The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-02-07

the closing Of the German embassy
here. Inasmuch as any action by the
United States would be directed
against Germany as nation and not
against her ambassador as an indi-
vidual, it was not thought likely that
severance would be announced by
the delivery of passports TO Count Won
Bernstorf but would be preceded by
formal notification to Berlin of the
American governments decision. The
delivery of passports to the ambas-
sador would be left as formality of
the future.
Gernlany's views as expressed in
this note is that neutrals should not
object to the German blockade mas
much as they have been unable to
raise the British blockade. American
ships venturing into the barred zones,
it was frankly stated, would be in
danger of being sunk but it was de-
clared that Germany and her allies
would give up the campaign Of ruth
lessness should neutrals acting togeth-
err cause Great Britain to raise her
blockade, or should there be peace
conference.
Austria and Turkey are expected to
make similar war zone declarations.
The first notification that Austria has
joined Germany was in the news dis
patches from Paris. No official an
nouncement had reached here to-
night.
| The only announcement the Ger
man ambassador made today was to
deny published reports that he had
told a friend that he expected to re-
ceive his passports within 4S hours.
There was no denying. however. that
Count Won Bernstorfr fully expected
the action Of the United States to be
swift and decisive. It became known
that several times during the last
week he has attempted to discourage
Americans from sailing for Europe.
He has declined to write letters Of in
PRODUCTION for friends and ON other
pretexts without disclosing his knowl-
edge Of what was about to happen has
done his best to discourage them from
going to Europe.
| Chairman Stone Of the senate for.
eign relations committee, who has
been in st. Louis, telegraphed to the
White House that he was hurrying
back and would arrive at p. nj. to-
morrow.
On a previous occasion the presi-
dent told members OF the committee
that before breaking relations with
any country he would inform them.
Col. House spent the day here but
left tonight for New York. In ad-
dition to a long talk With the presi-
dent he saw Secretary lansing: coun-
sellor Polk.o the state department;
Secretary McAdoo and Postmaster
General Burleson.
| Public opinion in this country is
being carefully considered not so
much as a decisive force. but as in
dicati.-., the limit Of the first step
to be taken. The officials realize
that severe mental wrench must
be experienced to turn public thought
from hopes Of peace to the eventuali-
ties of Germa ms action
| There apparently is no division in
official opinion that Germanys an
nouncement justifies this country in
severing diplomatic relations, or TAX
ing belligerent steps to safeguard
| American rights. The present situa-
ton is regarded as representing a
mature policy made in full ccnsidera-
| tion that 1t will cost the friendship
If not the neutrality Of the United
States and probably other neutrals.
Preparations are now known to
have been under way in Germany for
months and the information that had
been allowed to pass the censorship
to have been entirely misleading. The
fact stands out that official Germany
has held Off from such a policy not
because Of international law or con-
sideration for the United States, but
because it did not feel it expedient
, at an earlier time.