Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-02-03

first question asked by Count Bern
storn of his first caller to-day was
whether any definite action had been
taken. When informed that no in
formation was available he quickly
oegan to talk of other related subjects,
especially what prospects of peace
would remain should the United States
sever diplomatic relations. He said
he believed that even ii break should
come President Wilson would con-
unue his efforts to restore peace to
the world, possibly through the Swiss
government. 1t was during this dis
cussion that his private telephone
rang.
You say relations have been broken
of and that the President is going to
Congress at O'clock he said in re-
sponse TO what was told him over the
wire. Are you sure? Well, maybe
that is right. No, have no comment
to make and nothing to say
Confirmation of the information
quickly was obtained and then the
ambassador informed Countess Won
Bernstorff of the news. Upon return
ing he explained how sorry he was
that the break had TO come, and
added:
II am not surprised. My govern
ment will not be surprised either. The
people in Berlin know what was bound
to happen ii they took the action they
have taken. However, l have simply
been here to carry out the orders OF
my government. I have had no Off
cial information either from my gov
ernment or from the United States
since / presented the note which
brought this about"
Attaches of the embassy were called
to the ambassadors library imme-
diately afterward and told what had
happened. Many began preparing to
remove their personal effects. The
embassy itself quickly became silent.
The clicking of typewriters ceased and
clerks stopped working to talk OF
possibilities of war and how they
were going to get back TO Germany.
War Will Follow
In the mind of every person in the
embassy, from the ambassador down
to the butler who answers the front
door, there is now and always has
been the conviction that the severance
of diplomatic relations between the
United States and Germany could be
followed by nothing else than war
They all feel that the first American
life lost as a result of the new sub
marine campaign will bring the crash.
President Calm
After sending his message to the
public printer and arranging for the
joint session of Congress, President
Wilson set calmly about his routine
work. Going to the cabinet room in
the executive offices. he signed a
number of letters and commissions.
Having decided on his move, he
awaited with confidence renewed signs
that the country stood back of him.
Secretary Lansing and Secretary
Tumulty. the only two men who saw
the President during the morning, said
he was grave but undisturbed
Count Won Bernstorff at once ar
ranged with the Swiss minister, DR..
Paul Ritter, TO take over the German
embassy.
Details of the transfer will be ar
ranged when the German ambassador
says good-by to Secretary Lansing.
Bcrnstorff's First Experience
Count Won Bernstorff said he did
not know the manner of his leaving
have to be taken. This is my first
experience of the kind" said he, and
will have to inform myself"
1t is thought doubtful by some that
the entente allies will grant many
such safe passage as was granted the
Austrian ambassador. In that event.
the German ambassador might choose
TO go to South America or to Mexico.
After Count Won Bernstorff had
phone and asked him to take charge
of the embassy, DR.. Ritter hurried
over to the German embassy build
ing and the two men conferred.
After that Count Won Bernstorff de-
clined to answer questions. ASK the
Swiss minister" said he. II am only
private citizen now"
Mrs. George Dewey, widow of the
Admiral, called at the White House
executive office and left resolutions
from the women's section of the Navy
League, pledging unqualified support
to President Wilson.
Now we must look out for some
thing like Dewey at Manila" remark
ed Senator Sheppard, of Texas.
THE President has done the only
thing that any self-respecting nation
could do" said Senator Reed, of Mis-
souri,
Il approve the Presidents action. -
said Senator Poindexter, Republican.
II think the country will unitedly sup
port it. 1t was the only thing to do"
We have to show our virility as a
nation" asserted Senator Salisbury,
Democrat. ANY other course would
merely he a postponement of what we
are doing now
Chances of Avoiding War Remote
Secondary Lansing. questioned az IN