The Washington herald., 1917-02-14
OPPOSITION FROM NAVY.

Opposition TO putting naval guns on
merchant ships has come largely from
the Navy Department itself, and il was
understood last night that Secretary OF
the Navy Daniels was the principal op-
ponent Of the proposal in yesterdays
Cabinet meeting. The Navy Department
has questioned the authority of the
Federal government to use its property
or personnel for private purposes. Sec
retary of State Lansing, however, has
contended since the question arose that
the government has full legal powers
1t was understood last night that the
President was inclined to support this
view.
Plenty of Reserve Gusa-
Announcement was made at the Navy
Department that there are available for
immediate use reserve guns enough To
arm the entire feet of American mer-
chant ships trading with Europe These
guns range from 1-pounders to e-lnch
naval guns, II was stated, but some of
them are very old The question OF
arming the passenger liners Of the Amer
lean Line, which has temporarily can
celed its sailings, IL was stated at the
department, presented little difficulty.
The ships OF this line were Constructed
with a view to their conversion into
transports In war time, and were built
with emplacement for guns. The guns
could be mounted in a very short time,
It was said. In some cases, however,
American ships would need special brac--
ing constructions before they could carry
eiz he
said.
Some concern was apparent last night
Following the announcement from Berlin
that the fnsl restrictions had been re-
moved from the submarine commanders
and that "ruthlessness" was In full force
II was recognized that the dreaded overt
act may now be expected at any
moment, and this situation prompted I.
belief that preparations for protecting
American ships should be hastened.
Anxiety Over Prisoners.
There was evident anxiety at the state
Department yesterday over the fate OF
the seventy-two American citizens taken
TO Germany aboard the captured Yar-
rowdale. Definite sdvices from abroad
indicated that Germany was holding the
Narrowdale prisoners to assure the pro-
lection Of Germans in the United States
The first direct report to the Department
from recalled Ambassador Gerard reached
Washington last night from BerDe but
II said nothing about the Yarrovdale
prisoners. 1t was confined TO question.
as TO the disposition to be made of the
Ambassadors stan, and Il is expected
that at least part of the Berlin stsr
VIII be left at Berne to facilitate the
handling Of American affairs by the Swiss
government.
An inquiry directed TO Berlin by tb.
State Department through the Swiss gov
eminent, however, elected the reply that
The Yarrowdale prisoners were again de-
tained. Through the same channel tn.
department received a request for the
rauhcation Of the Prussian treaty of lS2S.
safeguarding citizens Of both countries in
time of war. 1t was learned however
that the administration looks with little
favor on this proposal which Ambassa-
dor Gerard declined TO forward TO this
government before he left Berlin Tho
department takes the position that Ger
many has already sbrogsted this treaty.
and that this government Will not con-
sent TO renew Il at this time. II has been
frequently stated. however. that ths
President Will adhere strictly TO the
principles Of those provisions of the treaty
protecting German property In this ooun-
try. Additional sssur aces as TO the
treatment of German war-oound shfps
and their crews are expected 70 be for
warded to Berlin.
Would Open Ports to Allies.
A new war measure made its appear
ance in the Senate yesterday when Sena-
tor salisbury. OF Maryland. who h closs
to the White House, introduced q bin
throwing open American ports TO ths vass
ships Of the entente powers. osnAfsr
salisbury said that the measure vouA
give effective aid IN suppressins the un-
restricted use of submarines. The bin
entitled an act 10 "discourags the viola.
CONTINUED ON PAGE TWO.