New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-28
Armed Neutrality
Limit of Wilson S
Defensive Plans
Congress and Cabinet Members
Wrathful Over Inactivity-No
Laconia Action Indicated
By STEVENSON H. EVANS

Washington, Feb. 27.-President
Wilson would not have asked Con-
gress for more than he did ask yes
terday. even if he had then known
the full details of the destruction OF
American lives on the passenger
liner Laconia, which was torpedoed
by a German submarine without
warning on Sunday night.
Although there is no doubt that
the President regards the sinking OF
the Laconia as the overt act which
he has been hoping the German COM
manders would avoid-a clear cut
and ruthless violation of American
lives and rights is the authoritative
characterization of the act-still it
is believed to be his intention to take
for the present no step beyond
armed neutrality"
The bolder spirits in Congress,
without regard to party, are seeth-
ing with wrathful indignation. They
are beginning to say openly that the
President is playing a dangerous
game against time, that nothing
short of invasion of the country and
seizure of the capital would mean
war in his eyes.
Public Opinion Only Hope
The only force that will possibly stir
the Administration to action further
than at present appears to be contem-
plated, is the force Of public opinion,
and the aggressive members of the Sem
ate and the House see no present means
for making that force manifest.
The developments Of the day in the
State Department and the White House.
aside from the conferences which the
President had with Congress leaders
in regard to the armed ship legislation,
were not of a nature to make probable
any further requests by the President
to Congress.
Mr.. Wilson discussed the case Of the
Laconia with the Secretary Of state
at noon. During the afternoon, wnel
no met the members of the Cabinet,
the Laconia case was hardly mentioned.
The Cabinet spent all it's time discuss
ing the armed neutrality bill now
pending in Congress and in hearing
reports from the War and Navy de-
partment chiefs as to the degree OF
preparedness going forward.
It is believed also that the President
discussed to some extent his inaugural
address. 1t is said that the President
will devote hi self at that time chiefly
to The foreign relations Of the United
States. It is said also that the public
NAV expect an announcement Of the
programme of the next four years. ex-
pressed, Of course, ir very general
terms.
Cabinet Meeting Placid
The Cabinet meeting Of to-day
seemed to be regarded as Of even less
Importance than usual. which is say
ing much. The pacifsts of the Cabinet
appeared to be satisfied with them
selves and the situation. That small
group which is sometimes outspoken
for American rights seemed in a some
what irascible temper.
There are men even in the Cabinet,
there are scores and scores in Con-
gress, there are thousands throughout
the country (as is evident by letters
received here who look with dismsy
and CONSERVATION upon the process now
going on.
Every day of delay now, every sign
OF the desire to avoid or evade the
issue encourages organized pacifsm
and the noise of the pro-Germans.
Time is working against the President.
He is helping to tie his own hands as
far as his leadership in Congress is
concerned. Time works but to increase
his difficulties.