Daily Kennebec journal., 1917-02-07
CABINET MEETS
AT WASHINGTON
BUT NO CHANGE
IN THE SITUATION

The position OF the government wa.
said. after the cabinet meeting, 20 bs
still one of waiting. II was stated uf'i-
cially that there had been no develop
ments TO change that attitude. IL als-
was explained authoritativcry that the
next step of the United states. II ono
is necessary. will be taken without nd
dfessing any inquiry to Germany. II
American lives or ships are ircGaliv Do
stroyed by the Germans. action viii fol-
low as soon as the fact Is established
to the Presidents satisfaction.
U. S. Self. Sustaining
Secretary Houston told The cabinet
today that data in the hands ~ tho dc-
partment shows the United Statcs can
be self sustaining. whatever may hap
pen to cut her off from tho rest III tho
world. Attorney General Gregory re-.
ported on bills which will soon bo press
ed in Congress strengthening the hands
Of government In many directions. These
include measure for suppression or
spying. lie said he and his assistants
had been busy on these questions ever
since diplomatic relations with Germany
were severed. Plans for increasing th.
force of special agents employed by tho
department for secret service work haNa
already been made and q request for an
additional appropriation FOR this worE
probably will be made of Congress In
the near future.
Secretaries Daniels and Baker went
over the plans previously taken up ~
detail with tho President himself for
strengthening the army and navy Ser-
retary Daniels said that as soon au Con-
gress gives the necessary authority
work on ships under construction will
be rushed. Mr.. Baker declared there
were no changes IN the plans for return
ing national guard units now along tho
Mexican border.
President Wilson devoted his entire day
to the German situation. Hts only caller
outside of the cabinet members was Hen
ry Morgenthau. former ambassador to
Turkey. lie read with qualification or
fers from manufacturing and business
concerns in all parts OF the United statez
to assist the government In every way
possible with their plants. These offers
were forwarded to the war and navy de
partments and many will be taken ad-
vantage OF in case OF war
So far, 1t was indicated after the cahi-
net meeting, no definite word has been
received by the state department that
any other neutral nation Contcmplatea
severing diplomatic relations with Ger
many. From the first & has been doubt
ed in some official quarters whether any
of the neutrals would take decided action
The question of severance of relations
with Austria Hungary sim remains undc
cided. II was admitted officially FOR the
first time that the dul monarchy h1d
sent note somewhat similar 70 Gcrma-
nys.
1t was explained that tho motto vaa
not Identical and that the purpose Wa
not entirely clear. Inquiries have been
sent to Ambassador Pcuncld at Vienna
asking for more complete and detail
ed statement OF AuStTia's position and
action by this government viii ho do
layed until word is received from him
The problem Of how to protect AmCr
cen merchant ships in their right tu
travel through Gcrmany'S hlorkndoi
zone IS being given earnest cuueidora.
tion. but as yet no decision hts hocu
reached Tho subject is stated 80 bc
Comp!exed neyond almost any other
that the state department has hnudlri
and il is declared impossible to give th.
immediate ruling asked for by Amor
can shippers For NJ" present tho de-
partmcnt III standing ON its original
announcement tc shippers thnt whio
sailing now Is attended with danger
both u themselves aud Tho ,ouutr'.
they have AN nalicnanlc right iu Lu
out If they so desire.