Cut Bank pioneer press. [volume] (Cut Bank, Mont.) 1909-current, 1917-03-23
WILSON ClD|NET
DISCUSSES WAR
President Expected to Advance
Date for Extra Session to
Make Declaration.
OPINION is UNANIMOUS
As Further Step to Protect and
Promote American Commerce
McAd00 Plans System OF
Insuring Ships.

WASHINGTON, march 1l.-rOE t"o
hours yesterday President Wilson dis
cussed the international crisis with
his cabinet and heard urgent sug-
gestions that the date for the extra
session of congress fixed for April 16
be set forward to consider further
steps in defense of American COM
merce against German submarines. 1t
ls understood that there was no dis
senting voice against this advice.
The president himself did not ex-
press his views and SO far as could. be
learned later had not finally deter
mined upon the course to be pursued.
The prevailing belief was that he
would announce the call for an earlier
meeting, of congress tomorrow.
Opinion is Unanimous.
Among officials virtually the unani-
nous opinion is that in spite of the
technical armed neutrality status OF
the United States actually state OF
war exists as the result OF the ruth
less destruction of American merchant
ships and the killing of American citi-
zens in defiance of international law
and of the most solemn warning one
nation can give another. The only
question Is what shall be done about
it, further than the arming Of mer-
chantmen to resist submarine attack
II they get tae chance.
The cabinet members generally are
said to have expressed their willing
ness today to support program based
on an early call for congress and
formal declaration that state OF war
exists between Germany and the
United States. @
The cabinet members generally are
said to have expressed their willing
ness today to support a program based
ON an early call for congress and
formal declaration that state of war
exists between Germany and the
United States.
Wilson Attends Theater.
Last right the president went to the
theater, thing he frequently does
when he has made preliminary deci-
sion on grave question, and wants
distraction In order to look at the
problem anew with freshened mind.
After the cabinet meeting, Secre-
tary Daniels. saying that no new naval
orders had been issued, hurried into
the navy department and went into
conference with members of the gen.
cral board. Information for the
president and tentative plans for fur
ther naval activities were discussed
The only argument known to have
been advanced in official circles
against the early calling OF congress
was that the president himself can do
almost everything possible Immediate
ly. But in spite OF this argument the
preponderance of official opinion
seemed to be that congress should be
summoned just as soon as possible SO
that the full power of the government
Would be assembled in Washington.
To Insure Shipping.
A further step. plans to protect and
promote American commerce was taken
yesterday afternoon, when the federal
war risk bureau. under the direction
of Secretary McAdco, announced a
new policy of insuring American ships
under which policies would be written
on all vessels except those carrying
actual munitions of war.
Plans for organizing patrol squads
of privately owned motor boats and
yachts along the Atlantic coast were
discussed tonight at conference be-
| tween Secretary Daniels and Captain
| Charles Maryell, assistant for naval
| operations, who has Just returned
/, from trip to New York, Boston and
other coast points, to enroll available
| craft.
Both Secretary Daniels and Secre-
! tary Baker spent several hours at
their offices last night going over de-
partmental business.
Business meeting and So
cial session at the Manse, on
"Wednesday evening, March
I28. All members and friends