Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Feb. 4, 1917, edition 1 / Page 1
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TTT fi 7 ICStsJK jU mm i r; PUBLISHED AT "CHARLOTTE, THE METROPOLIS OF THE CAR PUNAS" v PRICE FIVE CENTS. - - CHARLOTTE, N. C. SUNDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 4, 1917. FOUNDED 1869 PROFOUND IMPRESSION CREATED 111 ENGLAND, WHERE DECLARATION OF WIIR IS CONSIDERED INEVITABLE Not Since the First War Days of August, 1914, Has Any Event So Impressed Itself on Britain But British Officials Recog nize That New Situation Brings Drawbacks as WeH as Ad vantages to Their Interests. England and Her, Allies Are Now Deprived of Assistance and Guardianship of American Diplomatic and Consular Services, and It Is Doubtful That Other Neutral Establishments Will Be Able to Do Much for Interned Civilians and Military Prisoners. Belgian Relief Work Faced With Greatest Danger, as With drawal of American Commission May Cause Its Work to Col lapse and Bring Hundreds of Thousands Face to Face With Starvation Feeling That America Will Be Forced Into War Is Universal London, Feb. 3. The American rupture with Germany has created tbo deepest Impression here of any event since the ftrat war days of August, 1911. There were no crowds around the newspaper offices, nor the exhibition of ex citement aa in those days, but the general feeling is one of sensation mixed with n considerable measure of surprise. British oillclals recognize that the new situation brings drawbacks as well as advantages to BrlUsh interests. Great anxiety la felt for the welfare of Entente prisoners in Germany, who now are deprived of the assistance and measures of guardianship which the American diplomatic and consular services have been able to render, and rtonbu are felt whether the other neutral establishments will be able to do as much for the Interned civilians and military prisoners. Belgian relief work is faced wiUi the greatest danger, as the withdrawal . of the American commission may result in its complete collapse and bring hundreds of thousands face to face with starvation. Universal feeling here is Uiat the United States will Inevitably be forced v Into war, and the part which she will be able to play therein is the, chief topic of discussion, coupled with speculation as to its effect upon the supply of mu nitions to Europe. ' .. ; . a ' The news of the sinking, f the American steamer Bousatonic, as well as the contents of the Fresideni s address, came too late for' the evening papers, but wherever the sinking of the Amerfe an vessel was known, it was assumed tliat It would go far toward preclpltati ig war. The new German campaign, t unrestricted submarine wart n is regarded here with composure. On the other hand, the withdrawal of the shipping of Scandinavia, Holland and Spain from traffic with England Is reooguUed as a serious factor. The public, however, looks confidently to I he Admiralty to eneed nn its antl-nnhnmrinn - measures; . at least as fast at Germany increases her fleet of submarines;"! uu m uywini uwt uiu riiuui grips in American ports wut soon rein force Atlantic mercantile gallic. , t , F WHEfl SUBMARINE WAR Washington, Feb.'!. Raving re ceived passports for himself, his family and his suite, together with a note explaining why President Wilson has severed diplomatic relations be tween the United States and Germany, Count von Bernstorff tonight was waiting for his departure to be ar ranged by the Swiss Minister. The Minister, Dr. Paul Hitter, has eabled Berne for formal authority to take over Germany's affairs here, ana when-It Is received he will call on Secretary Lansing and arrange de tails. Count Tarnowskl, the new , Ambassador from . Austria-Hungary, has not yet presented his credentials to President Wilson, and confirmation sf reports that his Government hail taken action similar to that of C-er-' many was not obtainable at the Em bassy. It is taken for granted that when such action is taken, relations also will be broken with the Vienna Government . It is still uncertain what action will be taken by Turkey. The German Ambassador's last offi cial day in his Embassy was an event ful one. His friends noticed that while be retained all his customary courtesy, and tried his best to appear pleasant. actually he was deeply affected and ! . gravely apprehensive. Receives Report Shortly after 10 o'clock this morn ing, he received a correspondent of the Associated Press In his study: . "Well." he said, smiling and offering his hand, "what do you hear-this morning 7 Am I going to be turned out? No information? Well, I have none either. I haven't heard, a word." As the talk drifted to prospects of peace and the Ambassador expressed the personal opinion that It was not Improbable, even If relations were broken off, that the United States taight continue efforts In that direction a telephone bell twinkled. The Am bassador picked up the receiver, smil ing. 