The Butler Weekly Times Newspaper, March 22, 1917, Page 1

VOL. XXXIX. PC NUMBER 23 BXPECT WILSON TO CALL EXTRA SESSION. SOON Cabinet Unanimously Favors Full Strength of Government at Capital Quick as Possible to Meet Submarine Emergency STATE OF WAR EXISTS Seoretary Daniels Says No New Navy Orders Have Been Is- sued—Plans for Organ- ' ising Privately-Owned Coast Patrol Squad- rons Are Taken Under Consid- eration. Washington, March 20.—For two hours today President Wilson . Gisgussed the international crisis with his cabinet and heard urgent suggestions that the date for the extra session of congress, fixed - . for April 16, be set forward to consider further steps in defense of American commerce against German submarines. It is under- stood there was not a dissenting voice against this advice. The President himself did not express his views, and so far as could be learned had not finally determined upon the course to be pursued. The prevaling belief was that he would announce the eall for an earlier meeting of con- gress tomorroy Among the officials virtually |, the unanimous opinion is that in spite of ‘the technical armed neu- trality status of the United States actually a state of war exists as a result of the ruthless destruction of American merchant ships: and the killing of American citizens in defiance of international law and of the most solemn warning one nation can give another. The only question is what shall be done about it, further then the arming of merchantmen to resist submarine attack if they get the chance. The cabinet members generally are said to have expressed their willingness today to support a program based on an early call for congress and a formal declar- ation that a state of war exists between Germany and the United States., Tonight the president went to the theater, a thing he frequently does when he has made a prelim- inary decision on a grave question and wants distraction in order to look at the problem anew with freshened mind. After the cabinet meeting Secretary Daniels, saying that no new naval orders had been issued, hurried to the navy department and went into conference with members of the general board. Information for further naval ac- The only avpanient now have been advanced in “tticial circles against the early calling of congress was that the president himself can do almost anything possible immediately. But in spite of this argumeht the-prepon- derance of official opinion seemed to be that congress would be summoned as soon as possible, so that the full power of the govern- ment would be assembled in Washington. . A further step in the plans to protect and promote American commerce was taken after the cabinet meeting when the federal war risk bureau, under the diree- tion of Secretary McAdoo, an- nounced a new policy of insuring American ships, Plans ‘for organizing patrol squadrons of privately-owned motor boats and yachts along the Atlantic coast were discussed to- night by Secretary Daniels and Captain George R. Marvell, an as- sistant for operations, who has just returned from a trip to New York, Boston and other coast points to enroll available craft. Captain Marvell reported that he had arranged contracts with many owners of small speedy boats suitable for mounting guns and ehasing submarines or patrol- ing the coast, to turn their vessels over to the government in an Neutrality, to| THREE v. 8. "MERCHANTMEN SUNK None of the Three Freighters Sunk Was Warned and All Were Attacked Ruth- lessly. Washington, March 18.—With the announcement of the destruc- tion of three unarmed American merchant ships by submarines, it was unofficially admitted here to- night that virtually a state of war exists between the United States and Germany. Technically the United States remains in a position of armed Whether this shall be changed before April 16, the date fixed for a special session of Con- gress, the war-making branch of the government, President Wilson has not decided. One step the President is con- templating is a call for an im- Mediate session of Congress to hear an address asking for au- thority to adopt aggressive Measures against the submarine menace, Already the Aimerican — ships are being armed to defend them- selves, The next move must be to send warships with orders to seek out submarines and clear the Trans-Atlantie lanes, Some of the government hold that the ‘that the President ithat course. of the highest offielals | out warning. clare that a state of war exists and to proceed with aggressive protective steps pending the as- sembling of Congress. There is no indication, however, will follow Of the three ships sunk two of them were unloaded and _ home- ward bound, and all were Ameri- can owned and officered and manned largely by American cit- izens. Meager dispatches . indi- cate that all were sunk with com- plete disregard for tlie safety of those on board, and that some of the members of the crews proba- bly have been lost. Today’s developments brought the government face to face with the problem of formulating a. def- inite policy for the Nation in case the United States actually enters the war. This possibility was mentioned by the President in his inaugural address. The vessels sunk were: The steamer City of Memphis, Cardiff to New York, sunk March 17, by gunfire of German submarine of large type. The submarine re- fused aid to crew. Twenty-five missing. The Illinois, from London for Port Arthur, Texas, in. ballast, ;sunk March 18th. The Vigilancia, torpedoed with- Fifteen lives lost. : eee if fexce eutive has the power “to de- | ~ Washington, D.C, March 19.