New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 6, 1917, Page 1

HERALD BEST OF ALL LOCAL NEWSPAPERS il NEW BRITAIN HERALD HERALD “ADS” MEA BETTER BUSINES PRICE THREE CENTS. NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1917. —.TWELVE PAGES. ESTABLISHED -GREAT SUPPLIES ORDERED BOUGHT BY ARMY; STEAMER EAVESTONE WAS BRITISH COLLIER; GOV. HOLCOMB TALKS ON WAR TO ASSEMBL "Executive Calls Connecticut “Arsenal of the Nation” and Describes Havoc Invading Force Could Cause Through Destruction Munitions Factories and Peace Industries—--Is Authorized to Have Census Taken of Men and Mechanical Equipment Which Would Be Needed in Case of Hostilities--Address Valuable Addition to State’s History-Making Documents BERLIN FRIENDLY TO ALL AMERICANS Courteous Treatment Accorded Those About to Leave Country RUSH FOR PASSPORTSj Gerard and Assistants Greet Throngs ‘Which Storm Offices—Citizens Show Desire to ‘Demonstrate Individual Friendliness. Berlin, Monday, Feb. 5, via London, Feb. 6, 10:20 a. m.—Whatever may be their feelings toward the United States Germans in Berlin and as far as has been hcard, outside the capital, have manifested consideration and courtesy toward Americans since the news was received of the breaking off of diplo- matic relations. No acts of a hostile or even an un- jiriendly nature have heen reported thus far and many Gérmans are going out of theif way to show "a frtendly disposition toward ‘Americans ma- *rooned hcre. The only difficulty which has been reported thus far has been at one dis- strict headquarters of police which is ‘charged 'with viseing passports to go abroad. Officials of the passport de- partment refused to vise passports until the holders were able to show steamer tickets to America. On the | other hand, the police in the main | residential district are accepting re- turn to America as an adequate rea- son for departure but are insisting that the customary interval of a fort- night for military investigation of the application cannot be waived. The foreiga office, to which the Am- ericar newspapers correspondents in a way are accredited, has shown every dispositicn to facilitate the departure of such Americans as wish to leave with Ambassador Gerard. The foreign office has expresscd the desire to have as many American cor- respondents as possible remain after | the departure of the ambassador in “order to obtain official news. The remark of a German woman to an American woman, a stranger to her. who happened to be standing in the same food line this morning—*we want to show that we are not barbar- lans”—apparently is the keynote with & vast majority of Germans. Crowds Seek Passports. The scene at the American embassy ) this morning recalled the mzmorable days of August, 1914. Crowds of anx- lous Americans blocked the corridors and secretarial rooms seeking the re. newal of passports and made all ad- vance arrangements for their future course and in regard to the possible -routes back to America. The crowd ‘was less numerous than in the days of the outbreak of war when the crisis Involved a flood of tourists as well as the peace-tide American colony but some hundreds of Americans are still In Berlin and they all appeared at the smbasey. All embass, rules wenat by the hoard for the occasion. Several secretaries and attaches were stationed in the yorridors to answer questions and the passport department worked at full Epeed extending and- renewing pass ports without resorting to the hitherto prescribed reference a The crowd of Americs sugmented by many Rumanian, Enz- lish and other belligerent nationals whose Interest have hitherto been in “ the hands of the United States repre- mentative and who were clamorously : anxious for information. No Orders to Tieave Germany. Washington, Feb. 6.—It was stated officially today that there is no change | In the status of some 2,000 Americans | In Germany. ., They have not been ordered by the [nited States to leave Germany, but have been advised of the break in re- | letions that they may make individual | arrangements. | —_— 1 GUARDING 'PHONE 5 New York. Feb. 6.-—Steps to safe- guard the exchanges of the New York Telephone company, operating in New York and Jersey have | en taken f the interna- | nal crisis it was ackhowledged at | YARROWDALE FREED| Did Not Know Germany Intended | War on All Vessels . U. S. DENANDS GRANTED Delayed Despatch From Gerard In- dicates Berlin Intended Sweeping Campaign on All Commerce as Far Back as Months Ago, Washington, Feb, 6.