AMERICA AND GERMANY

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 5 February 1917, Page 5

AMERICA AND GERMANY

BERNSTORFF GETS HIS PASSPORT GERARD RECALLED FROM BERLIN AMERICAN VESSEL TORPEDOED SUBiASfHE ROTHLESSNESS STARTED

H£ ! AMEBIC A AND GERMANY, i EXIT BERNSTCRFF. HANDED HIS PASSPORTS. LONDON, Feb 2. The Daily Mail has been informed from Washington that Count Bernstorff received his passports oh Saturday. U.S. NAVY PROPOSAL. A HUNDRED SUBMARINES. WASHINGTON,, Feb. 2. The immediate construction of a hundred submarines is proposed in a Bill before the Senate to-day. The Bill also authorises the Secretary of the Navy to expend a million sterling on the repair of dockyards. GERMANY'S MOVE FORSEEN. PARIS, Feb. 2. M Marcel Hutin, military critic, says that the recent Naval Conference in London foresaw Germany's declaration, and ordered that efficacious measures be taken as far as possible. Communications between England and France, he says, will not suffer. SEROUS DEVELOPMENTS AHEAD. WASHINGTON, Feb 2. iThe near future will develop soms"thing very serious, said a member of the Cabinet after the sessions of Cabinet. It is agreed that America cannot countenance interference with American rights, as is proposed by Germany. The Austrian Ambassador saysf that the Emperor Charles bade him to cultivate the friendliest relations with the United States. He added that he could see an era of prosperity in prospect for a free Poland, and with Austria as well.

AMERICA'S FATEFUL HOUR.

PRESIDENT .WILSON'S SPEECH

A GREAT UTTERANCE

WASHINGTON, Feb ?

Count Bernstorff was handed his passports at 2 o'clock. Simultaneously President Wilson commenced a speech in Congress. He invoked the. guidance of the Almighty'ln the ste? he had taken, and then detailed why America could not continue with a warring Power which had repeatedly invaded her sacred rights and taken the lives of her citizens. After reciting the various Notes whicn had passed between the Unites States and Germany and the premise given after the sinking of the Sussex, the President continued: I think you will agree that in view of this week's declaration, which suddenly withdraws the solemn assurances given In the German Note of May 4th, this Government had no alternative, consistent with the dignity and honour of America, but to take the course which, in the Note relating to the Sussex, I announced she would take in the event of Germany not abandoning the methods of submarine warfare she was then employing and to which she now proposes to resort. I have directed the Secretary of State to" announce to the German Ambassador that all flip, lomatic relations between America and Germany are severed, that the American Ambassador in Berlin will |be immediately withdrawn. Notwithstanding this unexpected action by Germany, in her sudden and deeplv doplorable renunciation of her assurances given, at a critical moment of tension, I refuse to believe it is the intention of the German author Hies to do in faet what the;- Warn us iliev j>ei r;

liberty to do. I cannot, .indued, bri--ayself to bslisvs they will pay' no re4ard to the anicent friendship between their people and ours, or to the solemn obligations exchanged. Only actual overt acts on then- part can make me believe it. If this confidence on my part should unhappily prove unfounded and American ships and lives bv. sacrificed, heedless of the contravention of the just and reasonable understanding of international laws, and the obvious dictates of humanity, if overt acts are forthcoming, I shall corns again to Congress and ask for authority to use any means necessary for the protection of our seamen and people. We do not desire a hostile conflict with the German Government. We are. sincere friends of the German peopra and earnestly desire to remain at peace with the Government whici speaks for them.

AMERICA'S UNHAPPY POSiTJON. SUBMARINES COULD BLOCKADE COAST. NEITHER SHIPS NOR AIR FLEET. NEW YORK, Feb 2. Navy Yard officers say! "There are only four American destroyers and two submarines in fighting trim here at present. The American Atlantic Fleet is at present at Cuba on strategic manoeuvres. The ships we have for coast defence would be useless against the U boats." According to high officials of tbe Am Navy, Germany could easily blockade the Atlantic coast with sunmarines and paralyse internal and foreign commerce. The American fleet is not prepared, and would be annihilated if the German fleet got loose. An American aviation expert says that America has only three hundred aviators, and including those in the army and navy only a hundred machines.

