New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-14
Cabinet Is Divided on
Arming of Ameri-
can Ships
WILSON TO DECIDE
WITHIN 4S HOURS
Unmoved by Bryan-Paci-
fist Element-Firm Stand
Predicted
By STEVENSON II. EVANS

By STEVENSON II. EVANS
Washington, Feb. 13.-A climax
in the present crisis between the
United States and the German En-
pire may be reached within forty
eight hours or less. President VIII
son within that time is expected to
indicate the eliminating point of his
prolonged consideration as to the
next step to be taken by the United
States short Of actual hostilities.
The decision probably will con-
Germ the arming of American mer-
chantmen. The Cabinet was in ses-
sion for more than two hours this
afternoon, and spent good part of
that time wrestling with the imme-
date problem of guns for the St.
Louis. There was a serious differ
erce Of opinion. The understanding
of well-informed men in Washington
tonight is that the President did not
side with the pacifists.
CABINET is DIVIDED
Lansing, Lane and Houston took
the position that this government
must make effective the declaration
of the President that the United
States would not recognize the right
of the German government to pro-
claim forbidden zones on the high
seas. -
That declaration is distinctly not
effective as long as American mer-
chant ships are compelled, because Of
lack of protection, to keep their
ports. No matter what the Germans
think about it then, it is incumbent
upon this government to assist in the
arming of the ships.
Baker. Daniels, Burleson and
Gregory. the Bryan-pacifist group in
the Cabinet, pleaded on the other
side. This government had gone far
enough. in their view, when 1t told
the American merchant marine that
conditions on the high seas had not
been changed by the German fright
fulness manifesto and suggested that
American ships protect themselves.
WILSON WILL DECIDE
A great latitude of discussion was
permitted in the Cabinet. However,
the responsibility is just where it has
been right along-on the shoulders
of the President-and he shows no
desire to share the burden.
There is much more optimism, eX-
dressed and unexpressed, as to the
possibility of the United States stay
ing out of war, in Congress than
there is in circles closest to the Pres
ident. Despite the hollow German
offer of a parley, and despite the
pacifist sentiment which Bryan and
his friends have managed to create,
the government looks to the days
Immediately ahead with deep con-
cern.
The sinking of the II ,999-ton Brit
ish passenger liner Afric to-day
without warning, the news from Ger
many that the government had no
idea Of retreating from its an
nounced policy Of sinking ships with
cut notice, and the approach OF
American cargo boats to the forbid
cen zone are developments tending
to increase the tension.
L. s. STANDING FIRM
The temper of the Administration
was strongly indicated By two occur
rences to-day:
!. The reiterated demand upon Ger
many. served through the Swiss Min
ister. that the Tarrowdale prisoners be
released This government takes very
seriously the fact that Germany hav-
ing stated that the Yarrowdsle crew
would be free TO leave the country,
now appears to De holding the men as
hostages. The demand that went for
ward to-day, as Count Won Bernstorn
was saying his final GOODIES at the en-
bassy. is the third demand this gov
ernment has made.
q A bill offered in the Senate to-
day by Senator salisbury, OF Deia-
ware. authorizing the President to open
American ports to the warships oil the
Entente as long AS Germany maintains
its policy of unrestricted submarine
warfare. This would give the Allies a
great advantage in patrolllng the trans
atlantic sea lanes, as they could nave
bases on this side.
Senator Saulsbury's resolution Cd,
tains special significance because OF
his intimacy with the President; he
would do nothing against Mr.. Wilson's
wishes or anything calculated TO en-
barrass the President. Mr.. SALISBURY
is president pro TEN. of the Senate
and, therefore, leader OF the majority
and il a member of the Foreign keia-
tions Committee.