'Us was quiet for a moment then I i tne expression on nu men cnangeo. VI Tou say relations" have been brok 1 en and that the President is going to .Hons-rensT Are vou sure? Well. mv- be that's so. No. I have no comment to make and nothing to say. If thai to true, I am a private citizen again." The Ambassador turned to the cor respondent and aked that verification of the report be obtained. This was done, and the Ambassador quIcVly walked into ths next room to carry the news to Countess von Bernstorff. When be came back Into his study, his eyes were moist and tie said: 'Nothing Left to Do.' : : "So. It really Is true. I'm so sorry. However, as yon know, I expected It ' I never expected anything else. , There was nothing left for the United States to do. I wonder how I am going to get homeT" 1 suppose I will get my passports any time new. But I certainly am not "surprised at the action that has been ' taken. My people in Berlin will not , he aurnrisea-elthfT, They Jutem-wh&tl was coming when they declared, unre stricted submarine warfare. However. , I have simply been here to carry out the orders of my Government and I have done so. I haven't had any com tnunicatioa from my Government for ' the last day or so, and now I sup ITIGIMTIOM IITED STATES IS i RENEWAL WAS ANNOUNCED pose I will be unable to communicate with them at all, since the use of my code probably will not be allowed and I could not send messages in plain language." It was nearly 2 o'clock when Assis tant Solicitor Woolsey, of the State Department arrived at the Embassy with the Ambassador's passports and the note from Secretary Lansing. Mr. Woolsey was taken to the Embassy study. He delivered the document and left immediately. A group of news paper correspondents then went la , The Ambassador, as Is the custom, sat down under the portrait of hia Emperor and opened the conversa tion by saying: "I am very glad to see all you gen tlemen, but what Interest can you have in me now. I am a private citi zen again.' . "Have you received your passports, Mr. Ambassador?"- was asked. "Yes," he replied. "I have them for myself, my family and my suite. Swiss Minister in Charge. "When am I going home? 1 don't know. You'll have to ask the Swiss Minister that I have asked him to take charge of our affairs and he will make all arrangements for my de parture. Procedure? I don't know that either. This is my first experience of this kind and I win have to Inform myself regarding what shall be done. I am Just waiting to ses what Is going to happen. The Ambassador was told that The United States - would take - neeessary steps to protect American life and property on the seas, and was asked what would happen. ' "What will happen?" he replied. "1 can't say about that If American warships are going to convoy ships carrying ammunition well, really I can't sajuwhat will happen." And the Ambassador shrugged his shoulders. He said he expected tortay In Washington for the present be cause la view of the situation on the soas, he did not see how he was going to return to Germany. , The United States Secret Service today arranged for one of Its men to remain constantly with the Ambassa dor during the remainder of his stay in the United States,' a measure of personal protection. All busiucas Ot the Embassy, here tofore one vf the busiest In Washing ton, ceased abruptly when the word went aroum'i that relations had been broken off. , For the most of the day, the Embassy as as quiet as a private home. PATTERSON-SORRENTINO CONCERT IN CONCORD Special to The Observer. ' I Concord, Feb. I. Arrangements have been completed for the Patter son-Sorrentlno concert which will be given here February Ith. Benor Por- rehtino has been tiers before, and this fact together with .that he will sing with Miss Janie Patterson, of this city, has caused much favorable com ment in regard to the concert Mr. Kay Patterson will play accompani ments on hts flute. ra THROUGH HIM, 100,000.000 LOYAL AMERICANS SPEAK AS 01 Stiujl ' "isr " " REVERENTLY INVOKING DIVINE GUIDANCE, PRESIDENT FORMALLY ADVISES CONGRESS OF HIS DECISION H. . Grave of Face and Deliberate in Speech, Solemnly the Nation's Ruler Acquaints Congress at Joint