Newspapers / Asheville Citizen (Asheville, N.C.) / Feb. 12, 1917, edition 1 / Page 1
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THE ASHEMLLE CITIZEN CITIZEN WANT" LNT"" At) ISULTSj BRING RESULTS vol. xxxm, NO. 112. ASHEVILLE, N. C., MONDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 12, 1917. PRICE FIVE CES BERLIN HAS LITTLE HOPE OF AVOIDING HOSTILITIES CONGRESS READY FOR MEASURES T. THE WEATHER FAIR. Spiked WITH THE UNITED STATES Not Believed at German Capital That Course of Action Recon ciling the Policies of the Two Governments Can Be Found Germany Will Not Consider Any Modification of Her Ruthless Submarine Activities. GERMANY IS ANXIOUS TO AVERT WAR IF POSSIBLE Submarine Campaign Had Been Carefully Mapped Out Before the Announce ment Was Made by von Bethmann HollwegCame as Surprise. AMERICAN SHIPS WILL BE AHMED IF 01 E R5 SODESIR COPENHAGEN, Feb. 10 (Via London, Feb. 11.) Little hope or expectation prevails in Berlin that war with the United States is avoidable or that a course of action reconciling the policies of the two governments can he found. Would Avoid Hostilities. There now is a desire on the part of the authorities and a vast' bulk of the people to avoid actual hostilities in any way consistent with the general lines of the present submarine policy, but only in such a way. Accordingly, instructions were given, so the Associated Press has been reliably informed, to submarine commanders before they started on their February mission to take the safe side when neutral vessels, particularly American, were in question, whenever possible. Enemy merchantmen, when recognized as such, were ordered to be sunk at sight, but neutral merchantmen were to be warned when such action in their judgment was consistent with the object of the campaign ana tne, gaiety oi tnear.omi shjpa. -u was realized, however, after the prompt and resolute stand taken by President Wilson that these orders could only be palliative and only defer, not avoid, an ultimate break. Also, that if President Wilson stood by his announcement that the destruction of American lives or ships would be regarded as an act of hostility1, a casus belli must come sooner or later probably sooner on account of the num ber of Americans on enemy ships. Moreover, there was the discretionary nature of the instructions to submarine commanders, who were informed that while the careful rourse toward neutrals was recommended and desired, I nev would no lonerer be subjected to punishment for de-1 parting from their former procedure of warning, if they found this advisable. No Modification Likely. It is considered that the only possibility of avoidance of hostilities would result from a modification of its stand point by one or the other side, and before the Associated Press correspondent's departure from Berlin there seemed no probabilitv that Germany would give way this time or abandon the ruthless campaign now started. From a neutral cable office it now is possible to tell the story of the development of the present crisis, on which the most rigid censorship has been applied in Ger many. To the observer in Berlin, the approach of the crisis has been plainly and definitely evident since the rejection of Germanys peace overtures. Information as to Ger many's definite decision to start a sharpened submarine war, and even the form it would take, namely, a blockade of specified regions (though the. idea of a "prohibited zone'.' was later substituted for that of a blockade ' at the request of the naval authorities, who anticipated pos sible formal objections under the blockade regulations), was received by the Associated Press almost on the mor row of Ambassador Gerard's speech on German-American good relations, delivered at the banquet of the American Association of Commerce and Trade early in January. Campaign Delayed. A week later it was stated that a full decision on the situation had not been reached and that the campaign would not be launched until after further consultations with Germany's allies and the receipt of certain informa tion from Count von Bernstorff and Count Tarnowski von Tarnow, respectively German and Austrian ambassadors lb the United States, of their concept of armed merchant men and their liability to attack as warships The final decision on an out-and-out submarine cam paign of a so-called ruthless type apparently was taken at the grand Austro-German conference at German head quarters on the German emperor s birthday, though the Associated Press heard the statement that submarines. departing several days earlier for stations : n the sub- marine