The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1917-02-05
LAST DAY OF
Grace in new
U-BOAT ZONES

Omitted Press Leased wire.)
WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. s.
This government entered today
upon the real danger period in its
position toward Germany, for the
time of grace for neutral shipping
In the new war area expires.
At the same time, three mo-
mentous developments have come
to improve what some officials
insist are possibilities of a peace
full outcome:
Germany has yielded to
this cOuntry's demands made
a few hours before the break
In relations came, for Inn
mediate release of Americans
held prisoner in Germany.
President Wilson has ask
ed all neutrals to follow his
course in severing diplomatic
relations with Germany, oe-
lieving such action twill
make for the peace of the
world"
Germany has met the full
demands of international law
In the HOusatOnic case.
This government has yet to
reach a decision on relations with
Austria.
Careful consideration has led
officials to feel that the break
with her will not come, however,
unless Austria herself precipitates
tiff she has not already.
Whether peace continues or war
Is to come. the present situation
with Germany should develop
within a few days, it is officially
believed.
Preparing Nation.
With that time, the attitude of
most of the neutral nations will
become publicly known and
whether or not Germany intends
to halt or continue the campaign
President Wilson called ruthless,
will also develop.
At the same time he is employ
ing the mailed fist to emphasize
bis peace hopes, the president is
taking every step to prepare the
country for eventualities more Sc
rious than those already develop
cd,
With diplomatic relations at an
end, there is always the constant
danger that the situation between
the United States and Germany
Will develop into a state of war;
officials realize such a severance
OF relations has always been fol-
lowed by war.
At any moment an unfortunate
mistake or deliberate act by
some U-boat commander may
bring the spark" to our shores.
Looks to Neutrals.
The attention of the U. S. gov
eminent today now centers upon
neutral nations of the world.
The president has indicated
clearly that his move in breaking
relations with Germany is design
ed to lead neutral countries in a
great moral effort-backed by
arms il necessary-to enforce
peace.
The president has formally re-
quested full and immediate re-
ports from American representa-
ttves in the neutral capitals on
the reception of his suggestion as
to similar action.
Owing to the fact that this gov
eminent has always stood out for
individual or parallel" action in
stead of joint action, there are
unofficial indications that many
or the countries now will decline
to enter a parallel effort to force
Germany into modifying her sub
marine war.
The ruling classes of Spain and
Sweden are generally understood
to be somewhat pro-German, while
the other Scandinavian countries
lean the other way.
Holland May Keep Out.
Holland, it is believed by some
authorities here, will stand out of
the struggle entirely, owing to the
fact that Germany has made excep-
tional concessions to her, doubtless
influenced by the presence of a
Dutch army of 100000 on her bor-
der 20 miles from the Essen mu-
milton works.
A majority of officials hold this
belief, but there are others who
are not so sure Holland will be
able to keep out. These officials
pointed to the fact that Germany
also has large forces grouped on
the Dutch frontiers, Switzerland,
being an interior nation, is not
directly affected by the new Ger
man warfare.
Hence the greatest significance
will be attached to the attitude of
the South American countries, as
their decision may prove to be an
influence of great weight on Spain
and the Scandinavian countries.
South American newspapers and
some South American diplomats
here have indicated that Presi-
dent Wilson is perhaps now too
late in changing his former course
of strictly isolated action.
Germany Won't Alter.
Despite the efforts of President
Wilson to change Germany's plans
by moral force, there is a strong
belief that she will not alter. And
this view had strong backing when
United Press dispatches from Ber-
lin showed that close Berlin OBJ
servers would be surprised If Ger
many modified her warfare now.
The possibility-even the prob
ability OF war-will not deter the
president, however, from proceed