—Official notice of the release by Germany of the sixty- four Americans held prisoner in Ger- many for having taken pay on board British armed merchantmen captured , by the German sea raider was re- ceived at the state department today in a delayed message from Ambassa- dor Gerard. The prisoners were re- leased, Germany claims, because at the time of their enlistment they did not know Germany had planned to treat all armed ships as war vessels. This seems to indicate to officials here that Germany decided to treat such vessels as warships as far back as when the men taken into port by the Yarrow- dale took out their service papers in some cases several months ago. No detalls were given in the de- spatch as to the method of release of the prisoners. \ One of the last American acts be- fore the severance of relations with Germany was the demand for im- mediate release of these prisoners and a most energetic protest against their original detention. Ambassador terard’s despatch today announcing their release appears to have been sent before he had requested his pass- ports. SHIPPERS LOSE 134 VESSELS IN JANUARY Increase Ascribed to Activi- ties of German Com- merce Raiders. New York, Feb. 6.—The destruction of merchant tonnage due to sub- marines, mines and kindred war causes was greater during January than in any previous month, accord- ing to statistics published today by the Journal of Commerce. The gross tonnage lost was 336,997, involving the sinking of 154 vessels, the state- ment says and this brings the total destruction during the war to 4,368,- 766 gross tons, or 2,361 ships. The heavy January showing is attributed to the activities of one or more Ger- man raiders in the Atlantic. British shipping suffered heaviest in January, according to the statisti with 54 vessels destroyed. Norway ranked second with 34 ships lost and France third with 25. No American, German or Turkish merchant vessels were reported sunk. Throughout the war British ton- nage destroyed amounted to 2,568,317, or more than one-half the total of all nations, with Norway and France sanding second and third. The loss of nited States gross tonnage has been ,658 or ten ships. Entente losses ave been 73 per cent, of the total and Teutonic 20 per cent, according to these statistics. U. S. ON MERCHANTMEN Washington Insists Question of Sail- ing Rests Entirely With Owners— No Change in Liners’ Status. Washington, Feb. 6—State depart- ment officials reiterated today that sailings of American ships to war zones still were questions for private individuals and that the government hiad taken no uction, although some statement of its attitude may he issued soon for their guidance. Tt was also reitcrated that the no change of the status of ws German ships in American ports. though the authorities have taken possession of them to de- e general offices of the company e today. | struction or damages they are TO AVOID CLASH London, Feb. s, 6:45 p.m.—A wireless despatch received here today quotes the Overseas News agency of Berlin to the effect that Foreign Secretary Zim- || mermann declared in an || interview, that Germany || joined with President Wil- son in the wish that there may be no conflict ‘and that the German govern- ment, after minute exam- ination of the President’s speech to congress, ap- preciates “those words of a non-hostile character. SWISS DECLINE T0 JOIN WITH WILSON Washington Hears Geneva Gov- eznment Doesn’t Endorse Plan | IS FAVORED BY PUBLIC Federal Council in Extraordinary Ses- | sion Said to Have Decided Adversely | Opinion—Spain | Despite Popular Prepares Answer. ‘Washington, Feb. 6.—Information ; that Switzerland will not adopt Presi- | dent Wilson’s suggestion that, in the | interest of world peace, other neu-, trals follow the lead of the United States and break off diplomatic rela- tions with Germany, was received here | today. So far as is known this the first response. H | t ‘Wilson Policy Favored. | Geneva, via Paris, Feb. 6.—Pres- ident Wilson’s special note to thel Swigs government, inviting it to join | the United States in action regarding | Germany, was discussed at length to- day at an extraordinary meeting of the federal council. The text of the Swiss reply has been telegraphed to Washington and will be published here as soon as received by President Wilson. The Swiss Telegraphic agency ys that the report that Switzerland will take charge of German and Aus- trian interests in the United States is premature, although the federal coun- cil will probably accept the task. Opinion continues strongly in favor of the Wilson policy. Spain Prepares Note. Madrid, Monday, Feb. 5, via Paris, Feb. 6, 2 p. m.