nunung grounas, were proviaea wun contingent orders for this eventuality. The censorship, however, shut down tightly on any definite statements or predictions of the approaching crisis. ... . ... '.,.... Ambassador Gerard, of course, was aware of the current gossip and probably was able to advise1 the state department of the possible turn in events, even' while the Means Will Be Found Provide Merchantmen With Guns. E to MEET EMERGE!: i Formal Ratification of Brc With Germany Leaves Field Clear. ? EMERGENCY BILLS AWAITING ACTIC Espionage and Other.fi:; Will Strengthen Positic. of Government. '! GERMAN PROPOSAL NOT WELL RECEIVED Believed to Have Been Of fered to Put America in False Position. WASHINGTON-, Feb. 1 1 . American ship owners who have been holding thoil- vessels in port beoaiiHe of Ina bility to obtain guns for defense against Miibmarines probably will have their diftictulty solved in a few days. Strong Intimations were given iln of ficial quarters tonight, -while the gov ernment will not actually arm mer chant craft or even formally advise arming, a way will be found U put ATTITUDE OF GERMANY TOWARD THE AMERICAN AMBASSADOR INFLUENCED BY ALARMIST REPORTS FROM THE U. S. Repotted In Germany That German Ships Were Being Seized In America and Their Crews Intent' erf and This Led to Request for Reaffirmation of Old-Time Treaties by Gerard Refusal Caused Strong Hint from Count Montgelas COPENHAGEN", Fei, in. (Via Lon- home port.. Provision also was made don, Feb. 11-) The Gi-rman govern- for a safe conduct when It was noren ment's attitude in endeavoring to in- ary to -move ships from one port to dues Ambassador Gerard to sign a protocol reaffirming the old-time treaties with the United States re garding mutual protection of na tional in case of hostilities, and the hints of possible detention of Amerl- weapons at the disposal of owners who ca" newspaper men as hostages, was desire to prepare for defense against illegal attacK. The, enforced idleness of tlio undoubtedly Influenced . by alarmist dispatches from the United StateB re garding ttie treatment oi uerman cm another in the same country. The protocol forbade explicitly any intern ment or resrrictlons upon the liberty ! or movement of enemy nationals within the limits of the opponent 1 country nd for confirmation of cer tain articles of The Hague conven- that the reports of the confiscation of Hhlim and the Internment of tailors were Incorrect and that no obstacle were'being placed In the way of Count voir Bernetorft's departure under a safe, conduct arrangements for the Issuance of passports to the ambas sador and his suite began to proceed witn nmrKta acceleration, ana toe foreign officials, who hitherto would Amertcarr mercha nt Hoot I. lwlnw-?1"' i,flBIW"lf ""-'"r?Ty!W iS.Woiti. J. ' Mi-At, i ,S clatea Ffees correspondent wno lert viewed fw1tnaowfng disquiet, and.u ,n ... ttfnMl Ylew iar Is that not only the export trade but - the nation's standing before the world demands that American vessels continue to ply the high seas without regard to the German proclamation which the gov ernment has repudiated with the most severe means in its power snort of war. No Responsive Chord. The German proposal, deltevered to the state department, yesterday that means be discussed of preventing the break in relations resulting in war ap parently has struck no responsive chord here. No. official would indi cate today whether a reply already had been given, but there was no ens position to deny that the proposal had been made or that the American government regarded It is-an effort on the part of Germany to befog the Is sue. It In government circles that there was nothing to discuss until Germany de sired to stop abridging American rights and Illegally menacing Ameri can life. In connection with the German suggestion interest attached to cable dispatches announcing that Emperor William, had called a conference, presumably to discuss the submarine campaign and the position of .neu trals. It was suggested that out of the conference might come something more tangible than the mere oral sug gestion that Germany would like to discuss means of preventing the addi tion of another nation to her long list of enemies. Double Meaning. What lias been done so far is con strued only as an attempt to place upon the United States the appesr- Berlin Saturday morning and now has reached Copenhagen, is able to state. As soon as reassuring advices were received from the United States and as soon, too, as the Getman govern ment saw that the attempt to negoti ate a protocol re-ratlfylng tho treat' of 1799 with additions and expansions had ailed, it receded from Its position and nothing further was heard of newspaper men as hostages. The Protocol. The protocol, which Count Montge las, head of the American department tlons. particularly as to treatment of j gpeak only tb vague Indefinite xne personnel oi enemy meronant. of the ,,rnhah1 date tnr Mi. rf.