The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1917-02-15
The WAR NEWS in BRIEF.

over tne latters submarine blockade. The
Spanish embassy has taken charge o: the af-
fairs of the American embassy at Berlin.
Switzerland is to look after German interests
at Washington. Feb. 7th, by vote of 70 to
B, the U. s. Senate expressed confidence in the
Presidents course. adopting resolution en-
dorslng the withdrawal of American Ambassa-
dor Gerard from Berlin and giving to Ger.
many's ambassador Count Won Bernstorff his
passports. Kirby of Arkansas and Vardaman
of Mississippi. Democrats. and Gronra. North
Dakota; Works, California, and LaFollette,
Wisconsin, Republicans. voted against the
resolution Addressing a meeting in London
Jan. 7th, John Hodge. minister of labor. said
he thought he was giving away no secret in
saying that at the recent conference between
representatives of the Entente allies the de-
termination has been arrived at to terminate
the war by the end of summer In the Eng
lish House of Lords Feb. 7th, the Marquis of
Creve said that Germany had thrown aside
the mask of humanity by her latest utterance.
and had promised a warfare of uneaualled saw
agery which was staggering. not in the sense
its authors hoped, but to those who contem-
plated Germany's moral position. The Brit
lsh passenger steamer California, of the
Anchor line bound from New York for Glas-
gov, was torpedoed at a. m. Feb. 7th off the
Irish coast and sank in nine minutes. with the
loss of Al lives-36 drowned in the launching
of the lfeboats and killed by the explosion
The only American on board was one of the
survivors,. Ten enemy and neutral ships. sg-
gi egating 2l.5O5 tons. were sunk by German
submarines during the "a hours ending Thurs
day night-6 British steamers. a Norwegian
ship, Swedish steamer, French trawler and
a British ship. Vessels are being sent to the
bottom of the ocean at the rate of million
tons month, and if continued for four years
this would destroy all the worlds merchant
ships. :. Peru is to make written claim on
the German government for the sinking of the
Peruvian sailing vessel Lorto n. which was tor
pedoed inside Spanish territorial waters....
Peru and Chill will address protests to Ger
many in regard to the German measures Of
naval warfare and Bolivia has decided to COM
pletely support the attitude of the United
States in the crisis with Germany. Watchful
that an overt act any hour may bring on war
for which all possible preparation is being
made... An American negro fireman the
1urino. George Washington, was killed. with
two others when the Turino was torpedoed
....Ambassador Gerard and a number of
Americans are held in Berlin to await the
safe departure of German officials from
r. fha TIpito Stofn
break with the German government......
Austria has not as yet withdrawn or modi-
fled her note adhering to the German subma-
rine campaign.it was stated officially Thursday
at the State department. ). There is good rea-
son to believe that the Government is keeping
back some shocking details respecting Ger
man massacres on the high seas since the
piratical forms of submarine warfare were
resumed. :. Friday five neutral and one Brit
ism vessel were sent to the bottom by the u
Boats... The White Star liner Baltic has II
rived safely at Liverpool. President Wilson
will not ask Congress to declare war but is
determined to enforce the freedom of the
high seas for American ships and citizens.
Good authorities say detention of Ambassador
Gerard in Berlin equivalent to declaration of
War. -. Before the Cabinet meeting Feb. 9th
the Council of National Defense, which in
cludes a majority of the Cabinet members,
held meeting and arranged for a grea- mass
ing of industries for war; to build a submarine
base at Canal Zone, and to enlist $4,000 in
Navy. American Red Gloss reports i. is
prepared to furnish hospital force for Army of
100000 within few days. ... Universal train
ing plans now being perfected in Washingt on
propose years service for all ply sically fit
boys at age of 49,. Ia case of war between the
United States and Germany 10000 Navajo In-
dians will take to the warpath for the Govern :
ment. :. Evidence that most, if not all the yes =
sells of the refugee German feet at Boston
have been rendered useless by damage to en-
gines, cylinder heads and valves, is understood
to have been found by Capt. John Coyle OF
the coast guard service in making special ex
animation of the vessels for the customs ser
vice -. German submarines sank Bri ish and
Norwegian vessels last Saturday Swiss
Ambassador said to have informally suggested
renewal of relations with Germany and ar
rangements for safeguarding American yes.
sells, lives and property, while continuing her
submarine campaign. Opinion at Washington
that this government will not accede. -. One
British steamer sunk Monday by u boat.
Ambassador Grard and staff and 10 Other
Americans left Boston at $40 p. m. Feb. 10th
for Switzerland and the leave taking was very
cordial. Mr.. Girard will await instruct tions a,
Berne before proceeding further. Little hope
or expectation prevails in Berlin that war with
the United States is avoidabe, or that modus
vivendi reconciling the policies OF the tive
governments can be found Submarine com.
manders have been instructed to take safe side
where neutral ships. particularly American, are
concerned. China has sent protest to Ger
many...... British have captured strong system
of trenches nOrth of Beaumont Hamel, extend
ing over wide front. Heavy fighting on oth.l
fronts. British drive Turks in Mespotamis
Germans captured trenches in Galicia. but later
were obliged to evacuate them. according tc
Petrograd. The United States fatty refuses
to discuss difficulties with Germany while the
| ruthless submarine campaign is in progress.
80. Food conditions in Germany have changed
greatly for the worse in the past few months
and the people are facing starvation. Ger
man authorities have ordered Americans te
withdraw from relief work in Belgium anG
Northern France. Germany intends doubt
to aDDropriate to her own use the S25 600 0U(