The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1917-02-17
BY ROBERT v RENDER

I star CORES yOHdcnt United Pycss)
WASHINGTON. Feb. iT.--Aftsr
two weeks OF broken relations with
Germany. President Wilson today
nnds the international situation In
creasingly dinicult
A break with Austria seems im-
pending In view OF persistent re-
ports that all negotiations tending
TO dissuade Austria from following
the U.boat course OF Germany. have
failed.
OnciAls are convinced ths eco
monte situation In the United
States. result OF the virtual block
ade Of American ports by the Ger
man U-boat decree. makes some ac-
ton designed TO open the way for
American shipping. Imperative
Absence OF word from American
consular agents In Central power
countries IL taken 20 Indicate that
Germany plans no relaxation In her
course OF interference with Amcf-
can privileges and American rights.
In spite % these developments OF
the last two weeks. however. there
IL no beIllserent step immediately
In sight. according 10 those immedL
ately In the presidents councils.
The most distressing problem 10
hat OF American shipping. now
nearly AZ standstill In American
harbors--s virtual recognition OF
The effectiveness OF the German
blockade.
Furthermore. a. an additional
thorn In the side OF this govern.
ncnt. Germany. according to Berlin
dispatches, boldly announces she
Till sink any American merchant
nan that IL armed without the
usual formaiitIes OF warning. In
specuon or any other courtesy.
Meantime England announces
new measures for combating the
u.boat plague and the decreasing
number OF victims leads many on
clals here 70 believe the submarine
campaign II fxling out.
The presidents course toward
Austria In sull yelled.
II IL possible the president might
sever relations with Austria, with
out appearing again before oon-
gress.
On the other hand be might take
advantage OF that opportunity "a
notify congress the time had como
20 prepare foF further eventuAitties
and AJAX the means OF protectins
American lives and property.
Owing TO the fact that congress
soon adjourns he might ask for
necessary powers now. 10 be used
later ~ necessary. thereby preciud-
ing the necessity OF converting tho
new congress late IN the sprIng or
next summer for any action he
deemed necessary short OF war.
7, already has been clearly indi-
Gated his next step viii not DO .
declaration OF hostilities.
n President Wilson should de-
eide TO start hostilties with Ger.
many after March I. the country
would have TO walt is OF 20 days
10 learn whether congress will sup
port him.
The president At this time could
go before congress al any hour and
ask for its approval OF a declara,
tiOn OF war, a. provided by the con.
st,tution. But members OF the
house today declared they think he
would not want TO ask an expiring
congress TO declare war that must
be carried on In the next congress-
The siIty.fourth congress ends q
noon. Sunday March 4 The house,
IN meet March S. would have 10 ~
ganiEe before II could do any work
The senate. however. In . continu-
ing body and will be In session aft.
or March 4 20 confirm members OF
The new cabinet. Should President
Wilson decide on March 4 90 ASK
congress TO declare war, he -v~sd
have TO keep the senate In session
and give members Of the next con.
grees in the house enough time 10
get TO Washington and organize be-
fore they voted on the question Of
dec laring war Many member.
tho, wfll be IN Washington Cor ID
auxunaticn and moro Than q anorun