The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-02-10
NEARER 4 BREAK
WITH GERMANY
The Submarine Menace Grows
More Threatening as the
Time Passes.
CABINET HOLDS LOEG SESSION
President Wilson and Senators Hold
Night conference(at Capitol
Plans Are Kept Secret.

Washington, Feb. 3.-The subma-
rine menace sweeps on and every hour
draws the United States nearer a
break with Germany
No restraining developments ap-
pear to stem the tide. Official Wash
ington is convinced the crash is only
q matter Of time and q question Of
forms.
A long session of the Cabinet and
a dramatic night meeting of the Pres
ident and senators at the capitol de-
Veloped a unanimity Of opinion that
challenge to the honor of the United
States must be met
The means of doing so appears to
be the only question undetermined.
THE President" said one senator,
left us with the suggestion of a
nights reflection and of action by
word or deed before Monday"
When President Wilson and his ad-
visors parted for a nights reflection"
as the President himself put it ap-
parently it had not been determined
whether the United States should de-
lay action until Germany commits an
overt act, or whether passports should
be handed to Count Won Bernstorff
with or without a warning note to
Berlin
After the President and the Cabinet
had been in session more than two
hours, Mr. Wilson hurried to the Capt.
toI and this statement was issued at
the White House:
1.-The President and the Cabinet
thoroughly canvassed the situation,
but there is nothing to announce"
Something Very, Very Serious"
Members of the Cabinet, sworn to
silence, left the White House with
grave faces. One of them later suf-
ficiently broke the rule of silence to
say:
1.-The near future will develop some
thing very, very serious
Another gave a hint that the prob
ability of some overt act might be
awaited or at least a warning given
| by saying:
1.-The last chance has not yet gone.
While Germany has announced her
purpose, she has not yet carried it
into effect, so far as we know"
The Cabinet unanimously agreed,
however, that the United States must
under no circumstances countenance
such an invasion of its rights as Ger
manys campaign of ruthlessness pro-
poses.
Discussed Three Propositions.
At the Capitol the President had an
hours conference alone with Senator
Stone, chairman of the foreign rela-
! tons committee, and then sent out
word that he sought the views OF all
senators. Many Democrats hurried to
a room on the second floor. Seated
Herewith, with senators grouped
about him in semi-circle, the Presi
dent gave no indication of a decision
Of his own, but frankly announced he
had come to hear their opinions. Tc
induce open expressions, he was care
full not to specify what he had in his
own mind, but invited a discussion OF
three propositions:
To break off diplomatic relations
with Germany at once, and deliver
Ambassador Won Bernstorffs pass
ports tomorrow;
To delay action until some overt act
has been committed against the rights
Of the United States;
To re-define the position of the
United States, as outlined all through
the submarine controversy, with {
final warning that an offense means
= diplomatic break.
The sentiment of a large majority
| Of the senators was against the las
named course.