Free trader-journal. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1916-1920, 1917-02-03

President himself If was plain that
the majority of them greatly regret
ted that a break had become neces-
sary. but all declared that in any
movement whatever which the admin
istration made il would have the unit
ed support OF all parties.
Whether diplomatic break would
be followed by hostlities between the
United States and Germany was
something that no man could say.
II was frankly declared in diplomat
ic circles that they hoped not
mgularly. this hope was very
strong In Entente quarters. 1t was
said that the moral effect of break
in the diplomatic relations between
Germany and TIE United States would
be very great. There has been gen
eral feeling her that in any action
that tle United States should take it
would have the united support of all
of the neutral nations who also are af-
fected by the new German attitude.
1t was admittedly too early to say
how far this support would 60
President Wilson, it is known, has
been hopeful all along that If diplo-
matte break should be necessary, il
would stop t.,ere and that there would
be no necessity for the United States
going any further.
In official quarters generally the
feeling was of the utmost gravity.
There was just a slight ray Of hope
in one thing. 1t was learned that the
last words of the President to Con-
gress is fervent prayer that God viii
grant that the United States even yet
may be able to avoid being drawn INFO
the world war.
At 1897 the House Of Representa-
tives adopted without debate resolu-
ton calling for the joint session at 2
o'clock There were not more tan
% members on the floor of the House
when the news, expected, yet like =
thunderbolt, reached Capitol Hill.
Rep. Mann asked if any other action
was necessary in the crisis and Ma
jority Leader Kitchin said that there
was none at this time. Debate on the
naval appropriation bill was then re-
sumed despite the atmosphere OF
concern that hung over the Hill.
Tie news was carried to Chairman
Flood of the House committee on for
eign affairs by an international Serv-
i've man. Flood was presiding over a
meeting Of the committee which was
considering the protection of migra-
tory birds question. He apparently
had no intimation of what had been
impending The meeting was prompt
ly adjourned.
There was no information what
ever forthcoming as to whether the
United States has planned any action
against Austro-Hungary. Turkey and
Bulgaria On this subject officials
would not talk at all. So far as can
be learned here there is no confrma-
ton. that these powers have agreed to
the ruthless submarine operations
proclaimed by Germany.
1t was reported here that our al
fairs in Berlin probably would be
looked after by the Spanish Ambas-
sador. 1t has been understood lately
that IN the event of a break German
affairs would be in the hands of the
Swedish Minister here.
That the United States has made
the most elaborate arrangements to
safeguard its interests everywhere
following the break was admitted by
officials here. The nature of these
arrangements were withheld but they
cover nearly every possible course OF
action. Automatically a censorship
over military and naval news has
gone into effect How far 1t will be
carried will depend on the develop
ments of the next few hours.