UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 March 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

"WE ARE NOW AT WAK." GOVERNMENT CONSIDERING PLANS New York, March 22. The Washington correspondent of the New York Work], who is well-informed, states that when Congress meets the President will say that a state of war existed since March 17, when merchantmen were sunk. The (government is considering plans to mobilise the National Guard if necessary, and may eventually send it abroad, the requisitioning of interned Ccrmnn ships, and a gigantic mobilisation of financial resources to assist the Allies. It will be the duty of Congress to declare that- a state of war exists. When the United States enters the war it means an earlier and better peace. -

The Now York Sun says: "We are now at war. There is no wisdom in dallying the fact."

HANDS OFF! A DEFINITE ATTITUDE. Received March 23, 5:5 p.m. Washington, March 22.' The State. Department makes it known officially that it refuses to consider any neutral suggestions until Germany has withdrawn her submarine blockade.

PROPOSED EXPEDITIONARY FORCE, New York, March 22. There is widespread satisfaction at the President's action. It is believed that the action taken hy Congress will make the American position unmistakable. Air Roosevelt's proposal for an expeitionary force is widely discussed, but, while it is evident that there will be n Mist body of eager volunteers, it is unlikely that any early action will be taken in the matter. A NEUTRALITY MOVE. Washington, March 22. A strong neutral move, headed by M. Ritter, the Swiss Minister, is pending, with the view of keeping the United States and Germany from hostilities. It is believed that Germany is contemplating a modification of the U-boat campaign. WAR PREPARATIONS. New York, March 22. All the newspapers feature with cross page headlines the proximity of war. The renewal of preparation is now under way, an the war policy is taking shape.

It is expected that the President will give Congress a list of the outrages in a review of Germany's actions, and ask Congress to declare that a state of war exists. It is believed Congress will then authorise the use of armed forces. It is anticipated tlidt the army will be in readiness, and that there will be a rapid mobilisation when Congress assembles.

FINANCIAL HELP FOR ALLIES. New York, Marih 22. Many financiers support the Reserve Board chairman's proposal to extend a billion dollar credit to the AWes, accept ing mere obligations as security, DEALING WITH GERMAN PLOTTERS New York, March 22. I Albert Saunders and Carl Wunncborg, who were accused of sending spies to England, have been sentenced to two years' imprisonment and fined l£soo. They pleaded guilty.