Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-03
NOCHANGE IN VIEW
Of GERMAN THREAT
Belief Still Prevails That Pres
ident Soon Will Order Sever
ance of Relations.
is MOVING WITH CAUTION

is MOVING WITH CAUTION
Another day may pass without def
mite knowledge of the position that
has been assumed by President Wilson
toward Germany's notification that she
proposes to run wild at sea with her
submarines and wipe enemy and neu-
trail shipping and their human accom-
paniments Off the sea.
There was not the slightest change
however, in the unanimity Of belief that
diplomatic relations with Germany will
be severed within a comparatively few
hours unless Germany is bluffing about
what she proposes to do. and she is
generally given credit for barbarous
earnestness in the desperation she an
nounces to the world.
When the news of Germany's pro-
posals first broke the only question
uppermost in official and other circles
was whether the President would i'm
mediateIy accept Germany at her word,
send Won Bernstorfs his passports and
direct Ambassador Gerard to leave
Berlin, or cautiously proceed in the
way of warning to Germany that will
make the records for the future accu-
rate as to who brought on the difficulty
between Germany and the United
States.
President Observing Caution.
Today it appears more plainly that the
President has proceeded with caution.
leaving history to determine the respofi-
h<H,
trail powers Of Europe. His exact steps.
undoubtedly agreed upon night before
last in the first conference with Secretary
started, are shrouded in mystery, but
opinion today was focusing upon the be-
lief that the President had Ambassador
Gerard promptly notified what Germany's
throughout the territory of the central
powers might be advised and get to points
Of safety. simultaneously directing Mr.
Gerard to submit to the imperial Ger
man government the final grave official
warning Of the consequences thereby
forced.
The impression long conveyed in Of
fetal circles close to the White House
is that the President has sent to Ger
many all the notes he will ever send
regarding the submarine issue between
the two, but directions to Ambassador
Gerard to convey the deep sense of the
United States as to the awful RESPONSE
bfiities assumed by Germany would not
be a note. 1t would merely be Presi-
dent Wilson's placing on record Of the
sequence Of facts preceding the break
between the countrtes-possfbly, too. In
the desperate hope that Germany might
even at the last minute be deferred
from carrying her decision into eff
feet.
Reasons Given for Delay.
1t is recalled in diplomatic channels
today that the instant severing Of re-
lations yesterday would have left con-
ditions rather bad and that much may
be gained by reasonable delay. The
safety of Americans throughout the
central powers regions is one: prepare
lions to meet the future is another.
These preparations are necessarily ex-
watching the ports: keeping close
track OF the crews of the interned Ger
man vessels throughout this country
and our possessions. to prevent, If pos
sible. scuttling or blowing up of YES
sells which will be of huge value; the
getting together of a patrol fleet of
New York and Boston that will be
ready to tackle German submarines,
and hundreds of governmental details
that do not appear on the surface.
President Wilson and his cabinet adj
yisers. who assembled in solemn SEES
sion at the executive offices this AFTER
noon, give due credit to German thor
oughness when q program is decided
upon. They know that German officials
settled upon their policy long ago and
that they have arranged everything for
the possible success of their plans. AS
part of these plans 1t is fully believed
In naval circles today that a good
sized fleet of submarines is now in At
1antic waters ready for the expected
break with the United States and
equipped to attack either shipping or
armed vessels of this country
Move Comparatively Meaningless.
II was pointed out that severing
relations is comparatively meaningless
except as a moral act Intended to inn
press neutral nations, what few there
are. II will amount to nothing, with
Germany wrecking American vessels
and killing American citizens, unless
accompanied by whatever offensive or
defensive measures the administration
may have concluded are best.
These measures possibly have been
framed for months, In anticipation OF
what is now expected. but time will be
required for getting ready for putting
have to be taken into the confidence of
the administration, SO that means may
be authorized. in addition to those now
provided.
Suggestions continued today that the
President may communicate with the
neutral governments as to the advisa-
bility of acting along lines that may
commit all these countries to steps of a
defensive nature rather than to par
ficipat ton as combatants with the allies
AS to this suggestion the official view
was that President Wilson will act
alone. without seeking to draw other
countries into plans this government
NAV propose.
II is generally recognized. though
that the neutral governments are likely
10 be drawn into the conflict. though
not for the same reasons that started
the struggle, and that II Is possible for
the neutral position to be somewhat
different from that of the allies, al.
though IN antagonism to Germany and
her methods.
Possible Procedure,
Us a step in this neutral combinn.
tion idea the thought was put forth
that the United States. instead of hand.
ing Won Bernstorff his passports a,
once, may first direct Ambassado,
Gerard to leave Germany, and probabl,
has done 50 already.
This would be in the nature of a re-
Duke to Germany. leaving to that coun-
try and her allies the act of recalling
their representatives here.
The recall of Ambassador Cara ~