Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-31
ACTIVE
WAR With THE
GERMANS SOON
Public Opinion Seems to Favor
a Declaration that a State
of War With Germany
Now Exists.
MANY PEACE TELEaRAMs
Messages in Identical Language
Protest Against Action that
viii Bring War.
MORE GUARDS ARE CALLED

Washington, March 30.-Aftcr to-
days cabinet meeting, which lasted
an hour and half, there were re-
ncwcd indications that the admins
tration expects congress next week
to adopt a resolution declaring that
a state OF war exists between the
United States and Germany. The
presidents partially finished message
to congress was discussed.
Cabinet members took to the meet
ing reports on preparations to put
the country in a state of prepared
ness.
Taking for granted from the speech
of the German chancellor that Ger
many will not abandon its subma-
rine campaign of ruthlessness, Off
cials generally have given up hope
that an actual clash with 6crmany
can be averted.
Secretary Baker said that the early.
graduation OF the upper class at Wesr
Point was under consideration, but
had not been determined upon.
Secretary Rcdfeld said everything
was in readiness for turning the ships
and crews Of the coast and geodetic
survey over to the Navy department
for war purposes. Preliminary plans
have also been made for having the
navy take over direction of wireless
plants.
Secretary Wilson said that satis-
factory progress was being made in
plans for mobilization OF labor re-
sources. Members of the cabinet who
are also members of the council of
national defense reported that every
thing possible is being done to CO.
ordinate all the resources OF the ma.
ton for the government in war.
Secretaries Daniels and Baker,
heads OF the Navy and War depart
ments, remained in conference with
the president for half an hour after
the other cabinet members had de-
parted.
Washington, March S0.-Steps IN
anticipation Of President Wilson's
appearance before congress next
week and for action on whatever
recommendations he may make to
meet the national emergency began
to take final form today.
The president held final confer
cnce with his cabinet preparatory to
starting the actual writing of the adj
dress he will deliver before a joint
assemblage Of the house and sem
ate.
President Wilson now has before
him recommendation Of his princi-
pal cabinet advisers and in general
way has heard the sentiment Of the
country.
The preponderance OF opinion for
warded to the White House is for a
declaration that a state Of war exists
between the United States and Ger
many.
kilograms advising the president are
being received in large numbers.
Many of them, couched in identical
language, favor the maintenance of
peace.
More Guards Are Called.
Orders were being prepared today
calling out additional guard forces in
several eastern states. They contem-
plate an increase of at least two regi-
ments of infantry to the $4,000
guardsmen already added to the fed
eral service for police protection
work.
Secretary Redheld conferred with
Secretary Daniels today on 1egisla-
ton to provide that the Navy de-
partment, in event Of war, take over
the vessels, equipments and person.
mel of the coast and geodetic survey.
1t has l04 trained officers, all tech
nical graduates and skilled naviga-
tors.
Submarine Nets Ordered.
Orders were placed by the Navy de-
partment today with the American
Steel and Wire company of Philadel-
pRia for the immediate construction
of 100 steel rope submarine nets. The
nets will cost $1,88l each, will be
l,050. feet long, 80 feet wide, with a
12-foot mesh. Deliveries will begin
within three weeks and continue at
the rate of ten week thereafter.
Strengthen Canal Garrison.
Strengthening of the military
forces in the Panama canal zone was
ordered today by the War department
and a board of officers named to re-
port upon organizing civilian em-
ployes in the canal zone for military
defense purposes. The board will con-
sist of Lieutenant Colonel Chester
Harding, governor Of the zone; Com
mander Hutch /. Gone, marine super
intendent of the canal, and Major Oil
uer Edwards Of the general staff.