The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-02
BY ROBERT j. BENDER.

course to meet Germany's declaration
for unrestricted warfare on the high
seas
Thus far-up to early afternoon
steps suggested by Secretary Of State
Lansing and others have failed to re-
ceive the presidents approval
Today the president will meet his
cabinet and Senator Stone, chairman
of the foreign relations committee. for
advice and counsel
The stormy and uncertain hours of
past crises with Germany We're being
repeated but with even greater ten
sion. the country awaited the pres
ident's decision.
Courses in Opposition.
The governments course of action
appeared to be limited to two dia-
metrically opposed lines. Authorities
said he president may follow the
scrictly legal and logical course, de-
manded as natural sequence to this
cuuntry's diplomatic negotiations with
Germany. This would mean break
But. disregarding precedent, he may
launch forth an entirely new doctrine
Of neutrality. urging the patience, sac
rifice and concession from this coun-
try that he has asked of the belliger
ents, in order to hold the United states
free to administer what he has termed
the greater service to mankind"
Which course he will choose, no one
knew early today.
The president himself shows plainly
the effect of hours of study and worry
in attic mpting to find solution of the
problem.
Dealing With ErenZicd Nation.
-
that the fighting nations ARE seeing
red that those governing the bellig-
ereut nations have reached a pitch of
frenzy where they are not responsible
for the acts they do. Behind this
thought lies his firm conviction that
the people of Germany-those back
in the homes-do not want war with
the United States and the people of
the United States do not want war
with them.
Friends say it was this conviction
tina caused the president to stand out
against war with Germany. in the
face of much opposition even in his
own cabinet, Immediately after the
sinking of the Lusitania. At that
time he took the position that we
must not act untilN we can act with
GOODNESS"
day to be the staying influence which
has caused a delay in determining
upon course of action, which, if law
and logic were pursued to the letter,
could mean at least a break in rela-
tions between the United States and
Germany.
The conference between the pres
ident and Senator Stone this after
noon promises to be historic.
The last time they met under SINH
lar conditions was following the Sus-
sex sinking. Then there were plain
and strong words.
Threatened 70 Break Relations.
The president declared then that if
this country pursued its diplomatic
life as a result of a U-boat attack
friendly relations between the United
States and Germany would cease. Such
a severance of relations, the pres
ident added, would result in war, ac-
cording to his information.
At the close of the meeting he
promised Stone he would never take
a step which would result in actual
war until they had conferred together.
Today the picturesque Missouri SEN
ator is fastening back to Washington
for the meeting.
In Teuton quarters, despite some
buster, hope is held that no action
will come from the United States Tor
a week at least. After that time, Ger
man officials believe all danger will
he passed, because, they believe
Americans will voluntarily not travel
on the sea thru fear of possible in
jury. and American ship owners will
follow the German warnings in order
to preserve their ships.
TeutOn Diplomats Cocksure
The danger, Teuton diplomats av
81 in the possibility of some ''unfor-
tunate mistake" before the week is
up
In the meantime, ''guesses'' as 10
he presidents probable course con-
tinued along a wide range. Some
went so far as 20 believe he would
urge concert of neutrals, along the
lines of a league TO enforce peace, to
compel Germany to cease her unre-
strained activities.
A prominent neutral diplomat. how
ever. saw little hope in such a plan.
Z. S. Official Takes Charge.
Charleston 3 c. Feb 9-CpIIeatnr