THE GERMAN NOTE.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 February 1917, Page 2

THE GERMAN NOTE.

A Grave Situation (Australian &N.Z. Cable Association) Washington, Feb 1 The preliminary reading ot the Gorman Note by officials was followed by exureaeions that gave the impression that the lesulting situation was viewed with tha most extreme giayity. P o a, l action i® expected. Fort of New York Closed. New York, Feb 1 The Lewfoa era’ opinion t'.roughtbe country, f xcapt Progressive organa are almost itt favor of an immediate vigorous rrply. Many advocate breaking off relations, end some declare that it is a direct cl rdlenge which thculd be tccoptod within twenty-four hours. Ooe paper says: The A- fcausas treops are at President Wih-jn’e disposal. Toe “New Yoik World” says: Tbe Note L io effect a declaration of war against the United Siatea and can only bave one answer, and that answer should be made to-day.

Count Berustoiff must receive bis parsports forthwith a d diplomatic relations must cease immediately. If this meane actual war with Germany, bob 8 it.

The port of New Yotk is temporarily closed against outgoing vessels. Under instructions from the port Collector, a torpedo boat turned back several ships. The guards on the interned ships have been doubled.

Colonel House, President Wilson’s confidential adviser, is hurrying to Washington. A Press Opinion. London, Feb 1 The il Daily Chronicle ” b&aas the Gorman Note on its frigid calculation of a military advantage divorced, like its attack upon Belgium, from the slightest restraining regard for humanity, law and civilised opinion. Ceitainly (ierWuy cannot desire United States to fun in tbe war, because tbe Great G rmau liners interned in Amelia* will become carriers for t.ho Allies and a prey for the German submarine. Germany would ba rnw'sa to deal, with the United Stales in such a. giosiiy insulting way. The Americans are profoundly pacific but they have a strong national self-respect, but when they do move they resemble a landslide. Their action is likely to determine that of other 'noutrab. _

Wilson’s AttitudeNew Yoke, Fab 1 From a mass of reports and rumours emerges the fact that President Wilson had repeated conferences with Mr Lansing, and both declined to make a statement. It is believed that a course of action was decided upon, which will possibly t\ke the form of a Note, tantamount to an ultimatum to Germany. The “ Evening Poßt’s” Washington correspondent sajs President Wilson has decided that Germany’s unrestricted submarining shall not go into effect if the moral, and possibly tfca physical power of the United States can prevent it; but the President is striving h-rd to prevent participation in the war.

A Defiant Press Ne\y York, Fbb 1 The newspapers in the Middle, West and South and Now Erg’aud support the defiant attitude of tbe New York press as never before. Some demand passports for Bernstorff and others. A breach is inevitable unless Germany backs dowD. Wall Street PanicNew Yore, Feb 1 Stock? in Wall Street have drapped from five to ten points, and the day’s turnover was two million shares.. It was regarded as the wo;st day aiece the war broke out. BUSINESS AS USUAL John' Bull Beady [REUTER’S SERVICE.—COPYRIGHT. I New York, Feb 2 Britain and her Allies are prepared to meet the Germans’ “more submarine” campaign, and the porta of Liverpool and Bordeaux will be kept opeD at all hezarde. All ships will b 3 armed fore and alt for defence purposes. Britain is assembling at the mouth of her ports a large fleet of small fast cruisers to be used as submarinechasers. There will be no interruption sailings of the Allies’ ships to Ad®*ioan poriß. Neutral vessels are likely to be IsefcC up awaiting instructions. Dutch Feeling. London, Feb 1 Amsterdam newspapers discuss witE* a show of imperturbality the prospeot. of America taking a belligerent position against Germany.