The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-27
UNWARNED SINKING OF
LACONIA SHOWS UTTER
CONTEMPT OF AMERICANS
Aiming Of American Ships
Is Urged AS the Only
.tt Protection
EA STEP TOWARDS WAR
Kehoe Thinks the Presi-
dents Stand Is Only
One Possible
EA STEP TOWARDS WAR
BY Assoc1ATEn PRESS.


Washington, Feb. 26.-The sinking
of the Cunarder Laconia, apparently
without warning. and with Ameri-
cans, loomed tonight as the most ser
ious disregard of American rights
since the ruthless campaign begun.
The administration didn't attempt to
conceal its concern and pointed out
that while Americans may be saved,
the fact remained they were illegally
assaulted on a peaceful mission. In
formation from Consul Frost is ex-
pected hourly and none venture an
opinion on the outcome except to say
it gravely complexities an already
critical situation.
Can Germany Be ''Unfooled?"
Washington Feb. 26.-Tomorrow
or next day viii develop the depth of
opposition the president must face
order, as Senator Williams put it,
b'unfool Germany" The house bill
giving him authority was referred to
be foreign relations committee to be
reported tomorrow. A similar mess
IRE will be discussed by the senate
foreign relations committee. The
White House is confident congress
will Ultimately give the necessary
powers, knowing there is no desire to
plunge the country to war. All for
i'm ,,a4iEI offs
ically Of the presidents address, and
a wireless text sent to Berlin. No
steps looking toward arning mer-
chan5men will be taken until congress
acts. The conveying of merchantmen
Is not approved by naval authorities
as effective or desirable as to strate-
gic policy. Senators late tonight ex-
pressed the fear of Republican fill
buster on the bill, and administration
leaders are fearful Senator LaFol-
lette will block it for a time.
Arm American Ships.
Washington, Feb. 26.-President
wilson appeared before congress at
o'clock this afternoon and asked for
authority to place the United States
IN state Of armed neutrality" to
resist the German submarine menace.
Continued invasion of the plain
agats OF neutrals on the high seas
1fther sacrifices of American lives
and ships, the intolerable blockade of
american commeree-almost as eff
'Sctaal as If the country were at war
nave taken the place of a dreaded
overt act" which was expected to
Sl'ck the woodland have forced the
PRESIDENT to the next step toward
resident Wilson, asking to be EN-
covered to take whatever steps are
.e'sssary' which includes the arm
5g Of ships, the conveying of mer-
.xaa'nen by war vessels. or what
~, ,-e' steps are necessary, made it
pan again that he wanted peace, but
~, at the price of American lives
"a nights, driving the American flag
ION the seas.
Songress is expected, not only to
,a'aOflze the president to use the
--su forces of the country, but also
provide money.
,. SIIe before, in the infancy of the
s1Onc' a state of armed neutrality
=. = Proclaimed to check predatory
- ,.-snce' upon American rights, in
= war between France and Eng
~ ~ out it did not result actually in
= lor the United States.
War Depends on Germans.
IN 1IeRAer another armed neutrality
mean war depends on whether
S Ssnany~ realizes that the United
5 Jss Is ready to protect It's neutral
IS, s-'' By whatever means are neces-
SIN WIN full realization of the
a., -'.,'y Of the occasion, the presi-
al, ooS his action today with the
,or. - confidence that congress and the
Ty will stand behind him.
~ 4s grim faced body of senators
so,. representatives who less than a
ago heard the president pro-
kCsr+;,-,-,