Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-10

be taken by the OmCed states II Germany compelS the use of force to safeguard American lives and rights has been determined. It was learned a1Ithoritatfvely after today's cabinet meeting that in the event President Wilson goes before congress again 1t will not be to ask for a declaration of war, but to follow literally the words pf the address in which he announced the break of diplomatic relations, and request authority to use means deeTa- eJ necessary to protect American sea men and people.
 Americans Free to Travel
 The president, it was stated, is as anxious as ever that American citi- Eens and ships shall be free to travel kfle high seas unmoleSted. His next step. if taken, will be to enforce that night, and even then the issue of war pr peace will be with Germany. Any hostile action will have to come in the form of an interference with Ameri- can rights
 Details of the governments plans ara not discussed 1t is known, how ever, that conveying and arming Of merchant ships are being considered
 No New Deveiepements.
 No new developments came today to indicate that the overt act by Ger many regarded as inevitable was near CT at hand. Fewer reports of ships sunk came in and none told officially of the loss of an American life. Furth- CT information received about George Washington, the negro fireman lost on the Turino. indicated that he probably was a British subject.
 The. cabinet met today with all members present except Secretary McAdoo. Just before the meeting, the majority of the members had attend ed session of the council for nation al defense, called at the war depart ment to discuss mobilization of the nations resources as a result of malIy rFa<, ~s~@r~ companies to place themselves at the disposal of the government in the event Of trouble.
 Emergency LesisIatiep Discussed.
 Virtually every member took to the cabinet information about the activi- fieS of his department in connection with the general precautions being taken Questions discussed included proposed emergency legislation steps for protecting property mail prob tans recipitated. by the failure of ships to sail from American ports, econo- mic issues, and the army and navy preparations
 Pursuing Policy of RuthIessness.
 After the meeting it was authorita- lively stated that nothing has yet hap pened to change the course pursued by the government since the break in relations with Germany. The cumu- lattve effect of reports on vessels
  ed by the state department, however has to been make officials certain tllsst Germany is indeed proceeding with her proclaimed policy of ruthlessness ure of former German officials on the Scandinavian liner Fredrik VII next Tuesday from New York via Halifax for ChriStiana were completed today by agents of the company and the state department The United States at the suggestion of both the owner: of the vessel and Count von Bern storn, asked specifically that the CrfI be made via Halifax in order to avoiC the German war zone on the route vis Falmouth or KirkwaIn and the British and French governments, in granting safe conducts to the 200 former Gerr, man officials, acceded to that reques out of courtesy to this country.
 Status of Austria Hungary.
 As one exclamation for the earnes desire to avoid ,the apparently inevir able break with Austrfa-Hungary was stated today that if that wer done all communication between thi country and Bulgaria and TurlSe. would be severed. This would. be par tfcularly serious for the American re lief work in Syria and Armenia an' the 1000 or more American for who's departure from Asia Minor the stat department has succeeded after i'm Snense difficulty in arranging.
  during each of the past three day was reported sunk ln Iloyds' despatcl received at the department today whether the sudden drop was due t better British patrolEng, armament O destruction of submarines is no known.
 British Claims.
 In this connection British ofhcial here claim that their figures show tha four boats out of every five are arm )d, even with stern gun, complet hheir voyages in safety.
 Statistics studied by the cable shos khat before the war 65, 900 vessels en tered ports of the Isles annually an that about the same number cleared Since the war, tt is believed, an eve greater number Of ships have enter cd and left. although there are no ac emzAe figures bearing on the subjec' Ehe German undersea boats it Wa said. would have to destroy betwee $50 and 200 ships daily to stop traf hr.-