Session That Relations With Germany Had Been Broken Off "We Seek Merely to Vindicate Our Right to Washington. Feb. 3. The severance of diplomatic relations with Germany was formally announced to the coun try and the world by President Wit son at a Joint session of Congress to- Fervently invoking the guidance of Almighty God in the step he had taken, the President speaking de liberately , and .. with great solemnity, said: Gentlemen, of the Congress: "The Imperial German Government on the list of January announced to this Government and to the Govern ments of the other neutral Nations that on and after the first day of Feb ruary, the present month, it would adopt a policy with regard to the use of submarines against all shipping seeking to pass through certain des ignated areas of the high seas to hich It Is clearly my. duty to call your attention. "Let me remind the Congress that on the tth of prll last In view of ine sinning on ine m oi strcn tn the cross-channel passenger steamer Sussex by a German submarine, with out summons or warning . ard . the consequent loss of the Uyes of sev eral citizens of the United States who were passengers aboard her, this Government addressed a note 'to the Imperial German Government in which It made the following declara tion: -'If It la still the purpose of the Imperial Government to prosecute re lentless and Indiscriminate warfare against vessels of commerce by the use of submarines without regard to what the Government of the United States must consider the sacred -and Indisputable rules of International law and the universally recoirnlsed dictates of humanity, the Govern ment of the United Ftate is nt lat forced to lhe"con'cluIon that thre is but once course It can pursue. iJn less the Imperial Government should now immediately declare and effect an abandonment of its prewnt nutli- od of submarine warfare. fa:nst pawenger ana Xr-'vY.X rylr ves GIMY ARE BKOKi OFF; OM VERGE OF ENTERING WORLD WAR WOQDUOW WILS Liberty and Justice and an Unmolested Life," He Said. sels, the Government of the United States can have no choice but to sever diplomatic relations with the German Empire altogether.' Germany's Reply. "In reply to this declaration, the Imperial German Government -gave this Government the following assur ance; .-" The German Government Is pre pared to do its utmost to confine the operations of war for the rest of its duration to the fighting forces of the belligerents, thereby also insuring the freedom of the seas, a principle ae on which the German Government be lieves new, ae before, te. be la agjoe ment. with the Govemmi.t of the 'Jnited States. Th German Government guided by this Idea, notifies the Government of the United States that the German naval forces have received the fol lowing orders: In accordance with the general principles of visit and search and destructloe of merchant vessels recognised by international law. auch vessels, both within and without the area declared ae ssvml war tones, shall sot be sunk without warning and without saving human lives, unless these ships attempt to escape or offer resistance. - - - 'But' It added. 'Deutrals eanaet expect that Germany, forced to fight for her existence, shall, for the sake of neutral . Interests, restrict the nse of an effective weapon if her enemy Is permitted to continue te apply at will methods of warfare violating the rules of international law. Soch a demand would be incompatible with the character of neutrality, and the German Government is eoevfaeed that the Government of the Unite! States does not think of making eech a demand, knowing thaT the Govern ment of the United f at ha repeat eJIy declared tt.t It U Ct'.ctu.U.rl to restore the principle of ths free dom of the sea, from whatever quar ter It has been violated." No Contlnrencte. "To this the Government of the Vr-lted sn'n rp!i4 r-n tne -l.th of - ON May. accepting, of course, the asmtr ances given, but adding: The Government of the United States feels It necessary to state that it takes It for granted that the Im perial German Government does not intend to Imply that the maintenance of Its newly announced policy is in any way contingent upon the course or result of diplomatic negotiations between the Government of the Uni ted States and any other belligeient Government notwithstanding the fact that ceVtaln passages In the Imperial Government's note of the 4th instant might appear to be susceptible of that construction. In order, however, to avoid any misunderstanding, the Government of the United States no tifies the Imperial Government