THE SUBMARINE CRISIS IN AMERICA

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3004, 15 February 1917, Page 5

THE SUBMARINE CRISIS IN AMERICA

SUGGESTION FOR AVOIDING WAR CHINA STARTLES THE ENEMY 1 Copenhagen, February 13. l\vo United States ships liavo left America,, despite Germany's blockade, bound for Bordeaux. Their departure for tho blockado zono lias caused a, sensation in Berlin, where the newspapers hold tho American Government responsible for. tho consequences. —Reuter. i .. | WAR BILL IN UNITED STATES CONGRESS j INTERNATIONAL DISCIPLINE WITHOUT AVAR. Washington, February 13. Senator Snulsbury Las offered a resolution in tho Senate to/ open tho United' States ports to all Allied warships. Such a stop, ho' suggested, would enable the United States, without declaring war, to assist in the prevention of the violations of rights to tho sea, by giving assistance to thoso at present engaged in preventing those violations. It is understood that President "Wilson entirely approves of tho resolution, which has been referred to tho Foreign Affairs Committee. Senator Stono (Chairman of tho Committee) and others aro believed to ho opposed to tho resolution. A War Bill has been introduced into Congress. It opens the'' United States ports io belligerent ships affected bv tho frightfuluess campaign, and is planned to prevent violations of international law without a declaration of war. i Congress has passed a Naval Appropriation Bill for eighty millions sterling.—Re.uter. Much interest has been evinced in the lengthy Cabinet meeting, following which President Wilson was working alone in his library till lato last evening and this morning. Ho is receiving no callers. Ono of tho questions considered by Cabinet is tho arming of the American liners. Tho American Steamship Lino states that there will' bo no sailings until the Government announces the arming or convoying of vessels.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. . . , Tlierc is increasing comment that if America docs not go to war it will bo duo primarily to tho efficiency of' the British Fleet reducing tho submarines to harmlessncss. —Aus.-N.55. Cable Assn. (Rec. February 14, 11.50 p.m.) Washington, February U. The 'Army and Naval Departments havn appointed seven committees to dovelop a programme for tho mobilisation of reserves in time-of war. Tt is announced that tho navy will mobilise a mosquito . fleet uf torpedo boats to act as submarino chasers in the event of war. Tho Naval Appropriation Bill for £368,000,000 lias been passed. Tt provides for 42 ships and huge ammunition stores.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

THE YARROWDALE'S AMERICAN PRISONERS GERMANY'S HIGH-HANDED ACTION. Washington, February i 3. The State Departm?nt has instituted inquiries as to Germany's intentions recarduiß tho Yarrowdalc prisoners.—A ns.-N.Z. Cabin Assn. Tho Swiss_ Minister (Dr. Paul 'Hitter), acting for tlic German Govornment, lias notified the State Department that Germany is holding as prisoners seventy-two of tho American sailors on the steamer Yarrmvdale, until she receives an' assurance that German crows in American harbours will not lie imprisoned. This development was not expected, and has caused some amazement. President Wilson has Tcnowed his demand to Germany to release tho Yarrowdalo's crew, which is being detained in Germany as hostage lor the free- • dom of German sailors in tho United Stales. —Keillor. POSITION , OF GERMANS IN AMERICA. Copenhagen, February 13. Regarding tho statement that Germany desired, _ through. Switzerland, to notify America of her willingness to exempt American ships from the blockade, tho German newspapers explain, that Germany merely asked whether America still accepted the 1799 Treats, under which German-American citizens shall bo allowed to return to Germany in tho ovent of war.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. OARRANZA'S GERMAN-INSPIRED SUGGESTION. Tl?co. February l<l, 3.y(l p.m.) ; ' Washington, February 13. j It is reported that Britain is considering the question of landing troops , at Tampico to protect her oil interests. This follows on President Carranza's 5 Note recommending tho culling off of supplies to belligerents. Tho State Department officials are cdncerned as to whothor German influences are proinpt- ' ing Carranza's action.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablu Assn. t r GERMAN SEA BASE IN SOUTH ATLANTIC New York, February ]3. 11, is stated lhafc a German naval liasn and coaling station is operating on ; an island south of tho Amazon. It fcupplios Gorman raiders, and also has a h\z wireless plant.—Router.