- BhlPB captured or naught within an it Given. Strong Ambassador Gerard's refusal to Sign the treaty after he had ceased to per form hi" ambassadorial functions or parture of the ambassadorial train. H now ventured on fetor and wore efi nue commitments reraraing ne .low mediate psndfnf: completion of ar rangements. Had. they been In posses sion or direct and authoritative in of the German foreign office, sub- i mation of the possibility of detaining mttted to Ambassador Gerard on the part of Foreign Secretary Zlmmer minn, contained besides a formal re ratltleatlon of the treaty provisions of 1788 and 1838, regarding mutual treatment of nationals caught In a was made clear everywhere ' "oil1""1 country In case of war. a nUIHUVr OI 1IM .111 .uunivnn expansions. It provided that mer chants should be allowed to continue their business and retain their resi dences until the end of the war unmo lested: that no law affecting the validity of contracts should be applied to Germans In America, or to Ameri cans In Germany and that all patents should be inviolate a question of Im portance In view of the high value If not the indlspensafclllty of certain German patents in the manufacture of munitions and explosives. Quite as trenchant in its bearing on the pending problems was the provi sion of an Instrument which Ambas sador Gerard was asked to sign spe cifying explicitly that not only enemy property as such should be exempt form selsure or restrictions In Its use beyond those applying to all property, but that eneuiv ships in ports of op ponents should not be seized during the war nor forced to leave port un less to sail under safe conduct, and guarantee of exemntion from seizure by the allied belligerents from a to telegraph for Instructions unless he formation ,on the true tatjis of af- isira in America, omciais -declared repeatedly to the Associated, Press correspondent .Instead of being forced tp depend upon alarmist reports of extreme measures taken by the Wash ington administration, the- German government would have been In- a far different position far less con cerned about necessity of protecting Its own interests In a situation which as it turned out, had been Incorrectly reported. Much of the telegraphed press reports received, they declared was permitted to use code led Count Montgelas to hint that a refusal to ulgn the protocol might materially amect trie status of Americans in Ger many and the privilege of departure, mentioned specifically of the Ameri can correspondents whom Ambas sador Gerard desired to take out with him and whose fate was apparently thought to carry particular weight in American public opinion. This lntl- Amerlrans under the status of a rup- ' .Ha WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. The 'n lomatio breach with Germany h,i.v been indorsed by the senate, coin;' Is devoting itself to important era! business, together wltli i gency measures necessitated 'by strained international situation. Tuesday the house will pass naval appropriation bill, " togeK with amendment urged by Secre Danlels providing authority to t man deer shipyards and- iwunir plants and appropriating ' S1,0M. for the purchase of basTo paten aircraft- The army appropri bill carrying approximately 1300 i ooo. will b put through ne.ii, quickly as possible. ; . s . s j - Espionage Bltt , Emergency measures awaitlr tlon in the senate include cap. and probably bills reoommenrl the attorney-general and awenn to the shipping hfcws. Tomorro senate experts to pass the ( Klcan citizenship bMI, after -wh fight again will be Instituted f" Islatlon In the pending postoffi proprlation bill increasing tl . on newspapers and periodic, providing for one eent.drop postage. Revenue legislation will be pressed in the senate. .t a few days. . . . 1 . Democratic, senators today t, third revenue caucus, finally si ed, with amendments, the fcjll t by the house to .provide ai mately $360,000,000 additional nue to meet the anticipated t ' deficit. The house provisions t 1248,000,000 through aildltionn: pn inheritances and "excess and for a bond' issue 'of -8100 pay for the Banish West. Irtdi. ka railroad and other eiroen modified only Mshtly.'