The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1917-02-12
COURSE OF U. S. DETERMINED
President Will Not Ask Congress for
Declaration of War But Merely for
Authority to Use Means to Protect
American Rlghts-Issue~ of War or
Peace Will Remain With Germany

Authority to Use Means to Protect
American Rlghts-Issue~ of War or |
Peace Will Remain With Germany
Washington Dispatch, Feb. 9.
The course to be taken by the
United States, if Germany ,compels
the use of force to safeguard Amer
lean lives and rights, has been de-
termined. 1t was learned authori-
tatively after today's Cabinet meet
ing that, in the event President Will
SON goes before Congress again., it
will not be to ask for a declaration
of war, but to follow literally the
words of the address in which he an
nounced the break of diplomatic re-
latlons, and request authority to use
means deemed necessary to protect
American seanlen and people.
The President, it-was stated, is as
anxious as ever to avoid war with
as ever that American citizens and
ships shall be free to travel the high
seas unmolested. His next step, if
taken, will be to enforce that right
and even then the issue of war or
peace will be with Germany. Any
hostile action will have to come in
! L
American right.
Details of the governments plans
are not discussed. It is known, how
ever, that conveying and arming of
! merchant ships are being consider
j ed.
Germany's Request Resented
Some resentment was expressed in
/ administration quarters today over
what was construed as an implication
contained in Germany's request of
Ambassador Gerard that old trea-
ties between Prussia and the United
States be re-affirmed, that such ac-
tion was necessary to make certain
that the rights of Germans in this
country guaranteed under those trea.
, ties be made secure. 1t was reite.
rated that the American government
: fully intends acting according to the
spirit of the treaties. While the trea
ty actually was abrogated by pas
sage of the seamen's law with con
|; flicting section, the government here
looks upon the pact as at least furn
ishing the guiding principle under
i, which it will act.
Action of Neutrals Gratifying
: The administration is understood
5 to be highly gratified by the actor
taken by many of the neutrals in pro
; testing with varying degrees of finn
} ness against Germany's new subma
| rine policy. While none has so fa
followed the lead and suggestion o
;, The United, States by breaking of
e. diplomatic relations, nevertheless, tn
e expression of sentiment was said t.
S be the chief object desired byPresiden
: Wilson in suggesting action to them
: The open issue as to Germany
o treatment of Ambassador Gerard
which has caused much i'll feelin
t here, appears to be cleared up. Whil
l. officials have had no word from MI
e Gerard since February 5 when h
n reported through Copenhagen tha
It his departure was being delayed, the
g accepted press dispatches today a
to arrangements for his leaving to
morrow and said that confirmatio
war exnected through the slower OF
ficial channels.
IT Officials maintained e,bsolute s.
l. lence on Mr.. Gerards detention unit
II today. when Secretary Lansing al
thorized the following statement:
3. 81 am very loath to believe ths
s. the German government intentiona
y ly is OBTAINING Ambassador Gera1
l. in Berlin on any excuse whatsoeve
), should be very much surprised
such course had been taken"
s. The incident will be considere
Of closed, so far as this country is col
cerned, if press dispatches are borr
out and the Ambassador is allowe
Of to leave Germany. Nevertheless,
disagreeable impression has bee
created here.