for the past two days. Because or
them the state department has with
held the text Of the Austrian note
and has refused all comment regard
ing it, further than to say 1t had
communication from Austria. The
purport of the note has been gener-
ally understood. but confirmation OF
its exact nature was not available
until today.
Because of its interest in caring
for thousands Of prisoners this gov
eminent is anxious to continue reia-
lions with Austria if honorably pos
sible. 1t is trying to get Austria to
relax her position.
A Berlin wireless message picked
I'D in London, saying that negotfa-
tons were proceeding for a change
IN u boat warfare. may refer to the
dealings between the United States
end Austria.
Austria as the result of a commune
cation from the state department
may be taking the matter up with
the German government with view
IN modifying the whole submarine
policy. or at least withdrawing her
position.
Authorities held that Austria could
withdraw her support Of Germany
logically fnasmuch as Austrian sub
marines never had operated to any
extent in the main part Of the Ger.
man barred area, though the barred
zone would apply to Austrian subma.
rines in the Mediterranean.
Should break come, however. an
Interesting problem would confront
the state department in disposing Of
Count Parnowski, sent over here as
ambassador from Austria.
Tarnowsh has never rendered his
credentials to President Wilson and
hence is not officially recognized as
an ambassador. AS a matter of fact
he Is nothing more than private
citizen who has received unusual
recognition from this country in that
he was declared acceptable to the
L. S. as Austria's official report
The official passport would there
fore be given to the Austrian charge,
Baron Zwiedinek. The ground for
sending Tarnowski home, should he
by chance oppose leaving, would be