The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-05
GERARD ON TRAIN
 BOUND FOR BASIL Red Cross Active-Belgian Relief Is Stopped -Terse
 War Bulletins Issued

Geneva, February 5.-(via Paris. 1 a. m.)-The expectation is that James w. Gerard, American ambassador to Ger many, will be conducted on board a -spe- cial train to Basil, Switzerland, accord ing to dispatch from Berlin received at Zurich.
 A report. which has not yet been con firmed, is to the effect that all Ameri- cans in Germany and Austria have been ordered to quit those countries at once. A majority of those persons have only one choice of route to ports by way of Switzerland
 Washington, February 4.--Operation of all transportation facilities of the Bell gian relief commission were ordered to of negotiations through the Spanish ann bassador at Berlin tomorrow by which it is hoped to open lane of safety di- rect to Belgium for supply ships
 Fifteen of the commissions ships in or near the war zone could not be reached with new instructions and grave fear is felt for their safety.
 Washington, February 4.--William Jen- nings Bryan in an address before church congregation here today, reiterated his opposition to threatened hostilities with Germany and advocated popular ref erendum of the war question. There is no more reason why nation should ac- cept challenge to war than the indi- vidual should accept one to duel, he said.
 Tokio, February 1.-The Japanese com ment on the severance of diplomatic re- lations by the United States with Ger many compares Germany to wild beast which has turned savagely against the
 her for the good of the world. Washington, February 4-Measures to put the American Red Cross on a foot ing for active war relief fin view of present events and possible develop
 ments," were ordered today by the so- ciety's headquarters here. The 265 chap ters throughout the country were direct ed to organize first aid classes. prepare | for assembling hospital equipment and surgical supplies, list volunteer doctors
 and nurses and take any other steps nec- essary to insure complete preparedness
 for relief work.
 Rome. February 4-(Via Paris. ) Up to noon today the American em- | bassy had no ofricial confirmation of | the rupture of relations with Ger
 many. The ambassador, Thomas Nell son Page, visited the foreign minis l ter, Baron Sonnino, and had long I discussion with him on the situation i Washington. February 4.--An appeal | to organized labor in Germany to
 throw its influence against any widen ing of the break with the United States
 was cabled to Berlin today by Presi- dent Samuel Gompers of the American
 Federation of Labor The message was addressed to Carl Legien. presi-
 dent of the German Federation oi \ trades, and says:
 Cant you prevail upon German gov
 errment to avoid break with United States and thereby prevent universal conflict?'
 London, February 4.-The Exchange 1elegraphs Copenhagen correspondent | says he understands negotiations are
 in progress between the Dansih, Swed.
 ish and Norwegian governments con. corning the submarine situation.
 I Madrid. February 4.-(via Paris.
 King Alfonso and Queen Victoria at tended the opera last night. leaving at midnight. The King then received Count De Romanones, premier an,
 minister of foreign affairs, at the
 palace, where they. conferred we'll int,
 the morning
 Count De Romanones went to tn, palace again at II o'clock this morning
 and was in consultation with the Kins
 until 2 o'clock in the afternoon con
 cerning the text of Spain's reply t
 Germany's submarine note, A cabine
 meeting war then called