Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 February 1917 — GERMAN RIGHTS TO BE GUARDED BY PRESIDENT [ARTICLE]

GERMAN RIGHTS TO BE GUARDED BY PRESIDENT

“Avoid Haste and Unneutral Acts,” Warning to Officials and to Nation. SEES NO OVERT ACT YET? News of Killing of American by Submarine Not Regarded as Cause for War—Ship Owners Ordered to Keep Vessels Under American Flag. Washington, Feb. 6.- —While the United States stands before the world court of public opinion in the anxious waiting period which will determine peace or war with Germany, President Wilson is determined that thege shall be no word or deed to merit a reproach, even from Germany herself.

Nothing is to be done which is not fully justified by the laws of nations and humanity; nothing is to be done for expediency; nothing is to be done which is not legal and just. Must Be Beyond Criticism. With a hope for peace, and a readiness to meet war if it must be, the president has made it clear to all his officials that the course o£ the United States, difficult as it is, must be entirely beyond criticism. To that epd German rights? and property in the United States are to have full protection of law, and the president wishes every American citizen to forbear from any thought or act which might lead his country nearer to war. Hope that Germany might at the last moment modify her, declaration of unrestricted submarine warfare was almost .dissipated by the news dispatches from Berlin which gave the word of high German officials that there would be no turning back. No Overt Act Yet? With that hope waning, American officials now only wait an actual demonstration of how the new decree will affect’ American rights. The news of the killing of an American seaman in the shilling of the boats of the British steamer Eavestone is not now regarded as the feared overt act. It will be thoroughly investigated before It is assigned to its proper place as a factor in the situation. Meanwhile Austria's case still is undetermined. While it is known that the dual monarchy has officially adhered to Germany’s declaration, as it now stands before the state department. the announced intentions are somewhat different from Germany’s. but it is doubtful if there can be a real distinction. Rupture of relations with Austria seems no less certain than it did, but the situation must go through definite processes before a decision is announced.

Co-Ordinating Resources. The work of co-ordinating the nation’s resources went steadily forward and will be discussed today at the first cabinet meeting since the announcement of the break. President Wilson went to the navy department and conferred with Secretary ©aniels on expediting legislation to empower the government to over shipbuilding plants, munitions works and facilities in case of need. Hepry Ford, the manufacturer and pacifist, offered his great plant to the government without cost in case of war and volunteered to operate it himself without profit. His offer will be accepted if there be need. From Secretary Baker the President received a first-hand report of what is being done within the army. By proclamation the president forbade further transfer to foreign flags of ships building in America. While this measure was conceived before the break came, its purpose is to prevent American merchant fleets from being depleted. AH Vessels Listed. It was announced by the department that every craft lying in a United States harbor has been listed with a view to learning just what aid the navy will have from commandeered ships. There have also been listed all shipyards with the work that is going on, capacity and possibilities of expansion. Offers of industrial corporations all over the country to turn over their plants to the navy department or in other ways facilitate its .work continued to pour in on the department. Among thosC offering aid was James B. Bonner, who told Secretary Daniels the United States' Steel corporation stood ready to facilitate in every way any work that might be needed. H. S. Kimball of the Remington Arms company, called on a similar errand, as did Stewart Lee of Posey & Jones company. Wilmington shipbuilders. Lieutenant Belknap of the bureau of operations, was designated censor of news in the department and at once made plans to prevent the leakage,of secrets that would aid an enemy.