- ; , "Excess PPofltaTa. i The 'excess ftronts" tas en ations nd partnership was by thv caucus expire tatoi In four years- . Ala n am waf Inserted. iSrovidin that ent "tax of 11 1-3 per cent o tlons makers' profits shall e" instead of twelve months ar la declared. 'i'. t :' They caucus refected ait' am to add the Webb exporters' , rH-e bill as a "rider" to the Wll, which way prevent pa the Webb bill at the present ( xne caucus pledged all de. senators to support the entire bfll as amended, except that ' (Continued on Page Tw ture of diplomatic relations not war. j they had not permitted the German and the use of newspaper represent-, press to republish fearing the effect upon puoiio opinion, ana me nrtt (Continued on Page Two.) SHIPPING BOARD XSKS tives as supposedly Important pieces on the diplomatic chess 1 card caused Mr. Gerard to declare roundly that he could notbe a party to "any such pressure" and that he doubted whethr er any of the newspaper men could be "sand .bagged" r Influenced In any way by considerations of pergonal safety or convenience and that he must persist In his earlier expressed standpoint regarding these negotia tions. Fro.m . that point nothing further was heard of the protocol or of the possibility of detaining Americans. The German government's attitude undoubtedly was influenced by the press dispatches with which the Ger man newspapers were then being flooded asserting that German ships were being seized and their crews In terned in the United States, these dis patches being virtually the only news which ,the government was then re ceiving, no official communications from Count von Bernstorff having come since a time several days before the rupture of relations. Arrangements Accelerated. As soon as authoritative Informa tion was received in direct dispatches cable advice received by an American correspondent explaining and clearing un the situation and shown by Mm to the foreign office, was conveyed to the German newspaper offices with celerity, showing what importance the omciais attached to it. The Americans In Berlin, and as far as known, throughout Germany, have during the days .of tension fol lowing the rupture of diplomatic re lartons been treated without hostility and even in moat rases, with marked courtesy. There have bsen no out breaks of anti-American feeling or mob spirit such ss occurred eocaslnn tally at the outset of the war. against 1 the English and nationals of other hostile countries, and except for the uncertainty and alarm retarding eventualities In connectln with their plans to depart from Germany, they have had up to the present little cause for dissatisfaction ss to their treatment by the German people ss a whole. To Reassure Americans. The reiteration of this statement, made repeatedly In dispatches from (Continued on Page Two.) eVCOAUMXD OX TAOX TWOJ FOR COASTWISE TRADE First Practical Step Toward , Rehabilitating American Maritime Commerce. TWO ARE OBSOLETE. WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 The fed eral shipping board has taken Its first practical step toward rehabilitating American maritime commerce by asking President WHaon to turn over to ft Idle army transports for service tn the coastwise trade between Atlan tic and Pacific ports through the Panama canaL In a letter to the president made public today. Chair man Denman points ent thai nearly all of the American built vessels, which have been plying la this trade, have been withdrawn for more profit able charters or sold to foreign nags. The board seeks particularly to get certain obsolete foreign built traas- Krts which the war department has in aotherised to sell. There are two such easels, the Crook, of 4.800 tens. Is being used In connection with the Alaskan railway, and the Meade, of 8.400 tens, idle at Newport News. A provision of the vendlnr army ac tion out would authorise the E IT Laymen's Missionary Move ment of Southern Presby terian Church to Meet. CUBAN TROOPS REVOLT AND ESCAPE WITH ARMS Alleged Leader of Uprising in One Section of Island Killed. LEXINGTON', Ky., Feb. l Home missions will be the theme fur dis cussion at the fifth general conven tion of the Laymen's Missionary movement of the Southern Presby terian church, which begins a three days' session here February 20. An- oiner inrre aays acmiun ox me con- j mention will be held In New Orleans, i beginning March II. I By holding two sessions church I leader hope to secure a larger at- tendanoe from all sections of the so nth- Four sectional conferences, which will be en Important feature of the convention, will consider the follow ing subjects: The rural ana mountain prooiem; evangelism and Individual