Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1917 — AMERICAN SHIPS ARE TORPEDOED [ARTICLE]

AMERICAN SHIPS ARE TORPEDOED

Fifteen Men Lost when Three Boats Go Down. VIRTUAL WAR STATE EXISTS Sixty Submarine Chasers. Ordered and Bids Opened Monday for 200 More. Washington, D. C., March 20. President Wilson is expected within the next forty-eight hours to indicate definitely that he believes a virtual state of war exists between the United States and Germany. News received from Plyqjouth that fifteen men, some of them Americans. 'had \ been drowned when the American merchantman Vlgilagda was sunk without warning by a German submarine, added, if possible, to the already grave view of the situation held here as a result of the destruction of the Vigßancia, the Illinois and the City of Memphis. Whether the President will hasten the extra session of congress already called for April 16, or will take additional steps to protect American' commerce without this move was not disclosed tonight. No official pretended to know his plans, and the general view was that he was considering the question in Ihis usual deliberate way. A cabinet meeting will probably be held this afternoon and at that time the situation arising out of the new acts of aggression on the part of Germany Is expected to be thoroughly canvassed. « Preparations for aggressive action to protect American rights began yesterday, when the President visited the navy department personally and . directed Secretary Daniels to utilize the sl7s,ooo,Cfi#o made available by congress to hasten naval building plans. The New York navy yard was directed to begin the construction of sixty submarine chasers and announcement was made that bids foi* 200 more will be opened Wednesday. Through the early graduation of two classes at Annapolis and the mobilization es forces, it is proposed to make it possible to man quickly all ships of the navy. The question also was taken up of getting Into communication informally with Great Britain and France" to discuss co-operation In the protection of commerce lanes across the Atlantic. This step •probably will not be taken until the course of the United States has finally been determined. In addition to his conference with Secretary Daniels the President saw Secretaries Lansing and McAdoo and William Denman, chairman of the federal t shipping board. ' ,