The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1917-02-05

OI the WOrlQ TO cOmpel peace III
No Responses Are Received.
II had not been revealed today
whether any responses had come from
the suggestions to neutrals, presented
with a notification of the break with
Germany, that they follow the exam
pie of the United States and thus
bring to bear to end the war the
united pressure of the whole neutral
world The president is known to be
very hopeful that this new stroke for
peace will, If not Immediately success
full, at least hasten the end of hOstili-
ties.
With distinct anxiety, cable and
wireless dispatches bearing on Ger
many's newly announced war plans
are being watched for the first indica-
tion OF American lives lost or ships
sunk without warning.
II now appears that the sinking of
the American steamer Housatonic
Saturday by a submarine was not an
Illegal act, since she carried CONTRA
band wheat, warning was given, and
the crew saved.
Sailors Ordered Released
Officials today heard with consider
able satisfaction the reports that the
German government had ordered the
immediate release of the American
sailors taken from British ships by
the German raider in the Atlantic, as
demanded by the United States short
ly before the severing of diplomatic
relations.
This action was interpreted in some
quarters as an indication of concil-
iatory attitude on the part Of Ger
many since formerly that government
had maintained these men were legal
ly prisoners of war, having accepted
service on armed belligerent merchant
vessels.
Austria's Attitude Uncertain
The situation in regard to Austria
had not changed up to today and in
some quarters 1t was suggested that
the Austrian government might not
find it necessary to ratify formally the
submarine policy of Germany and in
that event relations might be continu-
ed between the United States and
Austria.
The state department is making ef-
forts TO secure a guarantee Of safe
conduct from the allied powers for
Count Won Bernstorff, the German am
bassador, to return to his country
with his staff. and preparations were
under way today to turn over affairs
Of the German embassy here to the
Swiss minister.
The delay in receiving word from
American Ambassador Gerard. at Ber-
lin, that he had received his passports
and was ready to go to some neutral
European country or return to the
United States was attributed to the
strict censorship in Germany. Re-
quests that German consuls In this
country be accorded full protection
have been sent to governors of states
and territories by the state depart
ment.
Chapters Receive orders
Chapters of the Red Cross through
out the United States today had orders
from national officers to prepare i'm
mediately for relief work. Transporta-
.ion of Belgian relief supplies was tenn
porarily suspended. but. the Spanish
ambassador in Berlin was expected to
present an urgent request today for
guarantees of immunity from attack |
Tor vessels chartered by the Belgian !!
relief commission.
Government officials authorized a !
statement denying reports that sizure !
CT German war bound merchant ships !
in American harbors is contemplated. |
II was explained. however, that steps
have been taken to prevent the OBJ
struction of harbors by the blowing
up or sinking of any of these vessels |
This action is prompted by reports ,
that German crews have attempted to
damage a number of war bound ships
in Philippine harbors, and in several |
American ports.
Makes Secret Plans
The department Of justice also is
making secret preparations for fore !
stalling depredations which German
sympathizers might commit on munit-,
ion factories or public works In
Washington, the capitol and state, war
end navy building are closed to visit
ors and carefully guarded, and ad-
ditional police have been placed about
the White House.
No actual war preparations have
been made by the war and navy de-
partments, although many unusual pre-
cautions are being taken, and plans
are being drawn up for any eventual
;ty.
Secretaries Baker and Daniels yes
terday conferred with bureau chiefs,