THE GERMAN-AMERICAN CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2997, 7 February 1917, Page 5

THE GERMAN-AMERICAN CRISIS

! A COUNCIL OF WAR • INSPIRED WRECKING ON INTERNED LINERS ~ i By Toleeraiih--Press Associatlon-Oopyricht Washington, February 5. While the President is still anxious to preserve peace, lie is determined that tlie first overt act by tie -German s will mean war. Congress is rushing on all the preparedness plans.—Aus.-N'X. Cable Assn. ' It is officially stated that the President intends to move without panic. If war conies, ho wants no" possible blamo to bo attached to the Government or its officials. • Tho Government is sending general instructions.'to officials to avoid hasty action and to do nothing not strictly legal—Reuter. , Mr. Wilson declares, that a national emergency oxists through tho country having insufficient ships. ' • There is a possibility of a Coalition Cabinet in tho ovont of war. Mr. Boot, who reorganised the War Departnient, is mentioned as Secretary for War, and Mr. Taft will possih ly bo a Minister without portfolio. A COU.NO.IL OF WAR. , » Now Yorki February 5: President Wilson had a consultation -with Mr. Newton D. Baker (Secretary for War) and Mr. J. Daniels (See rotary for the Navy) to-day, concerning preparedness measures. The President has cancelled invitations for an Army and. Navy reception at "White House to-morrow night bccauso of tho rush of work.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. February 6, 10 p.m.) Washington, February 5. As the result of a conference between President Wilson and Mr. Daniels, merchantmen will be permitted to carry guns amidships, as wgll as at bow and stern. A Bill to authorise the expenditure of ten million sterling to completethe fleet of submarines and destroyers has been introduced in' Congress.— Reuter. WALL STREET BUOYANT. Naw York, February 5. Wall Street is buoyant, the market showing that it is prepared to stand the strain. United.States steel led a general advance, in spite of an attempt, to bear it.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.MR. HENRY FORD OFFERS HIS FACTORIES. s New York, February 5. Mr! Henry Ford has offered his factories to the Government in the event of war for operation without profit. THE INTERNED CRUISERS AND MERCHANT SHIPPING .. . — "ACTUAL SEIZURE" DENIED. . - ~ Washington, February 5. ■ The Government denies the actual seizure of the interned German auxiliary cruisers and merchant ships in the American harbours. However, steps • are being taken to prevent further damage and obstruction of harbours by sinking tho vessels; Tho President has issued » proclamation prohibiting American shipowners transferring their vessels to'other registries.—Reuter. INSPIRED WRECKING OF MACHINERY. (Rec. February 6, 11.10 p.m.) . . ' . New York, February 5. Six million .sterling's worth has been destroyed in tho machinery of the Gorman liners in this port alone. The vessels are totally disabled. Tho. crews had a codo message from AVashington: "Do tho wrecking." Tho crews of tho Teuton steamships havo been removed to Ellis Island, preparatory to their return to Germany.—Reuter. GERMAN WIRELESS STATION TO BE CONFISCATED. (Rec. February (j, 11.10 p.m.) Washington, February 5. The Government rcill confiscate the German wireless station at Tuckorton. Communication will be continued by American operators.—Reuter. ' Now York, February 5. The 'American Marconi Company states that in the event of an emergency it will place its entire organisation, plant, and workshops at the Government's disposal. There are six high-power stations in the United States, two at Hawaii, and sixty coast stations on tho Pacific and Atlantic.—Router. ' i SPAIN WILL FOLLOW AMERICA i EVEN TO THE POINT OF WAR I \ * noniG, February 5. . The Spanish' 'Ambassador states that Spain will follow America, even l to ike pcini nt war with Germany.—Aus.-N.55. Cable Assn.