The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-04-08
MOnOcal Authorized to Use
Armed Forces Against the
German Government.
FOUR GERMAN SHIPS
TAKEN BY OFFICIALS
Captain of One COnfesses
He Damaged Ship Accord
ing to His Orders.

Havana, Cuba, April Cuba, not
yet out of her teens as republic. is
at war with Germany-the first Of the
Latin American countries to range
herself alongside the United States,
her liberator and protector.
At 7l5 p. IN. tonight, President
Menocal signed the joint resolution
passed unanimously late this after
noon by the senate and house. thus
putting into effect the declaration that
n state of war exists between Cuba
and Germany.
The joint committees appointed ONLY
yesterday by the senate and house
agreed early this afternoon upon the
phraseoloey OF the resolution and the
stage was set for quick action before
congress convened
In Senate and House.
Tho senate acted with extreme so
lemnity. The resolution was read.
DR.. Ricardo Dolz, conservative leader.
then took the floor and made a short,
impressive speech IN It's favor. No
amendments were offered and the II
senators present vote AYE" when the
motion was put. There was no ap-
planse nor excitement following the
vote.
The scene in the house was more
enliNening. The galleries were packed
the minister of France, Spain and
Uruguay occupying seats in the diplo-
matte section.
After the reading OF the resolution.
Representative Alfredo Retancourt.
speaking for the conservatives, made
an impassIoned speech in favor of It's
adoption He was frequently inter-
rupted by tremendous applause, the
entire house and galleries rising to
their feet. cheering and clapping
wildly.
Jose NJ. Cortinia addressed the
house for the liberal side in support
of the resolution. Then by a rising
vote the house adopted the resolution.
The Resolution.
The resolution follows:
Article 1-Resolved, that from to-
day state of war Is formally declared
between the republic Of Cuba and the
imperial government of Germany and
the president of the republic is au-
thorized and directed by this resolu-
tton to employ all the forces of the
nation and the resources of our GOV
eminent to make war against the I'M
perial German government with the
object OF maintaining our rights.
guarding our territory and providing
for our security; prevent any acts
which may be attempted against us,
and defend the navigation of the seas.
the liberty of commerce and the rights
of neutrals and international justice.
Article 2-The president of the re-
public is hereby authorized to use all
the land and naval forces in the form
he may deem necessary, using existing
forces. reorganizing them or creating
new ones, and to dispose of the eco
nomic forces of the nation in any way
he may deem necessary.
Article 3.-The president will give
account to congress of the measures
adopted in fulfillment of this law.
which will be in operation from the
moment of its publication in the off,
cial gazette.
Ships Seized.
Late this afternoon Chief INSPECTOR
of the Port Panne, notified Eisebio
AZpiazu, secretary to the president,
that large volumes of smoke were
pouring from the funnel of the self
interned German ship Bavaria Port
Eolice were informed by her comman-
der. Captain Graafles, that he, In COM
pliance with orders from his govern
ment. had attempted to damage the
machinery in order to render the ship
useless.
The crew, together with the captain
and his wife. were removed as were
the crews of three other interned Ger
man ships in the harbor. All were
sent to Cabanas fortress. v.a.
The other vessels were found to
have been slightly damaged. They
are the Adelheid. Kydonia and olivant.