Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-07

I it was indicated that no such word had
been received so far.
Austrian Relations Undecided.
A break with Austria seemed to de-
pend mainly on the reply OF Ambas-
sador Penfield at Vienna to the State
Departments inquiries concerning de-
tails of the Austrian submarine note.
, which officials now admit has been re-
ceived.
Secretary Daniels today urged i'm
mediate congregational action looking to
establishment of a government mo-
nopoiy OF all radio plants. Agents of
the army quartermaster's department
chase of large stocks Of supplies, under
orders from Secretary Baker.
Secretary Of Agriculture Houston re-
ported that his departments data
States could be self-sustaining II any
! thing should happen to cut her Off from
the world.
In the Senate the resolution approx
called up today. Its adoption appears
certain. but not without debate. which
promises to be dramatic The naval
! bill, with its S15.O0O.0OO additions made
by the House yesterday. was still be-
fore that body today. and debate on
the army bill is likely to start late this
| week, following passage of the naval
measure.
Reports at Cabinet Meeting.
! AT the conclusion Of two-hour cab
met meeting yesterday. it was indicated
that nothing has yet happened to
change the position Of the American
government in the submarine crisis.
| The State Department, it was said
| has received no official word that Ger
many might alter her position Re
ports made at the cabinet meeting
| is being made in carrying out pre-
| cautionary measures under the various
| departments.
| All precautionary and preparatory steps
! the military arms Of the government have
| been authorized 10 take are under way
and little rerla-.ls to be done now unless
actual war should follow the break with
! Germany
! On the surface the War and Navy de-
partments fell back today to almost the
quiet routine Of normal times. A few
| no admittance' signs and the strict en-
forcement of new rules requiring every
person who enters the building to have
a pass or be escorted by watchman
We're the only visible signs that the ma
ton faces grave international crisis
! Large Powers for President.
Below the surfsce, navy officials were
studying out the details of steps they
plan TO take under authority of the an
nual appropriation bill, on which the
House laoored during the day. The
measure is being made the vehicle of
! extending to the President almost un-
| limited powers. There will be no delav
in the exercise of some of these as soon
as the measure has been passed and
approved.
| Technical officials devoted much time
| to appraising the condition of govern
ment and private plans for speeding up
construction work of new naval vessels
Decision as to the types and numbers
of submarines and submarine chasers
! to be ordered soon as funds for the
! use of the navy in the event of war
also have been under discussion. al
, though no official would discuss that
subject.
There is less need for haste with the
army. The two appropriations bills
covering the land forces-the army
and Notifications bills-are already
well on their way through Congress
They carry sufficient funds for present
emergencies. though if war comes
available amounts will be greatly in
creased.
Reserve Supplies for Army.
Secretary Baker is in daily confer
ence with members of the advisory
staff of the National Defense Council
Immediate purchase of reserve quar-
termaster supplies for the army up to
the limits Of available appropriations
has been ordered by Secretary Raker
IRE departments purchasing agents
have been sent into the market by Maj
Gen. Sharpe. the quartermaster gen
eral, to carry out these Instructions in
| the shortest possible time
Secretary Baker explained that
mobilization Of the regulars and ma
tional guardsmen for border service had
| largely depleted the normal stock of
reserve supplies. The mobilization
showed also that in some respects the
reserve stocks were inadequate for the
| needs for the 10000 guardsmen called
| into the service.
Under its present organization the
army should have supplies sufficient on
Continued ." sYond Paseo