AMERICAN ISSUE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17396, 6 February 1917, Page 5

AMERICAN ISSUE.

UNITED STATES’ ACTION. BREAK WITH AUSTRIA. •, Reuter’* T«ls(frara». PARIS, February 4. The United States has severed diplomatic relations with Austria-Hungary. AMERICAN PRISONERS. RELEASED BY GERMANS. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Received February 5, 11.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 4. A message from Berlin states that the German raider's American prisoners have been released. AMERICAN PREPARATIONS. LARGE VOTE ASKED FOR. WASHINGTON. February 4. Representative Britten will to-mor-row introduce a resolution asking for 119 000.009 dollars appropriation tor the completion of 113 war vessels. (Received February 5, 11.45 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 5. There are many evidences of preparation for the possibility of war. The Hon Joseph Daniels, Secretary for the Navy, will ask Congress tor authority to commandeer private ammunition, equipment and plants. The Senate lias approved of bills to facilitate dealing with spies. The publication of naval orders has terminated. HAMPTON ROAD’S FORTS MANNED. Itautar’i Tclogr*ms. (Received Februarv fij 8.20 p.m.) NEW YORK. February 5. There is the greatest activity in naval patrol circles. The fortresses at Hampton Roads lavo manned with additional artillerymen. THE MAN SUPPLY. 10,500,000 AVAILABLE. Auitrulisixs aud N.Z. Cabl® Association. (Received February 5, 10.20 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 5. The Defence Council reports that 4.778,000 fit (unmarried men are available for military service. There is a total of 21,000,000 men between eighteen and forty-five years, of whom the industries could spare 10,500,000. AMERICAN STEAMERS NOT PERMITTED TO SAIL. NEW YORK. February 4. The American lines of steamers are not allowed to sail at present. They may be convoyed or armed. READY FOR WAR. AMERICAN PLANS FORMULATED. NEWSPAPER OPINIONS. LONDON, February 4. The “Central Nows” Washington agent states that concerted action by neutrals, along limited States lines is regarded as probable, particularly’ among the Latin-American na--1 0“ Lloyd’s Weekly’s” New York correspondent says that the General-Staff has formulated plans ot immediate action in tho event of war. . Two million troops can be raised yearly for the first two years. Jho General Staff scheme includes matters concerning American factories, munitions and general supplies.

"WITHOUT FEAR OF REPROACH." NEW YORK, February 4. Editorials in American journals today deal with the crisis with Germany.

The “'World” says: “We face tho crisis without fear of reproach, and we stand together, come what may.” The “Sun” declares that the blood of Americans pulses firmly and proudly. America is now awake and erect. The “Tribune” states “Wo can only answer, that if war comes, it. will be by Germany’s act, > and America will welcome it.” The “Herald” says that Air Wilson made his decision for the right. The Press outside New York is practically 'unanimous in supporting Mr Wilson. The German-Amcrican newspapers hopo that war.will he averted. ROOSEVELT'S OFFER. READY TO ENLIST. WASHINGTON, February 4. Mr Roosevelt has offered to raise a division if war is declared, when he and his four sons will enlist. PANAMA CANAL. (Received February o, 10.20 a.m.) LONDON, February 4. Protective measures have been taken in the canal zone. GERMANY’S REPLY DECLARATION OF WAR EXPECTED. LONDON, February 4. It is believed in some quarters that Germany may reply with a declaration of war. AMERICAN AMBASSADORS. MR GERARD’S DEPARTURE. Tho Central News Agency states that Mr Gerard has already started homewards. Dr Page has Tioen instructed that he is no longer to regard himself as watching Germany’s interests in Britain. ARCHIVES REMOVED. “ Ths Times " Service. LONDON, February 4. Upon America relinquishing charge of tho German Embasy, tho Foreign Office immediately removed tho German archives. UNITED STATES PLANS. WILL NOT JOIN ALLIES. Renter’* Telegram* (Received February 6, 12.45 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 5. The. situation was unchanged at midnight. It is believed that it is unlikely, in the event of war, that the United States will enter as an ally of Britain and France or send an army to Europe. Her probable first step will 1m tho establishment of a line of speedy cruising vessels a hundred miles out from Halifax to a point east of Porto Rico.

