The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1917-03-02
ADDRESS OF HOLLWEc
PREPARES THE PEOPLE
THEY ARE IN CONDITION FOR
AN EVENTUALLY
There Is Much Confusion OF 0pinio
Among the People As to What Ma
Happen, But None Will Be Surprised
1t There Should Be Opening of the
HostiIities; Sensational Bulletins Are
Published In Berlin
ASSOCIATED Press Dispatch.1

ASSOCIATED Press Dispatch.1
Washington, February 2s.-senators
and representatives today considered
bills which will determine largely the
future course of the United States In
her relations toward Germany which
are daily becoming more serious.
Every indication was that their ac-
tion will be deliberate even in the
face of the latest clear cut violation
of American rights in the sinking of
the laconia, with the loss Of Ameri-
can lives.
Berlin, Via London, February 2S.-
The prominence which Chancellor
Won Bethmann- Hollweg gave in his
address to the reichstag today to a
discussion of the relations with
America is regarded here as i'm
dicating his purpose to prepare the
German public for an eventuality
which is looked forward to in many
quarters. There is much confusion of
opinion and prophesies on this point
on account of the continued absence
of any authenticated news from
Washington.
The German press continues to
serve up sensational bulletins indicat-
ing feverish preparations in the Unit
ed States. At this hour it may be
said that a declaration of war from
Washington would find the German
mind quite prepared for it.
Will Hold Ships In Port.
UNITED .Press Dispatch.1
New York, February 2S,-With the
arrival of the American ship Finland
from Liverpool, all the ships of the
American line are here safely in port.
1t is the expressed intention of the
officials not to send out any more; of
the ships, until the government pro-
vides for the arming of merchant
ships. Then the American line ships
will be armed and sent out.
Trying to Account For Crew.
UNITED Press Dispatch.l
London, Eng, February 2S.-While
it is definitely known that two Ameri-
can women lost their lives as the re-
suit of the torpedoing of the British
steamer Laconia, there is some doubt
as to whether more Americans may
not have been lost. Six other Ameri-
cans are known to have beer, on board
the steamer and the American en-
bassy is endeavoring to find out
missing. One of these six, James
Coffey, a, Baltimore negro. is still
unaccounted for. An official report
states that four members of the crew
are stu missing. An unofficial re-
port states that eight are missing.
A party Of survivors of the steam
er arrived here today on a special
train, but they were unable to throw
on the subject any light in additionsto :
what was obtained from the suryiy-
ors at Queenstown.
View Of English Newspapers.
UNITED Press Dispatch.1
London, Eng, February 28.-Eng
lish newspapers take the, view that
the overtact on the psrs of Germany,
justifying drastic steps or the part of
the American government, for the
protection of American dignity and
honor, has occurred. 1t is tholigt by
the British press that Americans will
at least adopt policy of armed
and will undertake to
protect American lives and property
with guns.
Closer to An Outbreak.
UNITED Press Dispatch.l
Washington, February 28.-Recent
developments are believed to have
now brought America closer 20 the
outbreak of an actual war With
Germany than has been the situation
for weeks. At the same time, fill
buster appears to be developing in the
senate, to prevent the passage of
measure that would give the presi-
dent the absolute power OF Using the
army and navy as he pleases in the
protection of American lives and rights.
But in the house, things are different.
There a general sentiment in favor of
giving the president just what he asks
is developing.
Prisoners Still Held.
The report that Germany still holds
the Americans who we're on the Var
rowdale, Notwithstanding announce
ments of their release. seems to have
much to do with crystalizing this sent
iment in the house. Another piece of
news that conduces to the same re-
suit is yesterdays speech by Chancel-
lor Won Bethmann Hollweg, which
seems to throw down the war gaunt-
let to America. Above all what is re-
garded as the long-awaited overt act
on the part of Germany, the attact
without warning on the steamer La
coma, resulting in the loss of Ameri-
can lives.
1t is understood that the admins
tration intends to take action for the
arming of American merchant ships
and for their projection at sea.
congress gives the president
the specific authority he asks or not.
View of Colonel Fred Hale.
limited Press Dispatch.1
New York, February 2S.-.The al
Continued on Page Two.