New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-23
Franklin Appeals to Daniels
for Guns, but Gets No
Answer
President Expected
To Act in Few Days
Strives to Avert Break with
Austria-Has Little Hope
of Success
Ry STEVENSON H. EVANS

Washington waits for the Presidents
to go before Congress and ask for
blanket authority TO use the military
power of the United States in de-
fence of American lives and rights
upon the sea, the two subjects OF
most eager discussion, now consid.
cred the most important prslimi-
naries to the announcement Of the
Presidents future policy, are:
1. The threatened break Of diplo.
matte relations with Austria-Hun-
gary.
2. The question of arming Ameri-
can ships to traverse the forbidden
zone in safety.
A decision to arm American pas
senger ships with government guns
is expected to be announced by
President Wilson in a few days
President Franklin Of the Interna-
tional Mercantile Marine, owners Of
the American Line, saw Secretary
Daniels to-day, but was unable To
obtain any advance information.
Lansing Urges ArninS
Secretary Of State lansing 10 cone
vineed that it is the duty Of the govs
ernment 70 arm the vessels Of the
American Line now tied W In New
York. He has so recommends b the
President, but Mr.. Wilson has delayed
action.
Mr.. Daniels told Mr.. Franklin the
matter was still before Mr.. Wilson foS
decision, but said he expected an an
nouncement soon. The understanding
is that Mr. Wilson will make this when
he goes TO Congress for more author
ity.
There is no intention TO commander
the American Line ships. Secretary
Daniels to-day branded as ridiculous
reports that this would be done,
though he said the government, OF
course, had its plans ready for taking
over the vessels as auxiliary cruisers
in case of need.
Keeping Plans Secret
When Mr.. Wilson will 20 before Con-
gress continues to be a matter OF spec
rlstion. His course, however, may be
indicated generally after conversations
with his advisers and intimates-
Armed neutrality is a phrase much IN
the minds Of officials. Great secrecy -
to specific measures will be necessary.
il is declared, because deiniteness in
stating them might be OF great military
value to Germany.
The speech to Congress, which may
ccme tomorrow or Saturday, will have
much the tone which characterized Mr.
Wilson's famous address in which be
advocated the repeal Of the Pansms
Csral tolls act,
'T ask this OF you in support OF the
foreign policy Of the Administration
he said then. 81 shall not know how
to deal with other matters Of even
greater delicacy and nearer eonso-
quence if you do not grant il TO me ia
ungrudging measure"
Maintenance Of relations with Vienna
has been the desire Of the Unied
States, as much as it has been the
desire Of Austria, it was learned TO-
day. The active measures to maintain
relations, however, were initiated At
Vienna, or possibly Berlin.
Fear Effect on Hungary
The reason for this no one here eer-
taiply knows. Close students Of Euro
pean politics. however, say that a break
with the Upited States would have q
tremendously bad effect on the people
of the Dual Empire. especially in Hun
gary. Ever since 184s there has been
real affection for the United States
among the common people Of Hungary.
The Austrian government, none too
strong after war such as this, hest
tates 20 give these people such blow.
But whatever the hopes on either
side may have been, they seem destined
70 be blasted, for this government has
practically given up hope Of obtaining
from Austria a declaration recedins
from the submarine frightfulness.
U-Bosts May Cross Atlantic
officers in the Navy Department are
considering the immediate possibility
of the appearance of submarines OF the
coast of the United States. The visit o.
tho U-53 has not been forgotten. IL al
ways has been believed here that this
craft vas sent into Newport harbor for
the purpose Of impressing the United
States. IL submarines do appear on ths
coast that would now be regarded IS
distinctly unfriendly act.
There were signs in both houses OF
Congress TO day and among leading men
~ both parties that a call for an extra
session Immediately after March VIII
he pressed on the President. There 10
a feeling growing rapidly that in thiaS