The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1917-02-10
No Declaration oil.
War:byUncleSa
GIVE PROTECTION
TO u. S. CITIZENS
by the Employment Of Forces
Deemed Necessary by
the President.

"NSF1iiNo wv TSb. - Nv
course to be taken by the United
States If Germany compels the use
of force to safeguard American
lives and rights has been deter
mined. It was learned authorita-
lively after today's cabinet meet
inc that in the event President
Wilson goes before congress again,
il will not be to ask for declara-
ton Of war, but to follow literally
the words Of the address in which
he announced the break Of diplor
attic relations, and request author
ity to use means deemed neces-
sary to protect American seamen
and people.
The president, it was stated, is
as anxious as ever to avoid war
with Germany, but also is as de-
termlned as ever that American
citizens and ships shall be free to
travel the high seas unmolested.
His next step, II taken, VIII be TO
enforce that right and even then
the Issue Of war or peace viii be
with Germany. Any hostile ac-
tion will have to come in the form
Of an interference with an Amer
lean right.
plans are not disclosed. 1t Is
known, however, that conveying
and armine Of merchant ships are
being considered. 1
No new development came to
day to indicate that the overt act
by Germany, regarded as newt
able, was nearer at hand. Fewer
reports OF ships sunk came IN,
and none told officially Of the loss
Of an American life. Further IN
formation received about george
Washington, the negro fireman
lost on the Turino. Indicated tnat
he probably was British SUD-
The cabinet met today with all
members present except Secretary
McAdoo. Just before the meet
lna the majority Of the members
had attended session OF the
Council for National Oefense
called at the war department to
discuss mobilization OF the ma.
tion's resources as a result OF
MANY offers from manufacturing
and other companies to place
themselves at the disposal OF the
government in the event OF trou-
Practically every member took
to the cabinet information ABOUT
the activities Of his department
in connection with the general
PRECAUTIONS being taken. Cues,
lions discussed included proposed
emergency legislation, steps TOR
protecting >, property, mall Prod
lens precipltated by the failure
Of shi ps to sail from American
ports for Europe, economic issues
and the army and navy prepara-
tions.
tatiyely stated that nothing had "
happened to change the course pu
sued by the government since u
break in relations with German,
The cumulative effect Of reports
sunk by German submarine
collected by the State Department
has tended to make the State Depar
ment officials certain indeed German
issproceeding with her
Policy Of Ruthlessness.
The effect OF the tying up OF shiE
in American harbors because or fei
that they will be sunk if they pas
through the war zone Is one OF II
1uestions being given careful consi'
eration. AS far as could be learne
today there have been no reports I
he government OF serious cons
1uences to industries, but such n
ports are expected and the enforce
idleness Of the merchant fleet is
subject of growing evaporation.
Some resentment was expressed !
administration quarters today, owe
what was construed as an impllc'
ion contained in Germany's reque;
IF Ambassador Gerard that old trea
es between Prussian and the Unite
States be re-affirmed, that such a.
ion was necessary to make certal
hat the rights of Germans in thi
country guaranteed under those trea
es be made secure. 1t was reitera
I'd that the American government fu
y intends acting according to tn
spirit Of the treaties. While tn
.reaty actually was abrogated b
passage of the seamen's law with
section, the government
ooks upon the fact as at least fur1
shing the guiding principle unde
which it will act.
= The Administration.
Is understood to be highly graf
led by the action taken by man
If the neutrals in protesting with val
ing degrees Of firmness agains
;ermany's new submarine policy
While none has so far followed tn
cad and suggestion Of the Unite
States by breaking off diplomatic n
Continued on Page Ten-)