After stating that he believed all neutral Governments would take the the same course, President Wilson concluded: We seek merely to stand true, aliSe in thought and action, -to the immemorial principles of our people. We seek merely to vindicate our rights to liberty, justice and an unmolested life. These are the bases of peace, not war. God grant we may not be challenged to defend them t>y acts of w r ilful injustice on the part of the Government of Germany.

AMERICANS NOT PERTURBED. SHIPS WILL LEAVE AS USUAL. NEW YORK, Feb 2. The scare in shipping circles is rapidly vanishing. Owners of American vessels in the Trans-Atlantic trade, have decided to follow the example of Entente shipowners and abide by the instructions of their Government, running the risks of the German blockade unless they receive orders to the contrary from Washington. To-day liners are arriving and departing as usual. > UNITED AMERICAN STATES. S|peived 9.45. LONDON, Feb 4. Central News' Washington correspondent states that concerted action along limited States lines is regarded as probable, particularly among the Latin-American nations.

THE SPEECH CHEERED. NEW YORK, Feb 3. A crowded Chamber cheered President Wilson's speech. There was a great burst of applause and waving of handkerchiefs when he announced the break of relations. WAR INEVITABLE. Received 11.5. LONDON, Feb 4. Washington telegrams show that, the popular demand for war is spreading In consenence of the torpedoing of the Houstonic, which, if confirmed, makes war inevitable.

COUNT EERNSTORFF DISMISSED. WAR NOT YET DECLARED. WASHINGTON, Feb. 3. President Wilson announced in Congress that Count Bernstorff had been uismissed, but said he did not believe Germany would carry out her threat of unrestricted submarining. He would therefore await an overt act. If Ger.niany committed an overt act he would ask Congress for power to protect Ame ricang on the high seas. It was anticipated that neutrals would co-operate in this purpose. NEW YORK, Feb. 3. Instructions have been issued to Mr Gerard (U.S. Ambassador) to close the Embassy and all consulates in Germany. All officials arc coming home. .Spain will attend to American dipomatic interests in Bcrliii. Germany will be represented in Washington by Switzerland. Prior to the statement made in Congress President Wilson conferred with Cabinet and the Foreign Relations Committee. Individual Senators convinced

GERMAN VESSELS SEIZED. i I PANAMA CANAL ZONE SAFEG UARDED. Received 10.20. NEW YORK, Feb 4. The chief machinists- raid mates of the U.S. torpedo boat Jacob Jones were arrested on a charge of opening the seacocks. There was two feet of water in the hold when the alleged attempt to sink the vessel was discovered. The Austrian freight steamer, Himalaya, lying in New York, was rendered unseaworthy by the piston heads and other parts of the machinery being wilfully smashed. Two interned auxiliary cruisers have been seized, and their crews imprisoned. Panama reports the seizure of four interned Hamburg-American steamers at Christobel. Protective measures have been taken in the Canal zone. There is a belief in some quarters (hat Germany may reply with a declaration of war. Relief was felt when it was learned that the Haustonic's crew were saved, though it is not known whether they were warned or not.

iiim of their loyal support whatever happened. The majority of the Senators favoured breaking relations with Geimany. ROTTERDAM, Feb. 3. A German semi-official agency states that, whatever, course America may take can have no significance. Germany's step is irretrievable, and cannot be influenced from outside. Count von Beth-mann-Hollweg's explanations to the party leadors smothered opposition, and convinced them that the new warfare will bring speedy peace. LONDON, Dec. 4. American ship companies state that American bookings are undiminished. There have been no cancellations of bookings, which lately have been larger than usual. The travelling public is apparently unperturbed. Even women show no anxiety. Americans in England have .booked to join at Falmouth'. Anierican'passengers are now on the At- ,:; .il if. After the first wave of excitement, Interest in Britain now centres on America. Everyone is 'awaiting President Wilson -s decision. The prospects of an American break with Germany overshadows other war topics. NEW YORK, Feb. 3. American officials have seized the Appam (the British liner which Avas captured by the Moewe and taken to New York).

ROOSEVELT OFFERS TO RAISE A DIVISION. GERMANY DETERMINED TO CARRY OUT HER PLANS. Received 11.5 WASHINGTON. Feb. 4 J . Theodore Roosevelt has offered to raise a division if war is declared, when he and his four sons will enlist. Professor Allery Stowell urges the seizure of interned liners. NEW YORK, Feb. 4. It is estimated that there arc ten thousand spies in the United States. The Secret Service admits Germans attempted to secure plans of the fortifications and principal forts. Wide spread plans have been made to cope with the spy menace. The New York "Times' " Berlin correspondent states that Germany is determined to carry out her policy despite America's action. The New York American line of steamers is not allowed sail at present, and they may be convoyed or armed.

