Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-05


Ships Arrival Relieves Tension.
The safe arrival of American ships
in English harbors, reported this
morning, brought an air of relief to
the tensity which has prevailed every
where officials still hoped Germany
would not violate her pledges to the
United States despite her threat.
All officials realized that the situa.
tion had resolved itself INTO one OF
tense waiting and careful prepare
tion. They realize that the hoped
against overt act may come soon or
be long delayed. Meanwhile they are
putting every agency OF the govern
ment in motion to meet it,
Apparently the next question OF
great moment to be decided relates to
Austria's participation in Gernany's
campaign of ruthlessness Presioent
Wilson is ready to sever relations aiSo
with the dual monarchy as soon as IL
officially subscribes to the German dec
laration.
Bomb Under Malone's Steps.
While officials refuse to admit that
Austria's formal announcement of her
adhesion to Germany's declaration of
unrestricted submarine warfare has
for believing it is now before the gov
ernment and that appropriate action is
being considered.
President Wilson had engage
ments scheduled for the day. but
planned to devote his entire attention
to the German situation.
Customs Collector Malone at New
York reported to the Treasury Depart
ment today that he had found a bomb
under the steps of his home.
Further steps to make the navy
ready were planned today by Secretary
Daniels at conferences with Chairman
Padgett of the House naval committee,
chiefs of all bureaus and assistants.
Program of Necessary Legislation.
In a general way plans include new
legislation to empower the President
TO take over shipbuilding and muni-
tion plants and other private concerns
which might be of value to the army
and navy.
Formal suspension of the eight-hour
law applying to navy yards may be
included in the program. as the linn
tied amount of shipbuiiding labor avail
able necessitateS 1t.
Indications are that the Navy Depart
ment would decide in the event of war
TO put the building energies of the
country to quick construction Of sub
marines and submarine chasers. Under
war with Germany only sporadic light
cruiser attacks and submarine opera
tons would be expected.
Virtually all shipbuilders and many
Inunition plants have already reported
to the Navy Department their readiness
TO take up any policy the government
proposes.
President Meets Henry Ford.
President Wilson went to the Navy
Department shortly before noon today
and conferred with Secretary Daniels
ON the steps Of the State, War and
Navy building he met Henry Ford, the
manufacturer and pacihst, who has just
offered to turn his huge plant over to
the government and operate it without
profit for any purposes deemed neces-
sary.
The President and Mr. Ford shook
hands and Mr.. Wilson told the manu-
facturer he was very glad to see him.
After President Wilson and Secretary
Daniels had conferred about thirty
minutes they walked together to the
Office of Secretary Baker at the War
Department.
When President Wilson left Secre-
tary Bakers office. after a ffteenmin-
ute conference, he said:
"Just routine business. Nothing Sc
rious."
He then returned to the White House.
Officials Warned to Be Careful.
While the United States awaits the
issue of war or peace. President Will
son has taken steps that the conduct
Of the government during the tense
period of waiting shall be one of calm
deliberation and beyond criticism.
The American government, it was
stated officially. will be very careful
to see that Germany and all other for
eign governments will have no just cause
for complaint
General instructions have been issued
to federal government officials in all
q. parts OF the country to avoid hasty
action and do nothing not strictly legal
and within the province of the govern
nent.
The government. ii was pointed out.
has no legal right to take over war
bound merchant ships in American
harbors.
strict legal right must he the basis
for the conduct of all federal officers,
under the announced policy of the gov
ernment.
U. s. Will Adhere Strictly to Law.
No matter what other nations may do
in the present emergency. it was stat
cd that the United States will adhere