— SPRING CLOTHES For Mein and Young Men |B pledges conditions have prevailed for al- most three years in the Men’ s Clothing O secure all the style, service, satisfaction For Ladies and Misses Activities in Governmental circles today virtually recognized the ex- istence of a state of war between the United States and Germany as a result of the destruction yes- terday by German submarines of three American merchant vessels. President Wilson personally took command of the situation. He called Secretary of State Lansing to the White House for a conference at 11 a. m., and early in the afternoon went to the Navy Department, where he was closet- ed for some time with Secretary Daniels. Subsequently the announce- ment was made the President had issued the following orders: 1. Early graduating of the two senior classes of midshipmen at Annapolis, one on March 29 and the other in September. 2. Suspension of the eight- hour work day in all Government construction plants, including the army and navy gun factories. : 3. Immediate use of $115,000,- 000 authorized by Congress to ex- pedite the building of ships now being erected in Government or private yards. 4. Immediate laying down of 60 submarine chaserg in New York Navy Yard. Further than these prepara- tions, no statement was forthcom- ing in administration circles. Kurly-in-the day it was reported the President would advance the date for convening the extra ses- sion of Congress, now set for April 16, but official confirma- tion was lacking. : Secretary Lansing took to the White House the messages from American consular officers re- garding the sinking of the City of Memphis, the Illinois and Vig- ilancia. They disclosed the Memphis had been warned before she was sunk, but that the fate of the eaptain and cight members of the crew was still in doubt. The en- tire crew of the Illinois was safe- ly landed. No further details re- specting the Vigilancia, whieh is understood to have been sunk without warning, had been re- ceived up toa late hour, Four- j teen of her craw are said to be and good value, to which you are entitled in your clothes, you had better come to this store where the newest and best of everything that women and girls wear can be had in quality and price. Don't wait until the last minute to get your spring clothes. Get them now. There is a style here to suit everyone. Business. In announcing our new Spring Suits this season we emphasize their pedigree. Our advice to you at this time is to buy clothing of reputation, clothing in which you know the manufacturer lives up to his respon- sibility until you admit you have had your money’s worth. We carry the same famous makes as usual. Our lines have national prestige, based on style and quality standards. They are guaranteed by the makers and by us. missing. Citizens Convention. A mass convention was held in the circuit court room Friday night for the purpose of nominat- ing five aldermen and two mem- bers of the board of education. The meeting was ealled to order by the chairman of the city com- mittee, Judge J. A. Silvers, who was made permanent chairman and J, A. DeArmond, secretary. For members of the board. of education Judge Silvers and G. P. Wyatt were nominated by ae- clamation. The convention then divided into ward meetings, and the folowing aldermen and com- mitteemen were nominated : First Ward—Councilman, Carl Norfleet; committeeman, J. B. Armstrong. Second Ward—Councilman, John S. Krinn; committeeman, Dr. J. T. Hull. , Third Ward—Councilmen, long term, H. IL. Council; short term, M,C. Wilcox; committeeman, J. T. Barker, Fourth A, Seese; committeeman, Morrison. Ata meeting of the newly elected committee’ W. R. Morri- son was elected chairman of the comnittee. As Butler has neither a Demo- cratic or Republican organization Suits in Large Assortment Kuppenheimer $15.00, $30.00 SUITS $20.00, oh6. 00 Styloplus SUITS $17.00. Coats---Handsome Fabrics Made up to the minute in style $5.00, $25.00 A. R. Ward—Conuneilman, W. SPECIAL. All Wool Coating, 52 inches wide, regular $1.00 value ; the above nominations are equiv- 10 dozen Lingerie Waists, 98c value alent to an election, 59c ws Extra Heavy Bath Towels Big Money, Big Line. 25c : All necessities—Groceries, Oils, Paints, Stock Food, sell at whole- ‘36-inch Black Taffeta sale. Goods and house nationally $1.00 Nothing gained by waiting. No obligation on Try Yours on Now. We are glad to show them. y ; known. Ask your banker. Enor- mous sums paid for crops insure vast trale. Quit road; stay in home territory, build homes and bank accounts as hundreds do. Regular trade quickly easily cov- ered. 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