—The government has prepared a reply {o the communica- tion from Washington inviting neu- jtruls to associate themselves with the i United States in its polis regarding | the German naval measures. It may | be made public tomorrow. IN CHARGE OF WILLEHAD Inspector of Immigration Detailed to Watch Orew of German Steamer Tied Up at New London. New Bedford, Mass., Feb. 6.—Wil- liam B. Hinkley, inspector of immi- ! gration, was ordered today to New | London, Conn., to take charge of the| | | officers and crew of the German This action was | steamer Willeha | line with a neral program to hold German crews aboard ship as aliens pending final determination of their status by the federal government. The Willehad was tied up at Boston at the outbreak of the war, but after going into dry dock for repairs sailed some months ago for New London to German property and will be so re- spected. 3 act as the mother ship of the German ! merchant submarina | the ¥ HOLCOMB MUNITIONS FOR ARMY CORPS CROSSING SEA No Delay in Sending War Material for Use of Entente. New York, Feb. 6.—The German blockade declaration has not delayed the transportation of war materials and munitions from the United States to Great Britain and France. Cargo manifests in the custom house show that five steamers now on their way from this port to Europe carry enough war goods to equip an army corps. Two of these vessels fly French colors; the others are of/British reg- istry. It is believed in shipping cir- Tcles that _on. account of the value of their cargoes Great Britain has made arrangements to convoy these ships through the danger zone. Three of them left New York after the date on which Germany declared for unre- stricted submarine warfare. Four of them, the Rochambeau for Bordeaux fand the Adriatic, Carmania and Baltic for Liverpool, carry passengers. The only two American passenger ships now at sea, according to the dec- laration of agents of the line, carry no contraband cargoes. They are the Kroopland, which sai Jan. 31, and the parted from the same port Feb, 3. !The St. Louis of the American line, detained here Saturday on account of the international situation, will not | sail before Wednesday at noon, her agents say, and there is no assurance that she will get away at that time. It is understood at the offices of the American line that the quesion of the sailing of the St. Louis will come up before a meeting of cabinet in Wash- ington this afternoon. The number of her first cabin passengers has dwindled to sixty during the délay. BRIDGEPORT POLICE GET ALLEGED SPY Recent Arrival, Discharged by Gas Company, Interested Self in City’s Water Supply. . Bridgeport, Feb. 6.—Henry Castro, who says he came to this city about three weeks ago from Chili, and who says his home is in Mexico, was ar- rested here today on a technical charge and will be held for a full in- vestigation. Castro worked one day as a guard at the gas tanks of the Bridgeport Gas company and was then discharged be- cause they, suspected that he was a spy The police have been watching ?\im for three days and he was taken inta custody after leaving the office of the Bridgeport Hydraulic compan; where he has been seeking inform: tion regarding the city's water supply. LINERS TO SAIL. Bookings Accepted For Philadelphia and Finland. London, Feb. 6, 1:08 p. m.—The American line today announced that it was accepting bookings for the steam- ers Philadelphia and Finland. The Philadelpbia is scheduled to leave Liverpool on February 10 and land on February 15, for New York. WEATHER. EXHORTS STATE TO PREPARE Reminds Assembly of Con- necticut’s Brilliant Past and Is Ordered to Take €ensus of Men and Indus- tries. Hartford, Feb. 6.—Governor Marcus Holcomb today addressed a joint con- vention of the general assembly, calling its attention to the crisis and asking the body to give the chief executive of the state all the power necessary to prepare for eventualities, The scene which may become an his- toric one, will be long remembered by the few spectators, aside from the members of the general assembly, who heard the address. The joint as- sembly had been requested by the governor and after executive session Secretary Maltbie had appeared in the senate chamber, Senator Klett offered the resolution which both branches adopted at ance, suspending all other business. Previous to this, Governor Holcomb in..the executive chambers had meet a number of prominent men who had been hurriedly called to- gether and to whom the governor had announced his intention of ad- dressing