Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-02-10
WILSON WILL ASK
CARTE BLANCHE IN
EVENT overt ACT
President Will Not Request
Congress for Declaration of
War, But for Full Powers
to Guard Americans
FRAMES DEFINITE COURSE
Defense Council Moves to
Speed Up National Mobilis ass
cation of Resouree III
MANY OFFERS lived

Washington, Feb. 9.-President
Wilson framed definite course to be
pursued in case Germany commits the
overt act" mentioned in his address
to congress. He will not ask congress
tor a declaration of war. but will do
| Just what was promised in the address
and ask that he be allowed to use
whatever measures he deems neccs-
sary to protect American seamen and
| travellers.
1t was learned definitely after to-
days cabinet meeting that the presi-
dent has not yet decided finally that it
will be necessary for him to take this
step, although officials generally be-
lieve that Germany already has
proved conclusively that it will pro-
ceed with its program of ruthless
submarine warfare in spite Of the
warning of the president.
Acting on this assumption, the ad-
ministration proceeded rapidly today
with its preparation for any even
tuality. All of the resources of the
nation are being marshalled for posi-
Bile steps for the protection of the
country.
Washington, Feb. 9.--Before today's
cabinet meeting the council OF ma
tional defense, which includes a ma
jority of the cabinet members, held
a meeting in Secretary Bakers Office.
Steps to speed up industrial inobi-
lization were taken up today by the
council
The civilian advisory commission,
headed by Daniel Willard, president
of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, was
called to meet next Monday and to
press plans for the coordination of all
industrial and commercial resources
Of the nation against war emer-
geney.
The War, Navy and all other de-
partments having to do with prob
lens OF national defense have re-
ceived in the last few days hundreds
of offers from business houses, indus
trial organizations and other estab-
lishments throughout the country.
These will be assembled by the adj
visory committee and arranged so that
in case OF emergency, the resources
of private industries can berpaeeed,
according to plans already decided
upon, Immediately at the service of
the government. = .., -,
The following statement was issued
by Director Clifford of the advisory
The council of national defense at
its meeting today issued call for a
joint meeting of the council and the
advisory commission to be held Mon
day, February II, to consider the
great volume of offers which are be-
ing received in the several executive
and in the Office of the
council for national defense, from in
dustrial and commercial establish
nents to place their facilities at the
Of the government and to CO.
operate in every way in the organ
ization and maintenance of the ma
tional supply system and other mat
ters of business.
This call is not based upon any
new incident in the international sit
uation, but as the organization OF
the industry and the commerce of
the country for rapid use in time of
is the prime purpose, a
council of defense, it is thought that
these patriotic and numerous volun-
tary offers afford an especially favor
able opportunity for beginning the
work of organization and carrying it
into speedy operation"