The Columbus commercial. (Columbus, Miss.) 1893-1922, 1917-02-15
RrDrTENTIos on AmERI.
CANS TAKEN FROM THE
YARRoDALE sToUTLY
PROTESTED.
INQUIRY SENT BY PRESIDENT
Plight Of Sesmen Held BY tho
Teutons IL Subject Of Long
Cabinet Conference.
MERCHANTMEN MAY
BE GIVEN GUNS
Every Phase Is Carefully Con-
sidered as Situation Grows
More Tense.

4
concerning the redetention by Ger
many of the American seamen
brought in by the prize ship Yarrow-
dale was dispatched to Berlin tues
day by the United States preliminary
to more vigorous action if the men
are not promptly released. /
The plight of these sailors oeeu-
pied much of the time at yesterday
cabinet meeting, given over to tne
crisis growing out of Germany's SUD-
marine warfare. 1t was agreed that
their liberty again should be demand
ed in most emphatic fashion. PEND
ing complete reports as to the treat
ment of German crews on war-Douno
ships in the Philippines, HAWAII ana
elsewhere. however, the government
will content itself with the inquiry
as to why the Americans are held anu
under what conditions.
The cabinet discussed every phase
of the international situation, Inc
question of providing navy guns Tor
American ship owners desiring TO
arm their vessels for defense was
considered, but it was stated otflcial-
lv afterward that no decision was
reached. 1t is understood that there
was a division of opinion, with most
of the cabinet officers strongly ia
voring furnishing the guns, both on
the ground that permitting American
ships to remain idle in port suggests
ecouiescence in Germany's course
and because the congestion OF ocean
bound freight in the country's ports
is assuming serious proportions Two
or three members are said to have
contended that the policy would be
unwise The president will decide
the question.
News that an official statement
had been issued at Berlin announcing
the last "day of grace" allowed neu
tral shipping before the unrestricted
submarine warfare went into full Ell
feet did not appreciably increase ten
sion here. There has been full reali
zation ever since the sinking OF tn
Anchor liner California that the Ger
man campaign is being carried on i
defiance of the United States an
that Providence only is to be thanke
that the overt act against America
life that will precipitate war has nc
been committed.
There were strong indications dul
ing the day that the severance OF r.
lations with Germany would be e.
tended to other central powers. Au
tria's adherence to Germany's pos
ton is regarded as practically certal
to force a break with that countr
Ambassador Elkus at Constantlnop
was instructed to ascertain wheth
submarines operating under the Tu
kish flag were under the same ]
structions as those of Germany al
Austria.
Serious difficulties with Turk
already exist over interference WI
Armenian and Syrian relief and t
detention of more than 1000 Anne
can refugees.
1t develops that no message :
been received at the state dpartme
since the break with Germany FRI
either Ambassador Elkus in Const'
tinople or from Consul-General Nj
ply in Sofia, who cares for Anne
can interests throughout Bulgal
All cables to and from both poi
must 90 through Vienna, but Of
cials have no indication as to whet
they are held up there or by the 10
Bulgarian and Turkish authorities
Meanwhile, the naval collier c
sar, loaded with food and cloth
contributed by Americans for the
ferers in Syria, and the cruiser
Moines, loaded with medical suppl
are lying at anchor in Alaxan'
harbor, unable to continue their
age to Beirut because Of the IN