The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-03-19
STATE OF WAR NOW
 VIRTUALLY EXISTS

Washington, March 19-With the announcement of the ruthless destruc- ton of three unarmed American mer- chant ships by submarines, it was of ficially admitted here yesterday that virtualIyaa state of war exists between the United States and Germany.
 Technically, the United States re- mains in a position of armed neutral ity. Whether this shall be changed before April 16, the date fixed for a special session of Congress, the war making 'branch of the government, President Wilson, has not decided.
 One step the President is conten- plating is a call for an immediate ses- sion of Congress to hear an address asking for authority to adopt aggres- sive measures against the submarine menace. Already American ships are being armed to defend themselves: the next move must be to send war ships with orders to seek out submar- ines and clear the transatlantic lanes. Say That War Exists.
 Some of the highest officials of the government hold that the executive has the power to declare that a state of war exists and to proceed with ag- gressive protective steps pending the assem- bling of Congress. There is no Indication, however, that the Presi- dent will follow that course.
 Consul Frost, at Queenstown, re- ported the loss of the City of Mem phis in the following cablegram:
 American steamer City of Mem pl1is, Cardiff to New York. sunk by German submarine 4 p. m., 17th, 35 miles south of Fastnet. Fifteen sur yiyors landed GchuIl a. m. today. Thirty-four additional survivors on Admiralty vessel, . which continues search for eight missing. Will land Baltimore Qreaand) probably today
 Consul General Skinner at London reported the destruction of the other two ships.
 .1The American steamer City oe Memphis. Cardiff to New York. re- ported s,ln1z,'' his message said. Some of crew landed Patrol boat gone to pick up crew of American steamer H. linois, London to Port Arthur, report ed sunk. American steamer Vigilan- cia alleged torpedoed without warn ing"
 A later cable from Consul Frost said:
 "City of Memphis s3 survivors land ing here now. Vessel was sunk by gunflre. Submarine large type. Re- mained on scene after crew had left ship Refused request to tow boats to land Weather not severe. but threat ening. Survivors at Schull included Allen Carroll. second officer; McPher- son. second engineer: Robert Shea, surgeon; John Walkin, Henry Cam pany. Gus Company A. ID. Henton, all Americans. and five Spanish, one Por- tuguese, one Swede and one Russian"
 The days developments brought the Government face to face with the problem of formulating definite poll icy for the Nation in case the United States actually enters the war. This possibility was mentioned by the President in his inaugural address March 5.
 All of the conditions outlined in his message announcing the diplomatic break with Germany as leading to a state of armed neutrality have now been fulfilled. The overt act" des- cribed by him then has actually come; if in fact it had not been comitted when the President went before Con- gross again. Since then he has estab- lished a state of armed neutrality with the specific authority of Con- gross.
 Declare Act Means War
 President Wilson was out automo- billing when the first despatches tell ing of the three disasters came in quick succession. Through Secretary