Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-02-16
(By Associated Press.)

CBy Associated Press-)
WASHINGTON. Feb. 15.-State de-
partment advices today reported Of
ficially that Brand Whftlock. Ameri-
can minister to Belgium, har been re-
cuested, out not ordered, by the German
military authorities to lower the Ameri-
can flag from the legation in Brussels.
While the news aroused deep feeling
in official quarters and admittedly adde's
to the tension of the situation with Ger
many, it appeared doubtful whether there
was ground for taking any action as Mr.
Whitlock while in Belgium has practf-
caly only represented the American re-
lief work The seat OF the Belgium gov
eminent is at HaVre-
While II still was indicated that the,
accumulation of violations of American,
rights might lead President Wilson to.
go before congress at any time. it was,
stated today that he has made no def.
mite plans for taking such q step i'm
mediately-
WILL NOT DELAY LONG.
When he viii 90 before congress. it
was said. viii depend entirely upon cir
cumstanceS The opinion grew among
officials. however. that such a step.
would not be long deferred
Nothing had been Heard by the state
department early today from Germany
in reply to inquiry as to the exact status
of the Americans taken into Germany on
the prize ship Yarrowdale. Likewise no
news came from Ambassador Elkus at
Constantinople about Americans In Tur-
key.
The government began today 10 feel
the insistent need for some sort of ac-
ton soon to open q way for movement
of Shipping now held up in American
ports by suspension of Sailings on &C
count of the German submarine cam
paign.
Reports on the accommodating freight
now are reaching officials regularly, and
although the situation is not yet regard
ed as serious. it is APPARENT that Ameri-
can industries will be affected unless
ocean shipping starts moving before
long.
At-the present stage of development OF
the German-American situation, atten-
tioh is conferred on President Wilson by
the growing belief that he will take NO
step, even to the furnishing of defensive
armament to merchant ships, without
first consulting congress. Hourly inter
est is becoming keener as to whether the
president will do this and when.
SINKING HELD ILLEGAL
The sinking or the American schooner
Lyman NJ. Law, in the Mediterranean by
an Austrian submarine is regarded by
officials here as illegal inasmuch as the
cargo was not contraband and the sub
marine displayed no flag, but since no
lives were lost it is believed the Incl
dent will not in itself develop into a
cause for drastic action.
Within a few days the state depart
ment may send a peremptory demand TO
Berlin for release of the Americans
brought in by the prize ship Yarrowdale
and held prisoner.
Reports from Berne that American re-
lief workers in Belgium are held pris-
oners by the German military authorities
were discredited here today by Herbert
c. Hoover, chairman of the American
relief commission.
Mr.. Hoover said he expected no diff
Guilty in the departure of the Americans
from Belgium into Hollans and hoped all
would be out within week There
are AZ American relief workers in Bel
GUM.
HOOVER IN WASHINGTON.
Mr.. Hoover was in Washington today
consulting with state department ojcials
on the best way to reconstruct the relief
work which the German military au-
thories have forced the Americans to
give up. 1t is very hard to know just.
how to work this out, Mr.. Hoover says.
because no other nation has the trained
workers.
It is hoped, however, that a joint in
work largely directed by Dutch army
terDational Dutch and Spanish coDmls-
officers, although guaranteed by the two
governments. The Dutch have a surplus
of fats and vegetables which could be
diverted to Belgium. The Netherlands.
however, is 50 short of cereals that some
4, 900, 900 cattle, on which they depend
for butter. milk and cheese, will be In
a bad plight unless sailings of ships are
restored.
Mr.. Hoover believes that Belgium will
eerge from the war in better condition
economically than any of the European
neutraIs, provided it is not destroyed
by fighting. He estimates that the Bel
gian per capita debt will be about $3.50
while that of other belligerents will
jump to fro $500 to $500 Moreover
it is estimated that there IS over S4O0,-
90 900 due to Belgium in coupons and
interest from outside countries. Belgian
while partially dismantled by
the Germans and considerably slowed up
by the loss of all foreign trade, is ex-
pected to revive quickly after the war
ends.
Mr.. Hoover estimates that SUPPLIES now
in Belgium VIII last about six weeks
Columbia to Preserve
Attitude of Neutrality