The Washington herald., 1917-02-10


1t was stated. unequivocslly, last
night that the President is determined
that responsibility for a physical
clash between the two nations must
rest with Germany, and that the
United States shall under no cir
cumstances force the issue.
This determination is in line with
the earnest endeavors Of the admin
istration to prevent any act which
could be construed as an offcnse or
affront TO Germany during the pres
ent diplomatic break. In carrying out
this determination, it was stated last
night, however, the President will see
to it that no move offending the
honor OF the nation or transgressing
the rights OF its citizens shall 60 un-
punished.
Members of the Cabinet reported
the machinery of the government
fully prepared to carry out the pro-
gram laid down by the President.
They would not say, however, what
plans had been made for protecting
American merchant ships in their
voySging if the. dreaded covert act"
forces the President to put the mill
tary force of the nation in motion.
Oppose Convoy Plan.
Naval officers OF high rank oppose the
establishment OF naval conveys for u,er-
chant ships, declaring that IL would prove
Only partly effective, and would operate
to distribute widely the units OF the bat
tie feet, which, they assert, should be
employed as a strategic unit.
On the question Of arming American
merchant ships for their own defense. all
Cabinet members and the White House
last night preserved complete silence
They declared that the matter rested on
the instructions to shipping lines that
they have the right to resist unlawful at
tacks at sea-
After the Cabinet meeting Secretary Of
State Lansing and Counselor Polk. OF the
State Department. conferred at length.
and it was understood that they discussed
the arming Of merchant vessels. Later
Counselor Polk visited Secretary Of the
Navy Daniels. but both declined to dis
cuss the question OF arminE ships. IL
was looked upon as significant however
that Secretary OF War Baker yesterday
ordered work rushed on four and slx-inch
field guns to the exclusion of other arms-
ment orders. Secretary Baker said he
had had no requests for guns to be
mounted on merchant ships. II was point
ed out, however, that these four and six
inch field guns, IL mounted on navy car
riages, would be proper weapons for mer-
chantmen.
No covert Act" Yet.
With all eyes in Washington turned
toward the submarine area OF death and
destruction. administration leaders de-
clared last night that no single sinking
so far reported had furnished the covert
act" necessary to force the President TO
act. 1t was pointed out, however that
either a single great catastrophe IN the
nature OF a violation OF American rights.
or an accumulation OF minor violations
such as those already reported would
prompt the President TO lay the matter
again before Congress. Conservative sd-
minlstration advisers said last night that
they believed the President would 20 to
the Capitol on the matter within a week
Meanwhile the State Departments con-
cern as TO the departure Of Anbs sss DOR
Gerard and his fellow-Amsricans from
Germany continued. Ambassador Will
iafo, AT Maof1d, ana Minister Egan- at
Copenhagen, were instructed to ascertain
the reasons for the delay In Gersrd's
movements, and his failure to connmuni-
cate with the state Department Last
night no word had been received from
Gerard direct since Sunday, February s.
'T am very 10th to believe" said Sec
retary Lansing yesterday. that the Ger
man government is Intentionally holding
Ambassador Gerard on any excuse what
ever. 1 will be very much surprised IL
such a course has been taken. The de-
partment has made inquiries through the
Swiss Minister (now representing Ger
many here, but 50 far knows no reason
for Mr.. Gerard's delay in leaving Berlin
Guarantee Protection.
In order to resssure Germany a. to
the treatement Of German subjects IN
the United States. the department yes-
terdsy forwarded informally to Berlin
copies OF statements guaranteeing Ger
man subjects protection IN their prop
erty and funds. and disclsiminx any In