that it cannot for a moment entertain, mnch leas discuss, a suggestion that respect by German naval authorities for the rights of citizens of the Uni ted States upon the high aeas should in an r way or in the slightest degree be made contingent upon the conduct of any other Government affecting the rights of neutrals and non-combatants. Responsibility In such mat ters is single not Joint; absolute, not relative. . To this note of the tth of May. the Imperial German Government made no reply. "On the 31st of January, the Wed needs y of the present week, the German- Ambassador handed te the Sec retary of State, along with n formal note, a memorandum ehlch contained the following statement: Withdrawal of Pledge. -" The Imperial Government there fore, does not doubt that the Gov ernment of the United States win understand the situation thns forced upon Germany by the Entente Al Lpf bnj'&l. method prewar aa4 by their determination te destroy the Central Powers, snd ths t the Gov ernment of the United' States win further realize that the now open It disclosed Intention of the Entente Al- (Continued on Pare Two) DWSSnDHlIB GIVEN KfllSER THAT SACRIFICE OF H LIS I'JIL Similar Action Is Waiting for Austria When She Notifies This Gov ernment That She Will Join Germany in Campaign of Unre stricted Under-Sea Warfare Dramatic Climax to Two Year of Negotiations Made Known by President to Congress. 1 ' At the Same Time, Passports Were Handed Count von Bernstorff and Ambassador Gerard and American Consuls Were Directed ' to Quit Germany, Diplomatic Interests Being Turned Over to ; Spain Neutral Governments Notified of Action and Openly Invited to Follow America's ead With Notification to Ger- " many Went Demand for Release of Americans Taken From; Ships Captured by German Raider in South Atlantic Steps ' Promptly Taken for Protection of American Lives and Prop-: erty From Conspiracies at Home and Submarine Menace on the Seas. , .":': WASHIXGTOX, FEB. X. FRESUJKST WILBOSr HAS BR0KX3T OFE DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH GEKMAXT AXT WAKTEP THB KAISER THAT RUTHLESS SACRIFICE OF AMERICAN UTES AVD RIGHTS MEAX8 WAR. . ' ; SIMILAR ACTIO IS WAXTTXG FOB AUSTRIA WHEJf SHE HOTI ITES THIS GOVERNMENT THAT SHE JOINS Vt THE CAMPAIGN OF UNRESTRICTED SUBMARINE WARFARE. . ' ; 1 ". THE PRESIDENT MADE FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF TflS Ad TJON TO THE COUNTRY AND TO THE WORLD TODAY AX A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS. ' PASSPORTS HAVE BEEN HANDED TO COUNT TON BERNSTORFFl AMBASSADOR GERARD, WITH ALL HIS STAFF AND ALL AMERICAN CONSULS, HAVE BEEN ORDERED OUT OF GERMANY. ALL CKKMA V CONSULS IN THE UNITED STATES ARE EXPECTED TO 'WITlUmW THAT THE SEVERANCE OF RELATIONS MAY BE COMPLETE. A" OVER TO SPAIN; GERMAN DIPLOMATIC INTERESTS IN THE mil STATES HAVE BEEN TAKEN OVER BY SWITZERLAND. -FOi ' DIPLOMATIC INTERESTS WHICH THE UNITED STATES" HA t If charge in Germany have been turned OYJUt .10 3 Ai IT . ' rU YEARS OF DIPIMTI" WTTTt FREQUENT CRISES. "Av ATTENDED WITH THE LOSS Of J( 1 THAN TWO HUNDRED CAN CI LMTNATED WITH A WOKLD ALWAYS HA AMERICAN GOVERN) THE COUNTRY AGAI? MOVES ARE OF KECEoolTY BEING KEPT SECRET. With the notice of eeveranee of relations, the United States sent te Bern ttm ill is nil for the tausediate release of eUty-fonr Aneerlcnne taken from shins enpuued by Gemtan raidrrs In the Sooth Atlantic. At the reonest of the President. Ooncresa. immediately after bemrtnsr hts reached nnder eshnlng statutes. . : The nwestlon of coevoytns; American nserenant ships fhrongh the sobt Hocfeade tans been taken nn, Newtral Goverawrnts have been States, end have openly been Invited we ensepatrn vtoeates wen? itpoits. The tsmkinc of telailons ensne with and nrncticallr determined npon last nichL The rrestdent lefislns; from his night conference break in relations was the only act of the United States." He worked GERARD ORDERED HOME. At lets ocwrk this snornlnc R became known that Ambassador Gerari had been esdei ed home and that passports had been sent to Coast eon Bern storO. Althoncb there was no official confirmation of the President's dechsoit nntll be foensaOy ssnsonneed it himself to Congress, the knowiedre spres4 rapidly. Conn von Bciewtois' breed U nnofacssily while talking with an As socfaued Press cwswenoniVst. While apparently deeply moved, be was not snrprised. His Srst met was so nsk Dr. Panl Kitter, the Swiss Minfeter, to come to the German Embassy and prepare to take over Its aBairs. Then be Informed his wife, as American-born woman, of the development snd like