The log cabin Democrat., 1917-02-05
ASKS ALL NEUTRALS 10 JOIN WITH U. s. SEVER WITH GERMANY
HOusatOnic Incident Saturday Proves Not to Be Overt Act Necessary
 to Precipitate War.

a bold stroke to range the moral fore es of all other neutral countries along with that of the United States in the interest of peace
 The president has suggested to all the other neutrals that they break off diplomatic relations with Germany as the United States has done, and has instructed all American diplo- mats in those countries to report inn mediately how the suggestion is re- ceived. The opinion in diplomatic quarters here is that European neu- trals, at the very doorstep of Ger many, threatened by her military power, will hesitate to take such a step. The effect of the suggestion in other countries is being eagerly awaited.
 This was the only known develop ment of first importance which came out of day of tense waiting which followed the actual announcement Saturday of the break with Germany.
 News that the American steamer Housatonic had not been sunk with out proper warning and that no lives had been lost dispelled cloud which threatened the storm to follow the first overt act against the United States under the new war zone order.
 Still hopeful that Germany will not ruthlessly sacrifice American lives or rights, the administration is awaiting developments, but leaving nothing undone to prepare the coun- try for the eventuality of war.
 The situation as to Austria is un- changed. There is no doubt, how ever, that diplomatic relations will be broken with her when she an- nounces her intention to adhere to Germany's course.
 The presidents invitation to neu- trals to follow his action was con- tained in instructions to American diplomats to announce the break with Germany to the governments to which they are accredited It was contained in the following note:
 "You will immediately notify the government to which you are ac- credited that the United States, be- cause of the German governments s recent announcement of its inten- tion to renew unrestricted submarine has no choice but to follow the course laid down in it's note of April IS, 1916 (the Sussex note).
 Ut has therefore recalled the American ambassador from Berlin and has delivered passports to the German ambassador to the United States.
 Say also that the president is re- luctant to believe Germany actually will carry out her threat against neutral commerce but if it be done, the president will ask congress to authorize use of the national power to protect American citizens engaged in their peaceful and lawful errands on the seas.
 "The course taken is, in the pres ident's view, entirely in conformity with the principles he enunciated in his address to the senate January 12. (The address proposing a world league for peace).
 "He believes it will make for the peace of the world if other neutral powers can find it possible to take similar action.
 Report fully and immediately on the reception of this announcement and upon the suggestion as to simi- lar action"
 Thus it becomes apparent that in the shadow of war the president has not abandoned his efforts for peace, and as the first step has moved to direct the moral force of the neu- tral world to compel Germany's re- turn to an observance of interna- tional law at sea.
 The danger that broken diplomatic relations between the United States and Germany will develop into a state of war is by no means mini mixed by President Wilson's course and neither he nor other officials of the government are abating their preparation for any eventuality.
 Steps to protect American cities and property against attack by for eign sympathizers are day and night going forward actively, although si- lently. Preparations to prevent the disabling of German war-bound ships in American ports are being taken but they are unannounced.
 The question of conveying Amer ican ships on their voyages to the submarine zone still is undecided, although the first impression is to let American ships proceed in us-