Count Bernstorff, in an interview, said: "I am so sorry. However, I expected it. There is nothing else left for the United States to do. I wonder how I am going to get home. My Government will not be surprised, neither will the people in Berlin. They knew what was bound to happen if they took the action they have taken. However., I have simply been here to carry out the orders of my Government.'''

The Embassy officials have been packing. All agree that the first American life lost through the new submarine war will bring a crash. Count Bernstorffi says he has been authorised to arrange for the passage of any American ship without contraband 'through the safety line to Falmouth. He now explains that Germany stated one ship weekly because she understood that only four, ships weekly were plying to England. America could increase number. WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.

Thdsre ; wa|s tumultuous -enthusiasm and a great demonstration on tre Stock Exchange. German financiers who have been dealing with the market endeavoured to force a panic, and began a wild rush to short sell, expecting prices to drop below records, but their plans met with complete defeat. Americans immediately held a series of hurried meetings, and Wall Stroet used its tremendous resources in a patriotic move to prevent a panic. Following a prearranged plan they eagerly bought all German offerings. As a result, they not only checked the panic, but the market closed at firm and buoyant rates. The brokers then made a most remarkable demonstration, waving the Stars and Stripes, and cheering and singing again and again "The Star Spangled Ban-

ner.'' DOES IT MEAN WAR? NEW YORK, Feb. 3. If the reported sinking of the Haustonic is true, already an overt act has been committed which adds to the situation the last degree of gravity. AMERICAN PRESS OPINIONS:. Received 10.45. NEW YORK, Feb 4. An editorial in the "World" says: "We face the crisis without fear of reproach; 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 it is the only answer. If it comes, it is by Germany's act, and we welcome it. As President Wilson made the decision, it is for the right. The Press outside New York is practically unanimous in support of Wilson. German-American newspapers hope v/ar will be averted.

THE RUPTURE FORESEEN. THE LESSER OF TWO EVILS. Received 9.15. AMSTERDAM, Feb 4. The Lokal Anzeiger states that it is not a matter of indifference that the greatest neutral Power sides with our enemies. We were not mistaken, and foresaw this possibility. We discovered it to be a lesser evil than abandoning our last weapon against our most dishonest adversaries. ARMY AND NAVY PREPARING. WASHINGTON, Fob. 3. Special precautions have been adopted to guard the White House and to protect President Wilson and Mr Lansing. Orders have been issued to maun the battle cruisers. The entire National Guard of New York State, also the naval and military forces, have been called out as protective measures. AMERICAN PLANS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION.

Received 9.45. LONDON, Feb 4. Lloyd's Weekly New York correspondent says the General Staff have formulated plans for immediate action in the event of war,. Two million troops arc raisable yearly for two years The General Staff Scheme includes American factories for the manufacture of munitions and supplies. POSSIBLE LEAGUE OF NEUTRALS TO ENFORCE INTERNATIONAL LAW. NEW YORK, Feb 2. It is understood that a B'ritish liner sails on Saturday, but the American and Scandinavian liners will remain in port at present. The New York "Evening Post's" Washington correspondent, who is credited with being in close touch with Mr. Wilson, says: "Mr. Wilson may definitely commit the United States to defensive measures against Germany's declaration. He may also endeavour to bring about a league of neutrals to enforce international law. Mr. Wilson is not panicky, nor has he been swept from his poise. He is certainly determined not to acquiesce m the German policy. Any overt act may force his hand."

Sheaves ,of telegrams are reaching the White House urging Mr. Wilson to break off relations with Germany. The American Cabinet met this afternoon for the first time since the crisis. The Wall Street turnover v/as 11,400,000 dollars, and shows a slight decline as compared with yesterday. Towards the close cf the day there was a bear movement, based on the possibility of a Cabinet decision.

SCENES IN LONDON. ! Received 11.30. LONDON, Feb 4. Americans in London greeted Wilson's decision with hearty satisfaction. There were scenes of enthusiasm in the dining rooms of the great hotels popular with American visitors, the hotel orchestras playing "The StarSpangled Banner," and "Yankee Doodle." A crowd of several hundreds ■ >athered in the American embassy and lustily cheered, forming fours and marched off to tour the West End. accompanied by an impromptu band, consisting of half-a-dozen whistles, trombone, two oboes, and other 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 sappy little speech: "Say, boys," i he cried, "it's the first time since war | began that I have been able to take I the hand of a Britisher, and a FrenchI man's arm, and in doing so I feel I am i a true American."