WAR OR PEAGE? HOPE TO AVOID WAR. •'The Time*" Servioe. WASHINGTON, February 4. Thero is the highest authority for saying that Mr Wilson docs not regard the sundering of diplomatic relations an inevitablo prelude to war. . Washington fears war and considers it likely, but hopes it can be avoided, becausotbo American people, tJiougli they will follow Mr Wilson in anything, do nob want war; furthermore, Mr Wilson thinks the best help to the cause of humanity lies in remaining outside. ___—

FINANCIERS SAY WAR IS

INEVITABLE

AMERICA'S FINANCES SOUND. Reuter'i Telegranai. LONDON. February 4. A New York financial correspondent says, that financiers regard war as inevitable. They declare that tho financial situation was never better, and that Mr Wilson can raise any sum he likes in twenty-four hours. POPULAR DEMAND FOR WAR. BREAK DEEMED INEVITABLE. Australian end N.*.. Cable Asaoolatian. LONDON, February 4. Washington telegrams show that the popular demand for war is spreading in consequence of the torpedoing ot the Housattmic. If this is confirmed war is inevitable. COUNT BERNSTORFF. BRITAIN ASKED FOR SAFE CONDUCT. (Received Fcbrnnry 5, 5.5 p.m.l NEW YORK, February. 4. Tho State Department is asking Britain for safe conduct for Count, Bcrnstorff. A QUIET SUNDAY. NO EXCITEMF.N T. Australian and N.Z. Cab). Aascciatio*. (Received February 5, 5.0 p.m.) NEW YORK, Februarv i. The outstanding feature ;1 Sunday was the quietness of tho Now York crowds and the absence ot demonstrations or flag-waving. There was i.ttlo to indicate such a. serious cuss, ilia Sunday newspapers wore o.gcrly read, but there was no excitement, and also no disorder. . ; , , The news from Washington refers to an unchanged situation, ;'-hich is cleared by the removal ol Housatonic as an issue.

GERMAN-AMERICANS.

ATTITUDE CAUSES INTEREST

“STAATS ZEITUNG” URGES UNITY. (Received February 3, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 4. There is much interest in no altitude of leading Gonnan-Aincrioans iiic heads of German, clubs and unaneiens, who arc being interviewed, show n general wish and belief that, war w il bo averted. They are even hoping t hat the diplomatic breach will servo to induce Germany to modify her piogramnie. Tho majority declares that they are Americans, and ' ill give tiicir first support to Mr Wilson, whatever no decided. Tho “ Sihats .joining g.ty s “ Tho die is cast. The President nas spoken for all the country and people. While, wo may rogret the trend ol events, now the duty of every Aroci.e.in is to stand squarely behind the lresident. There must! not be any division of sentiment or opinion. There can be only one loyalty, namely, to America. (Received February 5, 11.45 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 5. Five hundred representatives of Aus-tro-German societies, with a membership of 100,000, petitioned President Wilson, pledging loyalty to tlm United States, and praying that every effort should bo made to avert war. GERMAN MERCHANTMEN. MANY IN AMERICAN PORTS. (Received February 5, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, Fcbniary 4. British shipping circles anticipate that two hundred German, ships, valued at £50,000,000, which refuged, n United States ports, will be placed in eommision, and used .to take cargoes to Allied ports. Thirty-one in Now York alone are valued at £38,000,000. If tho South American Republics act similarly, about one-third of Germany’s mercantile marine will bo released. INTERNED SHIPS. ATTEMPTS TO DESTROY THEM. Reuter’e Tole&rsm#, (Received February 5, 8.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 4. Steps have been takon to guard all German consulates. Orders have been issued to American ships in American, Argentine and Indian ports to remain. The Government is taking possession of all German ships at Hoboken, where seventeen are tied up. It is reported that the crews put all 'the machinery out of action. Thirty-three Gorman vessels are interned in tho Phillipines, mostly at Manila. The crows attempted to tS?stroy them. The authorities took immediate action to checkmate. Honolulu reports show that the interned German gunboat Geior is burning. The crow set fire to Her. VALUE OF AMERICA. TWO VIEWS. " Tk# Tim## ” Settic#. (Received February 5, 5.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. German writers, including Naumann, admit that American intervention will mean > endless German sacrifices, particularly because >the American Navy will assist to make the blockade complete. America is certain to send an army to France, and also to refill the Allies’ coffers. United Service. (Received February 5, 5.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. Militarists point out thaf it is impossible for inc United States to exercise her colossal strength before six months, during which the submarine campaign will either havo been won or lost. Therefore, victory, solely depends on Britain’s efforts.

