Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-07
WILSON AND CABINET
DISCUSS SITUATION
Every Phase Of Freak With German,
and Its Probable Results
Considered.
LITTLE HOPE OF PEACE LEFT
Not Much Weight Attached to Zim-
mcrinann Interview. and Berlin IS
Not Expected to Modify Its Course.
Reports on Preparedness Progress.
fnv .\seociatcd Pr.


Reports on Preparedness Progress.
fTy Associated prcss1
WASlIINGT0N. February 6.--E:vcr>-
phase Of the situation which ct any
hour may bring tho United states to
war with Germany was discussed by
President Wilson and his advisers at
to-days Cabinet meeting. Tho faint
hope tha; Germany after all might
modify her new submarine campaign
50 as to avoid making an active enemy
"f America was touched upon. as was
the probable position OF other ncn-
trails. But most of the Cabinets at
tention was given TO reports by each
member upon the energetic efforts OF
his department OF tho government TO
prepare for war IL ii is to come.
LITTLE WEIGHT ATTACHED
TO ZIMMERMANN INTERVIEW
In some quarters here the interview
given by Foreign Minister Zimmer-
mann in Berlin. expressing friendly
feeling toward the United states. was
viewed as favorablc sign. Little
weight was attached To it by the Cabi-
net, however. for the Foreign Minis
ter's remark that he hoped the Amer
lean government would understand
Germany's reasons FOR inauguratirg
unrestricted warfare on the sea was
construed as meaning that no change
OF course was to be expected
Preliminary reports OF the sinking
Of the British steamer Eavcstone and
tho killing Of an American negro
man arc not regarded establishing
such case as Will be the signal for
hostilitics. y brief dispatch from Con
- ~
nounccd the destruction of tho shin ana
tho killing of tho American sailor by
+ shells striking boat which had just
lott ,hf vessel. y complete report
! Will he awaited, but officials believe
! that circumstances surrounding this
incident Indicate an attempt on the
part Of the EavcStone to resist or cs-
cape from an attacking submarine.
/ There also is involved the question of
! whether the ship was in the service
OF I'll" British government The con-
/ sulS dispatch referred TO her as pro
/ visi"nal collier. but as tho term col
licr is used abroad in speaking of coal
carrying craft generally. not much
significance is attached To the consul s
description Moreover. il is suggested
that the m"ssaGc might have hccn
Garpicd II, SkclctoniHing for the cable
. t'oN .tN MEN1NS POSITION
STiIt. ONE or WAITING
/ The position OF the government was
\ said 20 he still ono OF WAITING after
tn" Cabinet meeting. II was stated
Z Officially that there had Been no dc :.
! vclopm"nts 10 change that attitude II
also was explained authoritativciy that
the ncNi step OF the United States. if
ono Is necessary, will be taken without
addressing amy inquiry TO Germany II
American lives or ships arc illegally
( destroyed by the Germans action vii,
I follow as soon the fact is cstab-
iiahcd 10 tho Presidents satisfaction.
hntente diplomatic representatives.
4 here allowed it TO become known dur
ING the day that While highly srat!iicd
over the break with Germany. tho,
were not HI all anxious to sec the
| United states actually drawn into The
/ war. They frankly expressed a grow
/ ing fear that Germany dcliheratciy
prccipiatcd the rupture 10 star; milf
tary preparations In America. ana
! thereby. cut off munitions and supplies
| from III" allies.
/ United STATES CAN HE
SEIF-SI STAINING
Secretary Houston ;old tho Cabinet
/ to-day that data in the hands az the
/ department of Asvicui,ure shows ,he
United states can he self Sustaining
whatever l"a% happen "a cut Ncr Off
! from the r",t @: ihc woyl,.
Attornr" -C"ncr"! C'yeror% cported
on bills which will soon lie pressed IN
/ Congress strcnSthruinG tn" BANDS OF
/ TIL" government III many directions
( These include 4 measure for suppress
/ sion OF spying. Plans TO- increasing
the force ~: sn~ciai agents employed
/ by tho donar,mcnt for secret service
work a'r"aIv nave bco0 mad"
Secretaries Daniels and Bake wcn,
( "ver thr plans previously taken up
+ i" detail with the rrcsidcnt himself
f"r strengthening the army and navy
I Sccret"rN Daniels said that AS soon a..
I Congress Sivcs the ucccssar; authority
I worl; ON ships under construction will
( be rushed.
The G'ieStion a. severance OF rcla-
;ions with Austria-llunsary remains
undecided. ]; Was admitted Officially
for the fist time that the dual mon.
archH had scNt X note somewhat sim.
'iar /" Germany. Ii was explained
tia; tn" note was not identical and
tic purpose was no, entirely clear
Inquiries have been sent to Ambassador
Pcniicid. az Vienna. asking for more
complete and detailed statement OF
.Austria's position.