ON THE SEA. NOT TO EXPECT TOO MUCH FROM | SUBMARINES. i i Received 9.15. AMSTERDAM, Feb 4. j German newspapers inspiredly warn j the public against an exaggerated expectation of submarine frig-htfulness. ' The Yorwaerts declares the Socialis: Party decline any responsibility for the frightfulness. SINKINGS. Received 9.45. LONDON, Feb 4. Recent sinkings: Norwegian steamer Hanlandfirst, mined, seven drowned; British steam trawlers, Alexandra and Shamrock. FRENCH TRANSPORT SUNK. Received 9.15. PARIS, Feb. i. The Ministry of Marine announces that the steamer 'Amralmagon, conveying 900 troops to Salonika, -was submarined on Jan. 25, and sank in ten minutes. The convoying destroyer Arc, assisted by another destroyer and seven trawlers, saved SO9 The explosion killed the majority of the victims.

LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH. SUBMARINE MENACE WILL BE, MASTERED. LONDON, Feb 4. Lloyd George, addressing his constituents at Carnarvon, pleaded for a fair trial of the new Government. They already had saved hundreds of thousands of tons of shipping, and arranged for the construction of hundreds of thousands new tonnage. He eulogised the munitions department, and when the time came the supply of shot and shell for guns cf all calibres would be ample; there would even be a surplus for our allies. The present muddle in the Balkans was due to improvidence, hesitation, and a lack of imagination on the part of the Allies, who were jointly blameable; but the Balkans was the only theatre causing any anxiety. Germany's latest sea policy revealed the Goth in all his nakedness, even to the most indulgent neutral. Germany's offer to allow America to send one steamer weekly to Europe ! was insolence almost amounting to insanity; but we will overcome the submarine menace by grit, energy and courage. The nation must support with money, labour, land, and courage. There could not be peace without vlc- , tory. We must demonstrate that the Prussian Baal was a false god that could not protect itself, let alone the I German people. Peace would come in I 1917, if Germany kiiows that by holC- ' ing out till 1918 she would be worse ! off. He urged the necessity of the J British Empire organising all its re- ! sources. She can and will do more i than she is doing at present. With ! the object of seeing what can be' done j the first Imperial Cabinet will comI mence its sittings in a few weeks. It 1 is unthinkable that great German terj ritories can be disposed of after the i war without consulting the Dominions, : since they shed their blood in acquir- ! ing them. The Dominions must share I the responsibility in considering this j issue as part of the settlement of the ; great world problem following the preI sent world Avar.

deceived 11.20. Lloyd George, at Carnarvon, appealed to the nation to help in achieving victory by subscribing to the wan loan, growing food, and economising consumption. He added: The assistance we ask the public to give must be given without delay; there must be no loitering nor lingering. Time, which is hesitating and has perplexed neutrals, has not decided yet which side he is going to swing his terrible scythe. For the moment the scythe is striking both sides and causing great havoc. The hour will come when it will swing finally on one side or the other. Time is the most deadly of all neutrals: let us enlist him among our Allies, and the only way to win Time is not to waste time, either in workshop, council chambers or on the field. A new Britain would reappear when the smoke of the great conflict cleared away. Its commerce, trade and industries would be new; there would be new eondiions between capital and labour, and new relations between them and the State. Old principles would survive, but there would be a new outlook. In a few raging years the character and destiny of the whole race would be determined for unknown ages. IN MESOPOTAMIA. HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. LONDON, Dec. 4. The High Commissioner reports: Mesopotamia official.—On Sunday night we further advanced 300 yards on the right bank of the Tigris at Hai junction; also a similar advance of SOO yards on a front westwards of the junction. On Thursday we captured the Penultimate trenches eastward of the junction. Later wo captured e»omy trenches westwards of the junction, a subsequent conator-attack com] idling the relinquishment of our gains.

