WILSON NOT PANICKY.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 February 1917, Page 5

WILSON NOT PANICKY.

EFFECT ON WALL STREET. Received Feb. 3, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 2. The Evening Post's Washington correspondent, who is credited with being in close touch with President Wilson, says: "President Wilson may definitely commit the United States to defensive measures against Germany's declaration, on ho may endeavor by means of a League o: Neutrals to enforce international law. Wilson is not panicky. He is certainly dcfuinined not to acquiesce in the German policy, and an overt act may force his hand. - ' Sheaves of telegrams are reaching the 'White House urging a break. Cabinet met this afternoon for the first time since the crisis. Wall Street trrnover showed a slight decline as com'paied with yesterday, there being a "bear" movement towards tho close, bused on the possibility of Cabinet's decision.

A GERMAN STATEMENT. THE STEP IRRETRIEVABLE. TO OBTAIN SPEEDY PEACE. Received Feb, 4,' 5.5 p.m. Rotterdam, fcb. 3. A German semi-official agency states lliit whatever course America may take will have no significance. The step is irulric-vablc and cannot be influenced from outside. Horr von BethmannHolhvcg's explanations to the party lenders smothered the opposition and convinced them that the new warfare would bring a speedy peace.

INTEREST IN BRITAIN. AN ABSORBING TOPIC, Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 3. After the first wave of excitement had passed, interest in Britain now centres on America. Everyone is awaiting President Wilson's decision. The prospect of an American break with Germany oversi. sdows all other war topics.

BERNSTORFF INTERVIEWED. GERMAN STOCKBROKERS DEFEATED j A PANIC PREVENTED Pceeived Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Feb .3. When pressmen called at Count Lcvnstorfi's office, they 'were received cordially. Count Bernstorff, outwardly unmoved, greeted them smilingly with: "Good morning, boys!" Questioned as to his intentions, he replied, "I do not know! This is my first experience of this kind,'* and added, with a laugh: "There are several ships in American ports, and I will doubtless find one to take me home." There was tumultuous enthusiasm and a great demonstration on the Stock Exchange. German financiers, who have been dealing on the market, endeavored to force a panic, and began a wild rush to short-sell, expecting prices to drop below all records, but their plans met complete defeat. The Americans immediately held a series of hurried meetings, and Wall Street used its tremendous resources in a patriotic move to prevent a panic. Following a pre-arranged plan, they eagerly bought all the German offerings, with the result that they not only checked the panic, but the market closed firm, and at buoyant rates.

The brokers then held a most remarkable demonstration, waving the Stars and Stripes, cheering and singing again and again "The Star-spangled Banner," A FEELING OF RELIEF. Received Feb. 4, 5.5 p.m. New York, Feb. 3. The announcement that America has decided to sever diplomatic relations was received throughout the country with enthusiasm. There is a feeling of general relief that America's honor will lie vindicated, no matter what the cost may be. The demeanour of the, people in tin; streets of New York is one of restrained excitement, the people realising that tho Government has taken a most important decision. There is an absence of larg t groups in the crowded streets, owing to the intense cold. PRECAUTIONS AGAINST UNLAWFUL ACTS. All steps have been taken by the police to prevent unlawful acts by Germans. Police guards have been placed at the railway bridges and aqueducts, and a special watch has been placed on the rendezvous known to be frequented by German plotters. A special force of two thousand constabulary is ready for an emergency. (

INCENDIARY FIRE EXTINGUISHED. Although Germans at New London set fire to the stored cargo intended for the TVutsehland, it was quickly extinguished. PROTECTIVE MEASURES. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TAKEN. ■Received Feb. 5, 12.50 a.m. Washington, Feb. 4. The Ambassador at Vienna has cabled that Austria adheres to Germany's course of action. Special precautions have been adopted to guard the White House, and to protect President Wilson.and Mr. Lansing. Orders have been issued to man the battle-cruisers. The entire National Guard of New York State, also the naval and military, 'have beea called out b for protective measures.