The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-03

decried the possibilities of the United
States being drawn into the war.
II can't conceive that we should go
into war over a little zone around
Great Britain" said Galloway
Republican Leader Mann admonish-
ed the speakers to keep cooP' and
hear what the president had to say.
Count Won Bernstorff has been
handed his passports and Gerard has
been ordered from Berlin.
Whether the break with Germany.
would be accompanied by a similar
break with Austria Hungary could not
be learned definitely. Inasmuch as
Austria is understood to have en-
dorsed the action OF Germany, how
ever, this action is expected to follow
if it has not already been taken
The state department notified Am
passador Gerard to ask for his pass
ports.
Follows Cabinet Meeting.
The decision to break was reached
after the presidents conference with
the cabinet and members of the sem
ate yesterday. The president by those
conferences came to the conclusion
that the country would stand solidly
behind him in breaking off diplomatic
relations with Germany.
Greatest CONSERVATION.
When news of the presidents ac-
ton broke out thru the capitol it
aroused the greatest CONSERVATION.
since last evening but there were
many who chung to the belief that he
would not actually cut the last ties
between the two nations.
The president arose early this morn
ing, had breakfast as usual and then
called for Secretary Tumulty. When
Tumulty came back from the mansion
his face was very grave but the only
comment he would make was that
the president would address a joint
session of congress at o'clock this
afternoon.
Beyond this the White House Off
cial was absolutely silent.
The president had worked until far
into the night completing the message
that he delivered this afternoon. He
wrote it on his own typewriter and
made the last corrections and changes
this morning.
Measure Short of War.
Breaking off diplomatic relations
brings the United States to the verge
of war. Never in the history of the
world have two first class powers sew
cred their diplomatic relations with
out hostilities following. Wilson in
taking the step has counted the con-
| sequences carefully, as have all his
advisers. Germany, all her officials
have openly said, had counted the cost
| of break with the United States and
was prepared to pay it in the hope of
| shortening the war.
! When the president returned from
the capitol last night, he had appaI
emily made up his mind that nothing
remained but breaking off reh<ons.
At once he began preparing the id
| dress which he will deliver to con-
gress. No announcement of the break
was made at the White House, as that
was reserved for disclosure to the pub
tic in the address to congress. Secre-
! tary Tumulty would only say that the
president would address congress this
afternoon
The danger that may follow is ac-
| centuated by the diplomatic history Of
the world. Modern times show no in
stance of a diplomatic break between
two first class powers that has not
| been followed by hostilities. The
rights of Germans in the United States
and of Americans in Germany are
practically unaffected by the sever
ance of diplomatic relations. No
treaties are terminated or suspended,
but remain in full force and effect
to denounce them, which. under in
ternational practice, generally calls for
a notice of one year.
German consuls in the United States
and American consuls in Germa ny
holding their places by virtue OF
treaties. continue to perform their
usual functions, but they no longer
work under supervision of diplomatic
officers.
Can Seize Interned Ships.
There is no change in commercial
relations, already badly crippled by
the war. Individuals and corporations
may continue their usual affairs pro-
vided they do not deal in contraband
and their obligations are as binding
as ever. The courts still remain oper
to them for redress, but they have nc
facility for direct Intervention of theil
diplomatic officials. They may. how
ever. be represented by the diplomats
of the friendly powers to care fol
the interests of the respective gov.
ernments. There should be no seuues
tration or confiscation of private
property, either in the United State:
or Germany altho it may be taken fol
use under certain circumstances. Tht
ninety-five or more German merchan
ships tied up in American ports since
the beginning or the war may be uSeC
by the United States but the German
owners ultimately must be compen
stated. The ships, scattered in thu
ports of continental United States
Porto Rico and the Pacific island pos
: sessions including, the Philippines
comprise some of the best known
ocean liners and aggregate 62S,S3'
| gross tons. Only in case of war Il
there possibility of their being abso
t lutely confiscated and even then sucl
action is doubtful, for the United
has been the leading exponent of tn
inviolability of private property.
Mails will continue, to move unde
, the Geneva convention and other ex
, listing special convention. There shout,
be no restrictions upon the free move
ment of travellers between the tw,
: countries other than the fixed polio
of the United States to issue no pass
ports to Americans wishing to visi
. the war zone, unless they have press
q ing business there.
> Individuals Not affected.
e In fact, so far as individuals ar
concerned, their status remains prac
- tically unchanged by a break in diplo
matte relations. Upon the conduct o
|, Americans in Germany and conduc
of Germans and German sympathizer
e in the United States depends the att
e tude of the respective government
9 regarding them.
!. There is. hnyzeUer ralatinr, ha