THE POISON TRIAL. EXTRAORDINARY DISCLOSURES. Received 10.5. LONDON. Feb 4. At the poisoning conspiracy trial at Derby, the Attorney-General, for the prosecution, said the prisoners were dangerous and desperate people, bitterly hostile to Britain, and vho had sheltered fugitives from th ■ Army. The man, a chemist of c: : laerable skill, specially studied poL-ons, and employed an agent, under the assumed name of Gordon, who ingrafted himself with Mrs. Wheldon. Another agent, named Booth, pretended he was a fugitive from the Army, arcl a member of the Independent Workers of the j World. Mistress Wheldon told them poison could be dropped on the article [to be used, and added: "When I hand I the poison to yen. I wash my hands, | and will deny ever having given it." j Wheldon also said he had planned, j when Lloyd George was staying at the (hotel, to drive nails div ; ed in noi£:n .into his boots, but his departure f:>r | France thwarted the schen:-: He r.l o intended doing McKenna ; by driving a poisoned needle hitc his skull. Mason had agreed provide a partis- | ularly rare poison for the purpose. Counsel stated the poison was contained in four phials, two were hydrochlcr ide and strychnine, and one an"Arrerican poison, "curare." used by na;. ves for poisoning arrows. Gordon ca'led on Mistress Wheldon on January 1. when she indulged in blaspner-cus language about Lloyd George and N uderson, and expresesd the -hope r at both would soon be dead. She raid Lloyd George had been the mean- of millions of innocent lives being sacrificed, while Henderson was a traitor to the people. Asquith was the brrins of the party, but he is neither good enough for them ncr bad enough for Wheldon, who apparently intended to get Gordon to commit the actual crime. Her denunciations included the King. B'ooth asked her hew she intended to carry out the plot, and she replied: "We had plans to pc'son them." When the phials were received from Southampton, complete instructions for use accompanied them. 3-•• The hearing was adjourned.

KUTHLESSNESS BEGINS. | j LONDON, Feb 3. j The 'Central News" has been assured, from a high Admiralty quarter, that there are no grounds for undue alarm at Germany's last U boat threat Th c enemy's plans have long boon foreseen, and adequate measures have been taken to deal effectively with the now piracy. The "Central News" emphasises the fact that the Admiralty authorities alone ar e in a position to estimate the submarine menace at its true worth. The public will be relieved to learn that the navy is equal to any emergency. Super-frightfulncs's has begun. Submarines are madly, shelling trawlers. and sinking ships without warning. Latest sinkings reported include the, j British vessel Essonite: thc Spanish., vessel Algort; the Danish vessel Kepi-,, have and the Norwegian vessels Sardinia, Hecla and Eavensbourne. Two trawlers have been sunk by gunfire, three lives beinglost. Neutral shipping is almost paralysed. AMSTERDAM, Feb. ?,. It is announced by Berlin that p. German submarine saw. on January IS,, a British destroyer of thc "11" class in a sinking condition after being torpedoed. Messages show that the Germans are doing their best to terrify neutrals.

Admiral von Scheer, in a letter to the newspapers, states: My motto is "Our future lies on the seas. The Biitish sea lions may gnash their teeth but we will strike without mercy." German news agencies state that 400 submarines will participate in the new blockade. All officers or Gorman r h'us in the Baltic have long since Vkycalled back and tr.ained in submarine service. A great number of Zeppelins of a new type have been constructed to attack England.

ON THE WESTEBN FRONT. DUNKIRK BOMBED. LONDON, Feb. 2. A French communique states: "An enemy attack south of Leintrek, in Lorraine, failed. There is lively artillery fighting in progress in the sectors at Louvetont on the right bank of the Meuse, and at Metzeral, in the Vosges. German aeroplanes bombed Dunkirk. There were no casualties and insignificant damage. FALKENHAYN ARRIVES ON WEST FRONT. Received 9.15. AMSTERDAM, Feb 4. The Telegraaf states that Falkenhayn has arrived at Muenester. There are many troops concentrated there The military has seized all schools. UPSETTING GERMANY'S PLANS. PETROGRAD, Feb 4. The Nord Agency states that thereis a suspension of the German offensive on the Roumanian fronts, which tends to confirm the reports of the westward movement of German troop<= in view of recommencing an offensive on the Western front. On the other hand the Russian offensive on the Mitau direction is upsetting German arrangements and seriously menacing the German left flank. A GERMAN REPORT. Received 10.45. LONDON, Feb 4. Wh-clc German official: The En"lish at' :ks northward of Beaucourt broke d 'vn. but detachments penerato:' c ;■ A.*"". trenches, near the irrh b k <••' the Aiicre.