the general assembly on the questian of the state’s preparations. Senators Bartlett and O’Sullivan notified the house that the senate was ready and in turn Representatives Peasley and Geary told the senate the lower branch was in readiness. Gov- ernor Holcomh appeared in the house chamber and addressed the joint con- vention as follows Governor’s Address. “The world is face to face with the gravest crisis in modern history, if not the history of all times. A world conflict of titanic proportions is rock- ing civilization to its foundation and the laws of the nations, wrought on the anvil of experience and rendered fixed by the sanctions of organized society, are being violated with rec less abandon. Hitherto it has been the official view of our government that the interests of the United States in this crisis is that of a neutral, al- though profoundly concerned, spec- tator, and we have not witnessed the jmmediate approach of the conflagra- tion to our shores. But the swift march of recent events has campelled us to view gravely the imminence of our enforced participation In the mighty conflict. It, therefore, be- hooves us to reflect seriously and act wise! “The scheme of government set up by our fathers vests the power of de- claring war and making provision for the national defense in ' the federal government, but it also imposes upon the several states of the union certain subsidiary obligations of serious mom- ent. As members of the American family, each must perform its full part. Both patriotism and common c¢oneern prescribe this inexorable auty. Conn. Arsenal of Nation. “Aside from the general considera- tions of love of country and state re- sponsibility, our state has its own di- rect and peculiar interest in the na- tional defense. It might almost be ia that Connecticut is today the ar- enal of the nation. If the naval tockade which may shortly be called upen to protect us from attack should be broken through or destroved by means of a numerous and powerful undersea fleet and a foreign force should reach our shores, among the first blows to fall would be aimed at the highly organized industries of this state. It would be the purpose of the invading strategist to destroy or con- trol the munitions plans of Harford and march up the Connecticut valley {o the federal arsenal at Springfield. The great munitions plants of Bridge- port, New Haven and the Naugatuck valley would also be made immediate targets for like attacks. g “In our preparation for this contin- gency, we should like counsel of the unhappy cxperience of ome of the great nations now at war, which found itself unprepared at the begin- ning and learned from costly experi- ence that a prerequisite of the mobili- zation of men and industry was the (Continued on Eleventh Page. Bernstorff to Be Wires Baker. ket by Major General Sharpe, Washington, Feb. 6.—With pros- pects for another day of waiting for development of the ruthless subma- rine campaign that may bring war between the United States and Ger- immediate interest here cen- of the many, ters today upon destruction British steamer Eavestone, in which an American lost his life. Apparently officials are confident that this incident will not prove to be the overt act that will cause hostili- ties, but nevertheless complete ports are awaited with anxiety. MeanWiifé, a’ conference of neu- tral nations is being discussed suggestion of one of the neutrals most severely affected by the war. It is believed the idea has been fa- vorably received by President Wilson. Relations with Austria are not on sound foundation, owing to the known adherence of the dual monarchy to Germany’'s submarine war program, but certain differences her an- nounced intentions make it uncertain just what the United States govern- ment may decide to do. The and departments have concluded formation plans for mobilization of indusirial and com- mercial force Party to Sail From New York. Count Von - Bernstorff, his staff and all German consuls in this country composing a party of more than 200, will sail next Tuesday from New York on the Scandinavian liner Frederick VIII for- Christinia. Indications in official circles arz that the government will not under- tage to convoy merchantmen through the proscribed war zone, or to arm them for defense, although intensive consideration of these subjects is be- lieved to have been undertaken by government agencies. Eavestone Britich Collier. An offictal report of the sinking of the steamer FEavestone and the kill- ing of an American seaman, reached the state department