The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-06
Unanimously Approve America
Conduct Against Germany.
Switzerland, First to Answer,
Turns Wilson Down.
WOULD Be PEACEMAKERS
Spain Now Logical Nation for
Peace Kites.
South American Nations Also
Refuse to Break.

Washington Feb. 6.-Information
that Switzerland will not adopt Pres
ident Wilson's suggestion that in the
interest of the world peace other neu-
trails follow the lead of the United
States and break off diplomatic rela-
tons with Germany was received here
today. So far as is known, this Is
the first response.
Spains taking over of American in
terests in Germany and Switzerland's
similar action for German interests
here are interpreted as removing both
these neutrals from participation in
the break in relations. Spanish Am
bassador Riano, who conferred with
state department officials today. said he
had advices that Spains answer to the
German notification would be made
public today or tomorrow, but that he
did not know its contents. He init
mated it was doubtful if Spain would
formally reply to President wilson's
note to neutrals as her taking over of
American interests in Germany indi-
Gated that no matter how seriously
she might protest Germany,s actions.
she would not as yet sever diplomatic
relations.
Spain is the largest neutral now alb
solutely free from entanglements in
the war and Is by far the best
equipped automatically to serve as an
Intermediary between the bel1igerent
groups.
Spain Merely Protests.
Madrid, Feb. Spain made for
NAL protest to Germany against the
unlimited submarine campaign in
augurated February 1 in a note hand
ed to the German ambassador here to-
day
| Action in sending a note of protest
| irr1r1 fa II of la
items between Spain and Germany. 1t
is stated, however. that the note de-
clines to suspend Spanish shipping. so
that danger of an. overt act by Ger
many will continually be present.
Except for a few known pro-Ger-
man newspapers and those represent
ing the clerical party, the whole Span
iSh press is unit in approval of
firm course by Spain. at whatever
cost. Enthusiastic approval is voiced
of the course taken by the United
States.
Humanity Grateful to U. S.
Humanity should be grateful to the
United States,' declared Ell Pals in an
editorial typical of the general attitude
| of the press.
American Ambassador willard at
| Madrid has beer. in the closest touch
/ with Premier Romanones during the
| last few days. Madrid dispatches to-
| day did not indicate whether Spain
has yet prepared formally to answer
President Wilson's invitation to all
neutrals to join with America. Pre-
| sumably such action awaits Germany's
receipt of the note which Spain will
send today.
Not Hunting Any War.
Rio de Janerio. Feb. 6.-Brazil has
sent, or is about to send to Germany.
a formal note protesting against vio-
lation of international conventions IN
the German submarine policy and de-
claring it 'imperils the lives of Bra
lillian citizens and is a blow at Brazil
ian interests"
Announcement to this effect was
made today. Foreign Minister Lauro
Muller, discussing the ministerial con-
fidence which last night decided on
this policy, remarked:
eff the storm strikes US, we must
bear it, but we need not run to
meet it,
Serious Problem in Holland.
The Hague, Feb. 6.-Premier Cort
van Der Linden made the following
statement in the second chamber of
the Dutch parliament today:
Serious events occupy the govern
ments attention. At the present mo-
ment it is impossible to give informa-
ton regarding them, but the govern
ment will not neglect to give the
chamber information as soon as ex-
pedient. There is no reason at this
moment for special anxiety"
Swiss Reply Forwarded.
Geneva, Feb. 6.-President Wilson's
! special note to the Swiss government
| inviting 1T to join the United States In
action regarding Germany was dis
cussed at length today at an extra
ordinary meeting of the federal coun-
ell. The text of the Swiss reply has
/ been telegraphcd to Washington and
will be published here as soon as it
| has been received by President Will
| CONTINUED on Page Two.b