IMPERIAL CHANCELLOR'S COMMENT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Aeeociation. (Received February 5, 8.20 p.m.) STOCKHOLM, February 5. In diplomatic circles it is stated that von Bethmann-Hollweg hold a secret conference with Reichstag leaders. Iho latter inquired whether the result ot tho new submarine policy would compensate for the possibility of America a hostility. Von Bethmann-Hollweg replied: "If the blockade succeeds, we will succeed. In tho limited number oi weeks in which America cannot effectively participate the German Admiralty calculates on tho world tonnage reaching the minimum eompatiblo with tho Entente continuing tho war. It is true that America will be able to turn out munitions and soldiers indefinitely, but they arc only exportable by jeopardising tho Entente's armies and people, whoso own tonnage shows n shortage."-

CONSULTING NEUTRALS.

SEEKING CO-OPERATTON. Auatralian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received February 5, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, February 4. The United Slates Consuls abroad are engaged in informal conversation* with neutral Governments, with a view to co-operation in vindicating the rights of neutrals at sea. TREACHERY IN AMERICA. TAMPERING WITH TORPEDO BOATS. VESSELS SEIZED. Router'a Telegram*. NEW YORK. February 4. Tho chief machinist's mate of the United States torpedo bon,t, Jacob Jones, has been arrested on a charge- of opening the seacocks. Two feet of water were iii the hold when tho alleged attempt at sinking was discovered. Tho Austrian freight steamer Himalaya, lying at Newark, has been rendered unseaworthv by the piston-heads and other parts of the machinery being wilfully smashed. Two' interned auxiliary cruisers, the Wilhelm and the Fricdrich, have been seized and the crows imprisoned. Panama reports that four interned Hamburg-America steamships have been seized at Christobal.

Australian and N.Z. Cabin Association, WASHINGTON, February 4

Professor EHery Stowell urges the seizure of tho interned liners in Netv York Harbour. THOUSANDS OF SPIES. AMERICA HONEYCOMBED. Australian and N.Z Cab!« An.iociation. WASHINGTON. February 4. It is estimated that there are 10,000 spies in the United States. The Secret Service admits that tho Germans endeavoured to secure plans of the fortification's of the principal ports. Widespread plans have been laid to cope with the spy menace. IN SOUTH AMERICA. OPINION GUARDED. Australian and N.Z Cable Association. ' NEW YORK. February 4. The United Press's Buenos Aires correspondent states that South American opinion is guarded. The newspaper "La Nacion say 3: "It is unfortunate that tho United States is more careful to maintain her own tfiperiority than to nchioye the collective action of neutrals."

SUGGESTED UNIFORM ACTION BY SOUTH AMERICA. Router'a Telegrams.

RIO JANEIRO, February 4. The Government is convinced that the time has come to abandon neutrality if the new German submarine policy directly injures the vital interests of Brazil. The opinion is expressed that the moment) tho United States enters the conflict the South American States ought to seek a uniform policy.

AMERICANS IN LONDON.

ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES. THE MAN FROM VIRGINIA. Auatralian and N.Z. Cabla Aimociation. LONDON. February 4. Americans in London greeted President, Wilson’s decision with hearty satisfaction, and there wero scenes °f enthusiasm iu the diningrooms of the •Teat hotels popular with American visitors. The hotel orchestras plajed “The Star-spangled Banner” and “ Yankee Doodle.” A crowd of several hundreds gathered at the American Embassy and lustily cheered, then, forming fours, they marched off to tour the West End, accompanied by an impromptu band consisting of half a dozen whistles, a trombone, "two oboes and some other wind instruments of the windiest character. A man from Virginia joined them, having a kilted Scotty on one arm and a. French poilu on the other. He selected the Empire corner for a particularly happy little speech. ' <( Say boys,” bo cried, tl it’s the first time since the war began that I have been able to take a hand of a Britisher and a Frenchman’s arm, and in doing so I feci I am a true American.” THE NEUTRALS. EXCITEMENT IN HOLLAND. , Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, February 4. The “Daily Chroniclo’s” Amsterdam correspondent, states that the news of the German-American rupture electrified Holland. Special bulletins were placarded everywhere. It is generally believed that the decision will have a deep and grave influence on Holland’s diplomatic affairs ITALY’S FEELINGS. ROME, February 4. The newspanerh are enthusiastic in their congratulations to President Wilson, and consider that his step marks a decisive phase in the war. NEUTRALS CONFER. DUTCH PRECAUTIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. COPENHAGEN, February 4. The Kings of Sweden and Denmark conferred at the Amalienborf Palace. The newspaper “Lokal Anzeiger” states that the Dutch Government has prohibited all between the ages of nineteen and forty-eight, liable to bear arms, leaving Holland. GERMANY DETERMINED. WILL PURSUE POLICY. WASHINGTON. February 4. The “ New York Times’s ” Berlin correspondent states that Germany ,s determined to carry out her policy despite America’s action. SUBMARINING AND AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP. AMSTERDAM, February 4. The “ Lokal Anzeiger ” states that it is not a matter of indifference that the greatest neutral Power sides with the enemies of Germany. Germany foresaw the possibility, but realised that it was a lesser evil than abandoning tbe best weapon it bad against its most dishonest adversaries. LONDON OPINION. NEWSPAPERS NOT SURPRISED. LONDON, February 4. The newspapers are not surprised' at President Wilson’s decision. Its promptness is interpreted as indicating that America’s amour propro is sharply affronted by Germany’s insolent dictation, also that -Mr Wilson is conscious that the whole nation is behind him.

APPROVAL FROM AMERICANS IN SYDNEY. SYDNEY, February 3. A meeting of American tourists in Sydney cabled to Mr Wilson applauding his action. THE HOUSATONIC. ALL THE CREW SAVED. LONDON, February 4. Relief was felt in America when it was learned that all the crew of the torpedoed Hausatonic had been saved. It is not known whether the vessel was warned or not. THE VESSEL WARNED. NEW YORK, February 4. The United States Consul at Plymouth states that the Hausatonic was warned. TORPEDOED OFF SCILLIES. Reutor'i Tslesrauna. LONDON, February 4. The Hausatonic was submarined off the Scillies. The crew was rescued by a British armed steamer. WASHINGTON, February 4. The Department of State bas received a message from the American Consul at Plymouth stating that the Housatoiiic received full warning and an opportunity was afforded for tlio crew to escape beforo the ship was torpedoed. This news has relieved the tension; THE CREW. TOWED LANDWARDS BY SUBMARINE. Auitraliui and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, February 4. The consul at Plymouth reports that the Housatonic’s crow, totalling thirtyseven, was rescued by a submarine, which towed them a distance of ninety miles towards the land. * (The Housatoiiic was a steamer of 3143 tons, owned by the Housatonic S.S. Company, of New York.) (Received February 5, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. The Housatonic was sunk in the Channel while flying the American flag, and the American colours were prominent on her sides. The submarine gave the crow an hour in which to leave the ship. The Germans, before sinking her, searched the Housatonic, and carried off a quantity of soap. TO AMERICA. NOTE FROM SWITZERLAND. WASHINGTON, February 4. 1 A Note has- been received from Switzerland. It is understood to relate to President Wilson’s peace proposals.