wise told the Embassy staff. Ills psssporls were not delivered nntll S osacJc la the afternoon. While the President was addresstnjr Congress, one of Sec retary Lansing's confidential assistants called nt the rishamy and delivered the mmipm is and n note In reply to the German declaration. GRIMED HID SOLEfl IS IE FACES DE5S; ifSIDEfiT LIES DTTUE U lO 01D Washington, Feb. 3. President Wilson kept himself In seclusion dur ing the morsing, except for n brief conference with Secretary Innsing. nntll he left the White House for the Capitol shortly before 1 o'clock Is preparation for the history-making event, the Senate and House had asretnbled la the hall of the latter body. JosUces of the Supreme Court ard members of the Cabinet - were present, and the diplomatic gallery was packed, prindpe-ly with neutrals. As usual, n committee of Congress men met the Presilent snd eauvrfed him to the Speaker's daln The whole body rose asd cheered as the Presi dent, grim-faced and solemn, took his place snd began reading the docu ment which is being beard "round the world. Not s sound eame from floor or galleries but the elser, calm notes of the Presideat reading slowly and dis tinctly. The assemblage of Senators, RepreeentaUvee and notables about him listened with closest attention te words which may record one of the somber moments of American history If sot. Indeed, ef the world. Briefly be reviewed bow last April the United States warned Garoany, after the destruction of the Fusses, that unless the imperial Government declared and effected an abandon ment ef that sort of submarine war fare the United States would have so choice but to sever diplomatic re lations altogether. Then he quoted from the German reply which gave assurance that no ships would be sank without warning asd prevision for misty ef passman's sad crew. CUsssaj's Reservation Ila, recounted, lha pro Tlaioa the Genu Government attached, which la effect reserved te Itself the right te rerai.t Ms' premises if the Unitsd Ktalf M sot secure relaxation ef the Br t lab restraints en eonimerce. snd then eeoted from the 'reply of the United fates wrJB refused te L LIVES ON THE HIGH SEAS, 11 WHICH IN ALL THE HISTORY OKIi: '. TO WAR. EVERY AGENCY OF THiJ f HAS BEEN SET IN MOTION TO FHOT1XT ACTS OF GERMAN SYMPATHIZERS.., THI'.SU k on new laws dmm oy tne vepartsnent oc jneuee us end ptote aaninet the United States which canno now ba . ana is netnc conskterea as one of tne notified of the action of the Tnltei to follow its action If the new sub - -- - - - . n crash, despite the fact that R had with the Senators, determined that n "consistent with the dignity and the most of the nlrht preparlas his nd consider s conditional pledge, and gave Germany final warning that it could not entertain or ti-"-v any such snggestlon. - The President did not refer to ths long list of submarine operations which have been conducted In viola.; t-'on of the Sussex pledges, but pro. eeeded at once to the new war sons order which became effective Febru ary 1. -. " - - I When he told hew the Carinas proclamation left' nothing for the honor and dignity of the United States, but n break m relations and that he had ordered passports strA to von Bernstorff and n recall to ilr. Gerard, the assemblage broke !nlo a cheer Is which Republicans snd Dem ocrats silks Joined. Hers applause greeted his declaration that only an ever set could convince him that Ger many Intended te violate Americas lives and rights, snd there was pro longed applause snd cneeting when he concluded by announcing thai should American ships snd lives be sacrificed "In heedless contravention of the Just and reasonable under standing of International law and the obvious dictates of- humanity," he would again appear before Congerss to ask authority to "use any means that may-be secessary for the protec tion of our suasion and our people.' Cheers of Approval. As. he concluded, there were cheers ef approval from both sides of the chamber and the President return! to the White Hesse to discuss toe sres of precaution with Fecret itr Daniels, ef the Navy, and Secretary Baker, ef the War Department. There were expressnns ef support asd.JLPsrersXsXthaPresideia.'s co as the Joint session dissolved a ,-i both houses went bee te their wer. Soon after Count vou Berrartor- passports arrived. United ? f- - eret Service men threw a ruwd " (Continued en T"te Two.)
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
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Feb. 4, 1917, edition 1
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