Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-02-06
WILSON RESPECTS
GERMANS RIGHTS
President Will Do Nothing Not
Justified by Law of Ma
tions and Humanity.
WAR SEEMS ALMOST SURE

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United States stands before the world
court of public opinion in the anxious
waiting period which will determine
peace or war with Germany, President
Wilson is determined that there shall
be no word or deed to merit re.
proach, even from Germany itself
Nothing is to be done which is not
fully justified by the laws of nations
and humanity, Nothing is to be done
for expcdiency nothing is to be done
which is not legal and just
With hope for peace, and a read.
ness to meet war if it must be. the
president has made it clear to all his
officials that the course of the United
States, difficult as it is must be en-.
tirely beyond criticism.
Must Have Protection.
To that end, German rights and
property in the United States are tc
have full protection of law and the
president wishes every American citi
zen to forbear from any thought OF
act which might lead his countr,
nearer to war. ..1
Hope that Germany might at III,
last moment modify its declaration o.
unrestricted submarine warfare wa.
almost dissipated today by the news
dispatches from Berlin which gave the
word of high German officials that
there would be no turning back.
With that hope waning, American
officials now only wait an actual
demonstration of how the new decree
will affect American rights. The news
of the killing of an American seaman
in the shelling of the boats of the
British steamer Eavestone is not now
regarded as the feared overt act. II
will be Investigated, however.
Austria's Case Undetermined.
Meanwhile Austria's case still is un-
determined. While it is known that
the dual monarchy has officially ad-
hered to Germany's declaration as il
now stands before the State depart
ment, its announced intentions are
somewhat different from Germany's
but it is doubtful il there can be real
distinction. Rupture of relations with
Austria seems no less certain than it
did, but the situation must 60 through
definite processes before a decision is
announced.
Although engrossed in the task of
preparing the country for any even
tuality, President Wilson has not lost
sight OF the participation neutrals
must have i'll the terms of peace
terms which he fondly hopes will in
sure the world against another con-
hagration
Conference of Neutrals.
There are intimations of thoughts
of conference OF neutrals to reach
an agreement on what neutrals NAV
ask when the time comes. il is known
that this suggestion is being pressed
by at least one of the European neu-
trails, which has been among the chief
sufferers from the war and it is be-
lieved President Wilson has regarded
it with favor. 1t is realized, however,
that the idea is still in nebulous form,
The first step to place congress
formally on record in support OF the
break with Germany was taken in the
senate today and is expected to be
followed in the house. Chairman
Stone of the foreign relations COM
mittee introduced resolution endors-
ing the presidents action and it was
placed in parliamentary position to
be adopted tomorrow. Republicans
have given assurances of their support.
The work of co-ordinating the ma
tons resources went steadily forward
throughout the day and will be dis
cussed tomorrow at the first cabinet
meeting since the announcement Of
the break.
Ford Offers Plant.
President Wilson went to the Navy
department today and conferred with
Secretary Daniels on expediting legis-
lation to empower the government to
take over ship building plants, NUM-
tions works and facilities in case Of
need. Henry Ford, the manufacturer,
offered his great plant to the govern
ment without cost in case OF war and
volunteered to operate it himself with
out profit. His offer will be accepted
il there be need. From Secretary
Baker the president received a first
hand report of what is being done
within the army.
By proclamation the president for
bade further transfer to foreign gov
ernments Of ships building in America.
While this measure was conceived be-
fore the break came, its purpose is to
prevent American merchant fleets
from being depleted. ..s..