Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1917 — GERMANY MUST TAKE INITIATIVE [ARTICLE]

GERMANY MUST TAKE INITIATIVE

?•V ' _ In War Declaration, So Says PresTdent Wilson—No War Declaration From United States. / Washington, Feb. 9.—The course o be taken by the United States if Germany compels the use of force to safeguard American lives and _ rights has been determined when it was learned authritatively after today s cabinet meeting that in the event Preisdent Wilson goes before congress again, it will not be to ask for a declaration of war, but to follow liberally the words of the address in which he announced the of diplomatic relations, and request authority to use means deemed necessary to protect American seamen and president, it was stated, is as anxious as ever to avoid war with Germany, but also is as determined as ever that American citizens and ships shall be free to travel the 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 the form of an interference with an American right. Details of the governments plans are not discussed. It is known, however, that convoying and arming of merchant ships are being considered. ‘ No new development came today to indicate that the overt act by GerTnany regarded as inevitable was near at hand. Fewer reports of ships sunk came in, and none told officially of the loss of an American life. Further information received about George Washington, the negro fireman lost in the Turino, indicated that he probably was a British subject. The cabinet met today with air the members present except Secretary McAddbr every member took to the cabinet information about the activities of his department in connection with the general precautions being taken. Questions discussed included proposed emergency legislation, steps for protecting property, mail problems precipitated by the failure of ships to said for Europe, economic issues and the army and navy preparations. The effect of the tying up of ships in American harbors because of fear that they will be sunk if they pass through the war zone is one of the questions being given careful consideration.