work for Individuals; the foreign speaking peo ple and the negro population, and special classes and their needs. Under the lest named head special attention will M given to problems tn eronnec. tion with cotton mill operatives. use of the ehlpe en coastwise trade. I prisoners in jails ana eonyict camps, bet this authorisation weald he en-'keys end the Jewish people. necessary if they were turned ewer te Ciariee A. Rowland of AUens, Ga be sfefcvtac sward. f . preside,- . - ..; COMMITTEEWILL MEET Will Not Be Called Until May or June, Chairman Wilicox Says. MYSTERIOUS VESSEL' SIGHTED IN MlO-Oi BY THE S. S. One a Submarine a: Other a Raider or X. ply Vessel. -' ? SEE STEAMER SIT HAVANA. Fob. 11 The Cuban government tonight made the official statement thaft about thirty men of the Seventh and Eighth companies of infantry stationed at Camp Columbia, near Marianao. have revolted and es caped m-ith their arms. Troops are in pursuit. At Canaa. Havana province, ac cording to the statement. Commander Jose Castillo was killed by troops who were dispersing a group of rebels. It is alleged that 'astlllo was heading the prising there. In Santa Clara province, where par Nmi re-electiona are to take place Feb ruary 14. two small groups of rebels j are being pursued oy government forces. Many civilians and A few army men have been arrested. The government U taking every precaution to maintain order. . . THE WEATHER. - . WASHINGTON, Feb. 11. Forecast for North Csrollna: Fair and colder Monday; Tuesday probably fair with Alnwlv rialnar temmralure. ' NE7W TORK, Feb. 11 William R. Wilicox. chairman of the republican national committee. In a letter tonight to ' George w. Perkins and Kveret Colby, progressive members of the re publican campaign committee in the recent election, announced his Inten tion of calllg a meeting of the na tional committee, probably in Mav or June, next. On January 31 ilr. Per kins and Mr. Colby addressed a letter to Mr. Wilicox. In which they urged him to call a meeting of the national committee "to discuss fully and open ly the grave and important questions that confront our country today.'- In his reply Mr. Wilicox points out that It would be Inopportune do to call the' national commute together because "events hare , taken .. place which brought our country to the verge of war, and this is a time when partisan discission Is stilled and wtoed the best thought of our people, . re gardless of party feeling. Is turned U the loyal support of the administra tion at Washington In all Its efforts to meet honorably and . fearlessly . the crisis which facea the nation." - . Chairman Wilicox said the meeting of the national committee probably, seuld be held In Chicago. - - terious vessels, one said to h, submarine, the other hen appearance of being a raider marine supply ship, were, a: mid-ocean Monday, February Aoers and passengers of the line steamship Kroonland. v rived here today from Liver, On February 3, one day ,o Liverpool, those en hoard they witnessed the destrur' Dutch freighter by s . from a submarine. The 3 then was about eleven nrtlei Irish coast and opposite Fastj The crew of the ship sunk too In a lifeboat and were towed - the submersible, it was sal Kroonland was within fire i the Dutch steamer and her e passengers declare they saw t merrdble come to the surf:" p roach the freighter, then sin three shots from a deck -go Dutch ship went down fn ' t minutes. Captain Barman, ' : f Kroonland, said he was gettl? r to go to the rescue of the cr ? be saw that the U boat had tn tu one lifeboat Into which the er r ) taken refuge. While the Dutch ship was b r stroyed, " nine other 'chips . ' een closer In shore, but v eel was In sight. A British however, had been sighted e the day. it was at Tit a. m., on Ft'' that officers of the Kroonlan i several miles off the JCroonlan.i bow what they declared waa a marine. All they could see -. conning tower. The craft apf ed. within couple of miles, r In trtrrht for about fifteen ntlnut . i disappeared. J ' Twe hours later the officer- J ' s, ene funnel 'ship painted V . . some dark color, appeared. f i two lookout stations en the ' and a. derrick-rigged forwa: funnel, with the boon swurg angle of about forty-five ie-- v signals were given, and 4h - - - th Kroonland -were unanaw-' ' sometime the mystrtoie strn a course parallel te-the Kn then veered sharply, swung In n away from tne Amartcau i- r . eVsapeeared. I . ;- ,
Asheville Citizen (Asheville, N.C.)
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Feb. 12, 1917, edition 1
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