Evening journal., 1917-02-05
WASHINGTON HOPES,
FORPEACEFUL OUTCOME
OF THE SITUATION
Continued from Page u


are proceeding as TO further concessions
IN the U-boat warfare, without preiu-
dicing it's purposes
officials here, up to 1890 O'Clock this
forenoon had no word along this line
except as was conveyed them through
United Press dispatches.
One o. the highest officials in the
government said at that time no such
official word had reached Washington.
He said there were no negotiations on
between this government and Germany,
and that he could conceive Of none be-
tween Germany and the Allies.
He intimated his belief that the re-
ported proceeding negotiations" might
possibly be negotiations among Ger
many's own government heads.
With diplomatic relations at
an end, there is always the con-
slant danger that the situation be-
tween the United States and Ger
many will develop into a state of
war; officials realize such a sever
ance of relations has always been
followed by war.
At any moment, an unfortu-
nate mistake, or a deliberate act
by some U-boat commander may
bring the sparks" to our shores.
The attention OF the United States
Government today now centers upon
neutral nations OF the world.
The President has indicated clearly,
as was declared by the United Press
Saturday. that his move In breaking
relations with Germany is designed
o lead neutral countries IN a great
moral effort-backed by arms II nee
essary-to enforce peace.
The President has formally request
ed fun and immediate reports from
American representatives in the neu-
trail capitals on the reception OF his
suggestions to similar action.
q Owing to the fact that this govern
ment has always stood out for indi-
vidual or parallel action, instead OF
Joint action, there are unofficial indi-
cations that many OF the countries
now will decline to enter a parallel
effort to force German into modifying
her submarine 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, IL Is believed by
authorities here, will stay out OF the
struggle entirely. owing TO the fact
that Germany has made exceptional
concessions to her, doubtless infiu-
once by the presence OF a 100000
Dutch army on her border twenty
miles from the Essen munitions
works.
While a majority of officials hold
this belief, there are still others
however. who are not so sure Holland
will be able to keep out. These Of
fieials pointed to the fact that Ger
many also has large forces grouped
on the Dutch frontiers. But even
these officials say they believe that
n Holland does change her present
status, II probably would be actually
20 enter the war, and not merely tS
sever relations as the President CALI
on neutral nations 70 do.
Switzerland being an interior ma
ton. is not directly affected by th'
German warfare on sea. Hence the
greatest significance will be attached
to the attitude of the South American
countries, as their decision may prove
an influence OF great weight on SPAR
and the scandinavian countries.
South American newspapers and
some South American diplomats here
have indicated that President Wilson
Is perhaps now too late in changing
his former course OF strictly isolated
action.
Despite the efforts Of President viii
son to change Germany's plans by mora
force there is strong belief that sh
will not alter. And this view had stroni
backing when United Press dispatche
from Berlin showed that close Berlil
observers would be surprised if German,
modified her warfare now.
The possibihty-even the probabilit,
OF war-will not deter the President
however, from protecting in his effor
40 long as there is even a thousand I
one chance On the other hand. if wa
is the only answer. he is ready for Il
as he said in notifying neutrals, he vii
ask power TO protect Americans in thei
rights.
Preparations that will make the ma
ton ready TO afford its citizens and II
ships protection continued today III
work Of affording protection to govern
ment property, and especially govern
nent army and NAVY property, md pr
vote and public properties that woul
serve the country in case Of war goe
on apace.
The bar was up tighter than eve
against possibility Of cranlls doing dan
age TO government works, or gainin
entrance TO government property.
In House and Senate, preparedness
measures. which had been threatened q
least with delay by pacifists, are expect
Cd 20 be rushed with record speed
Senator Chamberlain, IL was undei
stood, will, either today OF tomorrow
ask quickest action on HIS universe
service or training measure. Under pre-,
of present serious circumstances. I
hopes to get through a "real prepares
ness" army measure within a week {
ten days.