today from con- sul Frost at Queenstown. The ship was a provisional British collier, Con- sul Frosts message said: “Provisional British collier Iave- stone sunk by shell fire from Ger- man submarine in vicinity of Fastnct vesterday Feb. 4 American negro, able seaman Richard Wallace of Bal- {imore, killed during shelling of boats, after just left FEavestone. Details Consul Frost's despatch describing the Eavestone as a provisional collier leads to the possibility that the de- stroyed vessel might be classed as a warship. If at the time of the sinking the Eavestone was in admiralty ser- vice no possibility of trauble with Ger- many on that sc Ambassador Page structed to send further deta seaman re- on in war navy, Gerard Reported Out of Berlin. London, Feb. 6.—The Central News says it understands Ambassador { Gerard departed from Berlin today and Is due in Switzerland in the! course of the day. i No confirmation | of this rveport has been received. Carranza Wires to Kaiser. London, Feb. 6, 11:25 a. m.—A Reu- ter's desputch from Amsterdam quotes the Telegraal as saying that a wire- less telegram has appeared in the German papers stating that General Carranza has sent his best wishes to the ¢ man emperor from Queretaro. Iron Cross For Von Bernstorfl, Best Wishes to Kaiser- Ships in Pacific Put Out of Commission Foreign Secretary Zimmermanu Reportedto Opposed to War With United States--- Decorated---Carra Gern Washington, Feb. 6.—Immediate purchase of resef quartermasters’ supplies for the army up to the limits available appropriations was ordered today by Secreta Purchasing agents have been sent into the m quartermaster general, carry out the orders in the shortest possible time. to the United States, has been g ed the iron cross with the whitel bon by the German emperor, acd ing to an Amsterdam despatchi the Exchange Telegraph comj quoting a report from German h quarters. This decoration is one ferred on civilians for .services dered in time of war. 3 Demands Blow Between Eyey London, Feb. 6, 4:26 p. m.-—A; Neville Chamberlain, director g al of the British national service, lining the scheme for national vice, today said: “Let nobody suppose hecause € Von Bernstorft has bcen given passports, there is nothing else 1o Germany intends to starve us. answer must be a blow straight) tween the eyes which will beat] enemy. down and bring him fo senses.” Sees Little Hope of Peace, Amsterdam via London, I°eb, 6, a. m.—The Rheinish Westfal Zeitung of Kssen says: “The rupture of diplomatic rela is not war but it is the first step prospect of maintaining peace small. ! { presented to the house London, Ieh. 6.—Count Von Bern- Morc Vessels Disabled. Honolulu, Feb. 6.—Engines boilers of all nine German mercl vessels tied up on the Hawaiian isla have been disabled by their crews. The' crews of the North Gern Lloyd steamer Pommern and P Waldemar have been formally tal into custody and. crews of the of seven vessels are detained at the migration station. Territorial auth ities have requested their removal the naval base at Pearl Harbor. request was referred to Washingtorng Two Vessels Sunk. London, Feb. 6.—The British ing vessel Belford has been sy} Lloyds announced today. ; Lloyds announced t the Noi gian bark Tamara of 4,153 tons i lieved to have been sunk The Tamara sailed from Back er, Jamaica, on December 6 for wood, according to marine reports The British ship Belford, of 1,§ tons gross was last reported sail from San Francisco on August 28 Plymouth. Adrift Forty-six Hours. Feb. 6.—The captain a men of the Spanish steamer 4} gerta, submarined, have been land here by a steam trawler. They wel adrift forty-six hou Two of sailors died aboard the trawler, AT | Preparedness Measurcs. | Washington, Feb. 6.—The work | preparing for eventualities wel steadily forward today in all branch of the government. Three cmergen| amendments to the national hill wej by Chairmg] Padgett of the naval committec af conferences with administration ficials They propose* Issue of $150,000,000 of threo cent. five yvear bhonds to cover cost | quick delivery of ships and war 86 plics, including more submarin destroyers and aminunition. Appropriation of $1,000,000 purchase of basic patents for man facture and development of airocral Blanket authority to the presid and secretary. of the navy to ord ships or war material from any plai within the limits of appropriations, take possession of any plants that fuse to give the government prec Cence and to draft employes of pr| vate T s into the raval establig] storff, dismissed German aua\ms:adorlmcnt.