Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-02-05

more serious than those already devel !
oped.
With diplomatic relations at an end,
there is always the constant danger that
the sitpation between the United States
and Germany will develop into a state
of war; officials realize such q sever
ance of relations has always been fol
lowed by war,
At any moment an unfortunate mis-
take or deliberate act by some u-boat
commander may bring the "sparls" to
our shores.
Neutral Nations Watched.
The attention of the United States
government today now centers upon
neutral nations of the world.
The president has indicated clearly
that mis- move IN breaking relations with
Germany is designed to lead neutral
countries in great moral eifort-back-
ed by arms if necessary-to enforce
peace.
The president has formally requested
full and immediate reports from AM
erican representatives in the neutral
capitals on the reception of his 5ugges
tion as to similar action.
Owing to the fact that this govern
ment has always stood out for individ-
ual or 'parallel' action instead of joint
; action, there are unofficial indications
that many of the countries now will de-
cline to enter a parallel effort to force
Germany into modifying her submarine
warfare.
The ruling classes of Spain and Swed-
en- are generally understood to be some
what pro-German, while the other coun-
tries lean the other way.
Holland Will Stay Out
Holland, it is believed, by some autn-
critics here, will stand out of the strug-
$ gle entirely, owing to the fact that
e Germany has made exceptional conces-
= sons to her, doubtless influenced by the
presence of a Dutch ary of 100000 on
S her border 20 miles from the Essen mu.
e milton works.
e A majority of officials hold this be
n lief, but there are others who are not sc
sure Holland will be able to keep out
/ These officials pointed to the fact that
g Germany also has large forces groupec
= on the Dutch frontier. But even thest
e officials say they believe that if Hol
land does change her present status, il
5 would probably be actually to enter the
c war and not merely sever relations, a!
the president calls on neutral nations tt
a do. switzerland, being an interior ia
tion, is not directly affected by the new
Is German warfare.
It South American Sentiment.
It Hence the greatest significance vii
be attached to the attitude of the Soutl
American countries, as their recession
o may prove to be an influence of grea
r weight on Spain and the Scandinavia
5, countries.
al South American newspapers and som
L. South American diplomats here hav
n indicated that President Wilson is pei
TO haps now too late in changing his form
Il er course of strictly isolated action.
50 Despite the efforts of President Wi
son to change Germany plans by mora
ne force, there is strong belief that sh
s, will not alter. And this view had stron
to backing when United Press dispatche
as from Berlin showed that close Berli
SO observers would be surprised if Gel
:. many modified her warfare now.
q. The possibility-even the probablit
- of war-will not deter the presiden
- however, from proceeding in his effort
= so long as there is even a thousand t
!" one chance of success On the othe
= hand, if war is the only answer, he
ready for it, as he said i'll notifyin
neutrals he will ask power to protec
Americans in their rights
Preparations that will make the nj
tion ready to afford its citizens and il
ships this protection, continued f
day
The work of affording protection t
government property and especially go'
ernment property and especially govern
ment army and navy property and pri7
ate public property that would ser,
the country in case of war, is going c
rapidly.