Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 56, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 March 1917 — President to Aet Within The Next Few Days. [ARTICLE]

President to Aet Within The Next Few Days.

Washington, March 7.—New tion by President Wilson within the next few days in the situation resulting from the German unrestricted submarine campaign was forecasted confidently today in administration quarters. ' If the faith of the action has' been determined upon it was not revealed. The possibilities * are the arming of 'American merchantmen by the government in spite of old stautes construed ;by. some officials to prohibit such action> the convoying of the vessels by warships; the immediate calling of an extra session of congress, and the placing of American ships desiring to pass through the danger zone under government control. “ ■Reports conveyed to. the president during the day that the prospects are excellent for prompt and favorable action on his suggestion for a revision of the senate rules so that action can be secured on an armed neutrality bill, was believed to bring the calling of an extra .session nearer. While some officials have advised the president that he has full power to arm merchantmen wtihout congressional action, others feel that such a step would he stretching the law, and therefore would he inadvisable,. It is pointed out, however, that any restrictions surrounding the arming of vessels do not apply to supplying convoys. The best judgment of the navy department has been against convoying for strategical reasons but it was considered possible that if other way is found this course might be adopted.