Ladysmith news-budget. [volume] (Ladysmith, Rusk County, Wis.) 1907-1927, 1917-02-16
URGENT INQUIRY TO GERMANY
AS TO RE-DETENTION OF SEA-
MEN TAKEN ON PRIZE SHIP
YARROWDALE.
MORE VIGOROUS ACTION
is EXPECTED TO FOLLOW
Cabinet Meeting Decides That Liberty
of Sailors Should Be Demanded In
Most Emphatic Observation-Disclosures
Divided On Giving Guns to,
Merchantmen.

Washington, Feb. Is. - An inquiry
concerning the re-detention by Ger
many of the II American seamen TAX
en- in by the prize ship Yarrowdale
has been dispatched to Berlin 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 the cabinet
meeting, given over to the interna-
tional crisis. 1t was agreed that their
liberty again should be demanded in
most emphatic fashion.
Full Report Awaited.
Pending complete reports as to the
treatment of German crews on war
bound ships in the Philadelphia, Ha-
vail, and elsewhere, the government
will content itself with the inquiry
as to why Americans are held and
under what conditions.
The cabinet considered the question
of providing navy guns for American
ship owners desiring to arm their yes
sells for defense, was considered, but
no decision was redCueu.
Berlin's formal announcement that
the time has expired for all exceptions
in the campaign Of ruthlessness,
turned attention to the questions
which confront the American govern
ment in whatever next step may be
taken to meet the situation.
President to Decide.
It is understood there was divi-
sion of opinion with most of the cab
met officials strongly favoring furnish
ing the guns both on the ground that
permitting American ships to remain
idle in port suggests acquiescence in
Germany's course, and because the
congestion of oceanbound freight in
the country's reports is assuming Sc
rious proportions.
Two Or three members are said to
have opposed the policy. The Pres
ident will decide the questions.
Senator Salisbury Of Delaware,
president pro tempore Of the Senate,
and a majority of the foreign rela-
lions committee, introduced bill in
the Senate which would throw down
neutrality bars to the Allies and open
all ports, harbors and territorial wa
ters of the United States to their war
ships and other vessels as freely as
in times Of peace.
The bill was referred to the foreign
relations committee.
More Breaks Likely.
There are strong indications that
severance Of relations with Germany
would be extended to the other Teu-
tonic powers. Austria's adherence to
Germany's position is regarded as
practically certain to force a break
with that country. Ambassador Elkus
at Constantinople was instructed to
ascertain whether submarines operat-
ing under the Turkish flag were under
the same instructions as those of Ger
many and Austria.
Serious difficulties with Turkey ex-
list over interference with Armenian
and Syrian relief and the detention OF
more than 1000 American refugees.
No information has been received
at the State department since the
break with Germany from Anbassa-
dor Elkus or from Consul General
Murphy, in Sofia, who cared for Amer
lean interests throughout Bulgaria.
All cables to and from both points
must go through Vienna.