Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-02-20
Unless New Developments Occur, Will Not Address
 Congress Before March.
vARROWDA!LE SEAMEN
 ARE NOT YET FREE
Spanish Minister Reports, However, That They Will Be Released "ShOrt- lys-Demands From Country for
 Relief of Freight Congestion.

WaSnlnStOn, FeD. lS.-lnere were strong indications tonight that unless sensational developments precipitate immediate action, President Wilson's next step in the crisis with Germany will be postponed until few days be- fore congress adjourns week from next Sunday.
 The belief prevails in official quar- ters and at the capitol that the presi- dent intends to ask congress for au- thority to protect Americans and their ships from illegal submarine attacks, and, as he is known to want no extra session, if it can be- avoided, it is re- garded as certain that he will address a joint meeting of the senate and house before March 4. It is stated authoritatively again tonight, however, that nothing toward that end has been done since the president visited the capitol and discussed the submarine situation with senators Saturday even- ing.
 Although recognizing the existence of majority opposition in both houses to a resolution that would give the president authority to deal with any emergency that might arise after ad- journment, administration leaders are satisfied that if such power is sought it will be given. The minority con- tention is that the executive now has power to use the nations armed forces many way short of war, and that if it is necessary the new congress could be called into session quickly.
 de hot h1 for relieving the congestion at At lantic ports, resulting from holding of American and other neutral ships in port, are pouring in at the white house and executive departments. The dis position of the administration, how ever, seems to be to await further de- velopment of Germany's policy. It is freely admitted that American rights are being violated and the government defied, and that at what the president deems the proper time the United States will assert itself.
 Y&rrOwdale Seamen Still Held. Word came from the Spanish min- lster at Berlin today that the Ameri- can prisoners of the prize ship Yar- rowdale would be released shortly" The United States will insist that, haVlng been carried to Germany against their will, the men must be gwen their freedom in some neutral country, from which they may make their way home.
 Those in charge of the work of pre- pairing the nation for possible hostili ues, which has gone steadily forward ngnt and day since several of diplO- matlc relations, now believe it has reached the stage where the country's resources can be marshalled quickly TOT public service if the need comes.
 Alter two weeks of intensive prepa- ration by army and navy officials an oroer was issued today under which ah immediate appraisement will be made and the exact condition of the regular fighting forces reported to the president. There was no indication ulat the move reflected any increased apprehension as to the imminence of ..'sesntualltis, .'s but it was said some de- 'alas or the military and naval organi- aauons remain in an unsatisfactory s" o.as, ana that the president was ~uAious s.I to know just where further S'sps would be necessary.
 m some quarters it was suggested n uat the appraisement was to be made .;. Aow so that additional recommends tls ,otia to congress for emergency legis- ns ,auon might be made during the re- Malalhg two weeks of the session. ius. t;e or the administrations sugges- nnt nuns TOT legislation already have been nne ono 'ato form and acted on in at least nro, re house, and it is thought that if vtslsions pautans are deemed necessary to addos .ect the defense laws they can be Sea wav to the measures already on their way to enactment.
 As!! "ork on Defense Progresses.
 zatio" io,ue rom the emergency authori- minia. nEas TOT the army and navy, the ad- yis;on yi;ratlon has earnestly sought re- lawS 1,va or the espionage and shipping otSs, ta%s and mobilization of business and nsf Ths resources for national service. row Nv as senate is expected to act tomor- ment Va n. 'ne bill framed for the curtail- measu as or the activities of spies, and the msnsa snsure giving authority to com
 1eer ships will come up in a few