Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-03-29
Resources of Nation Made Ready
for Any Emergency.
PLAN TO AID THE ALLIES
Stated After Cabinet Meeting That
This Government Intends to Aid
the Entente in Every Possible
Way-NsVal Officers Would
Send U-Boat Chas-
ers to Barred
Zone

lean government has decided that
steps to meet the situation with Ger
many shall include preparation for
effective and aggressive warfare in
addition to measures for the protec-
ton of shipping.
SO far, it was learned after the
cabinet meeting. there has been no
decision as to whether the sending
of q military force TO Europe shall
be proposed, but the army, the navy
and the Industrial resources of the
nation are to be made ready for any
demand that may be made upon
them.
Plans Aggressive Warfare.
It was stated after the cabinet
meeting that this government intends
20 help the allies in every possible
way. The question of an alliance will
be discussed with members of the
| senate and leaders In the house. In
| any event there will be working
| agreement which will place the re-
sources of this country at the dis
posaI of the allies and may lead TO
1
| waters.
High naval officers are advising the
dispatch OF destroyers and motor
beats to English. French and Med
itegranean waters to help clear them
of German submarines.
Aroused by Sinking.
The president and his cabinet dis
cussed the German situation with the
greatest care. There was sharp de-
nancsatien of the action OF German
submarines In sinking the American
OIL tanker Healdson, resulting in &
loss of seven and possibly more Amer
lean lives, and also the Dutch steamer
La Campine, with Americans on
board Both of these ships were
destroyed outside the prohibited area,
and this fact served to emphasize the
belief of officials that Germany has
tfFown aside all pretense Of regard
for neutral rights and intends to run
amucR upon the sea.
The shipping board Will expedite
the construction of cargo boats for
the conveyance OF supplies to Eng
land, France. Italy and Russia. En-
enlargement will be lent to credits for
the saf1ied powers. In short, the Unit
ed States, according TO the decision
of the president, will not SIT idle. II
viii prepare for effective and aggres-
sive warfare, and will put its plans
into execution.
Going Slow on Army.
The administration Is going slow,
however, in the matter of creating a
large army Recommendations will
be made to ongress-universal train
ing undoubtedly will be advised-but
the president will await legal action
by that body before modelling the mi
| litia.
SO far as the navy is concerned
| that must be recruited without delay
| up TO the emergency number author
led, and in addition congress will be
/ asked to appropriate for probably So
| 900 additional seamen. In order to
| provide sufficient commissioned off
| GERS, Secretary Daniels has assigned
TO active duty a large number of re-
tired officers.
Fifty Destroyers Wanted
Secretary Daniels will hold a con-
ference with shipbuilders today TO
urge lhem to CONSTRUCT torpedO-boat
destroyers with the utmost rapidly.
/ the secretary has his way, the de-
Stroyers, contracts for which are vet
to be given will be completed within
-en months. From % to q months
rs been the customary time.
Congress has authorized the con
'truction Of only Is destroyers. If
he shipbuilding plants can turn them
out. 80 will be ordered at once and
congress will be asked to approve the
lction taken. During the next two or
three days contracts will be let for
some 800 submarine chasers, bids for
which have been received,