Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-14

Washington. Feb. 13-An inquiry concerning the re-detention by Ger any of seventy-two American seamen brought in by the prize ship Yarrow- dale was dispatched to Berlin today by the United States, preliminary to more vigorous action if the men are not promptly released.
 The plight of these sailors occu- pied much of the time at today's cab inet meeting, given over to the crisis growing out of Germany's Subnla rIs1e warfare. It was agreed that their liberty again should be demanded in most emp atic fashion. Pending com plete reports as to treatment of Ger man crews on war-bound ships in the Philippines, Hawaii and elsewhere, however the government will conten itself with the inquiry as to why the Americans are held and under what conditions.
 De sion Left to President.
 The cabinet discussed every phase of the International situation. The question of providing navy guns for American ship owners desiring te arm their vessels for defence was consider ed, but it was stated officially after ward that no decision was reached. It is understood that there was a 5ii- vision of opinion with most of the cabinet officers strongly favoring fur nishnG the guns both on the ground that permitting American ship to re main idle in port suggests acqul- essence in Germauys course and be- cause the congestion of ocean-bound freight in the countly's ports is as Suming serious proDoTs ions. Two or three members are said to have con tended that the policy would be unwiSe. The president will decide the question.
 News that an official statement had been issued at Berlin announcing that yesterday Was the last day of gra ceT allowed reitral shipping before the lnrestric cd submarine warfare went into fuii effect did not appreciably in- crease tension here. There has been fuI realization ever since the sinking O. the Anchor liner California that the German campaign ia being carried on in defiance of the United States and that Providence only is to be thanked that the overt act against American life that will precipitate war has nc. been committed. There were strong indications during the day that the severance of relations with Germany would be extended to the other cetI- tra1 powers. Austria's adherence to Germany's position is regarded as vir- tlIally certain to force a break with that country Ambassador E,lkuS at ConstantinopIe was instructed to as- certain whether subma rines operating under the Turkish flag were under the same instructions as those of Germany and Austria
 Difficulties With Turkey.
 Serious difficulties with Turkey al-
 
 Armenian and Syrian relief and the detention of more than 1000 Ameri- can refugees.
 It develops that no message has been received at the state department since the break with Germany from either Ambassador Elkus in Constan- tinople nor from Consul-General Mur- plly in Sofia, who cared for American interests throughout Bulgaria.
 Cruiser Des Moines at Alexandria.
 
 sar, loaded with food and clothing contributed by Americans for the sufferers in Syria and the cruiser Des MoineS, loaded with medical supplies, are lying at anchor in Alexandria harbor. unable to continue their voy age to Beirut because of the uncer- tainty as to what greeting they would meet.- They are long overdue at Bei- rut, where they were not only to un- load their supplies for the destitute Syrians, but also to take on board the detained Americans.
 Heretofore appeals to Germany have been eficacious in instances where it was desired to bring pressure on Fur key, but it's employment now would che embarrassing if not out of the question.
 It was explained after the cabinet meeting that full reports on the treat ment of German sailors on war-bound ships was awaited so as to make cer- tain that no subordinate official had exceeded his authority in dealing with the ships or their crews. The govern ments instructions have been that legal technicalities should be waived in order to avoid any appearance of depriving the Germans of any Of their rights. This has been done at all ports of continental United States, and where officials in the Philippines and elsewhere have undertaken to guard against the ships becoming Iuenaces to navigation orders have ffa efforts strictly tG surveillance with action only when essential
 Gernans-'s re-detention of the Yar- rowdaIe 01ers, who had been ord cred reIea upon the demand of the United Sts before the break in reia- tions has r0used keen indignation, the fnicideTt almost oversha flowing asher issues of the grave situation
 Senator S-s1isbury of Delaware, presl6ent pro tempore of the senate