Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-02-20
CBy Associated Press,

(By Associated PrcsS.)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE subma-
rine situation seemed at standstflf
today with the government apparently
closely watching Developments. steadily
preparing itself for eventualities. ana
adhering' to its plans for taking action
to protect American rights when the
moment arrives.
The slackening of the ruthless cam-
paign in the last three or four days il
regarded as reducing the chance Of an
attack on an American ship or loss OF
American lives, but with the coming Of
warmer weather it is expected; to in
crFase in intensity.
There was no further Indication TO-
day of the presidents plans - So
fSsfcrs CONGRESS - 80 - ll5iias
authority.
Through the Spanish embassy the
state department has been informed
that the American sailors taken as pri-
soners to Germany on the prize steamer
Yarrowdale would be released shortly"
The state department. through the
Swiss minister, forwarded to Berlin Sat
urday a request for their immediate re-
lease A previous message inquired as
to the reason for keeping the men
prisoners and insisting upon their re-
lease
OFFICIALS IMPATIENT.
Because of the slow and uncertain
communication between Washington and
Berlin, state department officials were
unable to decide whether today's dis
patch was in answer to its last request
or the previous one State department
officials are watching the situation with
some impatience.
Austria's real attitude perpleXes Of
ficials here and there is hope that AM
bassador Penfield will md some way to
influence the Vienna government not to
formally sanction the extreme position
taken by Germany. No answer has been
received to a direct inquiry as to wheth-
er Austria intended to follow Germany.
1t was authoritatively said at the
state department today that so far moth
ing has been heard from. the central
pLwerS as TO what course they would
take in the event that the United States
authorized the arming of American mer-
chant ships.
1t was stated definitely that President
going before congress, although it was
not denied that he still. is considering
the ACCESSIBILITY of such step. In some
quarters it was believed possible that he
might conclude not to go to congress at
present.
Officials generally said, however, that
some means must be found for getting
American. and other vessels to resume
sailings. While consideration has been
tn rin fOr apr
ing and conveying merchant men, it was
considered possible that before long the
vessels may sail of their own accord.
TENSION IS LESSENED
Although officials maintain reticence,
there has been an. Unmistakable lessen
ing in the tension within the last two or
three days
ECUADOR'S PROPOSAL
Some interest was manifested here
today in Eucadorss proposal for
congress of American nations
to meet Immediately and take
1.-The necessary measures for Sc
curing a continental expression, princi-
pally for the guarantee of the rights
of neutrality, and if ii is-. possible, for
the alienation of the rigors of war"
Tobar Borgona, Educadorean minister
of foreign relations, made the suggestion
in a note to the Mexican minister of
foreign rela IlOnS responding 10 den6Eal
Carranza's note to the United States and
all neutral nations, suggesting an en-
barge on foodstuff and munitions ex-
ports as a means of bringing the war to
an end.
Borgona's communication. dated at
Quito, February II, says joint action of
all American nations is needed to pro-
duce results as ''the labor of one, sep
arate from the others, it has been DEM
onstrated, is unfruitful" Ecuador,
therefore, believes it essential that ,
there should be an immediate session
of an American congress which could
meet, for example, in Uruguay"
British Steamer Leaves
Savannah With Cotton
SAVANNAH, Ga, Feb. 19-The Brit