The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1917-04-05
Steps Taken by Navy to Reach
Working Agreement.
CABINET IN WAR SESSION
Extension of Credits to Nations at
War With Germany Discussed
Problem of Financing War
Also Topic.

the president of necessary authority by
congress. An official announcement
at the navy department said steps had
been taken TO effect n working agree
ment and would be put into execution
as soon as possible.
The problem of financing the war
was discussed In detail at the cabinet
meeting, and 1t Is understood plans
were considered for raising large
loan by popular subscription. A bill
to authorize such loan may be
framed by the administration and sub
mitted to congress soon.
The United States really is at war
with the German empire today, await
ing only the formal recognition of con-
gress.
Every agency was moving TO, guard
the nation against the government
which President Wilson in his address
to congress characterized as a natural
foe to liberty.
The cabinet at war session was
called to discuss the extension of cred
Its to the nations already at war
against Germany; the raising of money
by taxation for use of the United
States in the war; the equipment of
the navy to the fullest state of eff
cheney to cope with the submarine men
ace, and the raising of great army on
the principle of universal liability to
service--the first increment of which Is
to be 500,0 men.
The council of national defense and
| its advisory committee In Joint SEES
sion continued the work of mobilization
of the national resources to bring the
government of the German empire to
terms and end the war;" as the presi-
dent expressed 1t,
! The war department and the army
general staff was ready to present to
congress It's plans for raising an army
just as soon as the legislative body
asks for it.
Three Chief Problems.
AS the cabinet assembled members
said the three most pressing problems
facing the government were:
The raising of sufficient money to
finance the war operations of the Unit
ed States and extend credits to the en-
tente allies.
The raising OF large army.
The provision of adequate means Of
fighting German submarines.
In addition to these problems the
cabinet took up questions of industrial
preparedness already considered thor
oughly by the council of national de-
Tense.
The position of this government, as
authoritatively outlined, Is that the
best move toward peace which can be
made by the German government Is
the establishment of universal suffrage
in the German empire and the creation
of a ministry responsible to the people
rather than to the emperor.
Government officials here consider It
inconceivable that the United States
could enter into peace conference
such as previously outlined by Ger
many, unless there was some assur-
ance first that any agreements made
would be adhered to.
Mobilizlng Resources.
The council of national defense and
It's civilian advisory commission were
in special session at the war depart
ment again, Mt work on immediate mo-
blliZation of national resources and
energies for war with Germany.
Rejorts have been current for some
time that additional cabinet members
might be appointed 20 direct such work
In cooperation with the council. II
has been said that secretary of mu-
nitions and a secretary of transporta-
ton might yet be created.
No indications have yet come from
the council, however, that such legis-
lation Is being framed as part of its
program.
Daniel Willard, president Of the
Baltimore & Ohio railroad, chairman
Of the advisory commission. and How
ard Il. Coffin of Detroit, commissioned
In charge of munitions preparations
have been suggested as cabinet posi-.
bilitles.
Work Being Pushed.
Mr.. Willard already has arranged
for complete cooperation by steam
and electric railways with military
plans and Mr.. Coffin has done an enor.
nous amount of work In the examlna.
ton and listing of munition plants
and other manufacturing concerns
that could be quickly converted for
shellmaking.
Another member of the commission
who has been very active Is Bernard
Baruch. who arranged recently for the
purchase by the government, dealing
with the copper producers as unit, OF
an enormous amount of copper al
about one-half the market price. Mr.
Baruch Is now working out similar
project with the steelmakers.
The government will take over com
plete control of all wireless and radio
stations In the United States and ter
ritories without further explanation
said Representative Alexander.