New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 7, 1917, Page 1

. <« relations between Germany and the ) SUBMARINE CAMPAIGN . i HERALD BEST OF ALL LOCAL NEWSPAPERS PRICE THREE CENTS. NEW BRITAIN HERALD IHERALD “ADS” ME IBETTER BUSINE NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1917.—TWELVE PAGES. ESTABLISHED WASHINGTON PUZZLED BY GERARD MYSTERY ENVOY IS REPORTED IN BERLIN AND BERNE; WORKS HITS U. S. FOR LUSITANIA HORRO Ambassador Willard at Madrid, Spain, Receives Message, Evidently Fake, Saying American Representative to Germany Reached Swiss Capital---Cable From Berlin Says He Is There---Official Admission Austrian Communication Has Been } ceived and Status of That Country Is Being Considered---American Liner to Sail Through Submarine Zone to Test U-Bo AUSTRIA DEFENDS |WORKS WOULD SURRENDER |BRITAIN STEELED SEA RIGHTS TO GERMANY| AGAINST UTRAGES| U-BOATS WITHOUT CONVOY BRAZIL’S PROTEST TO |King Makes Determied Showing| ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUN USE OF U-BOATS; HOPES FOR PEACE High Official Declares War With United States Would ‘Be Calamity T0 PRESERVE NATION No Indication, During Interview, That Vienna Government Will Step Back One Inch from Stand Taken by Ger- many—New Measures Described As Being in Self Defense, Not Aggres- sion. 'Vienna, via Berlin and via wireless to the Associated Press yla Sayville, February. 7.—In an interview given by a high government officlal today to the Associated Press shortly after the receipt of the news that diplomatic United States had been severed the following statement was made. ‘““We had hoped that tHe American government would take a different view of our situation especlally since we had waited more than a year be- fore a decision on the question was reached whieh was entirely a cour- tesy on our part toward the United States. “During that time we had enter-< tained the hope that it would never be necessary to give the submarine its full effectiveness, although we long ago had been convinced of such effec- tiveness. “When President Wilson finally de- clared himself in behalf of peace we sighed in relief because we hoped the entente, after turning down our offer, would not dare step before the world with a program which, from start to finish, was nothing but a declaration that the entente was con- tinuing the war for conquest. Our peace offer was made despite the fact that we were holding every military advantage. We took this action be- cause our war was one of self-de- fense. | The entente refused to enter- tain our offer, leaving us no other way than the one now adopted. Maintain Hope for Peace. “We hoped that the American pub- lic would see that this action was justified and we still see hope, believ- ing this because we are sure that the American people, if they were similar- ly cornered, would do the same in self-defense. For this reason we are not ready to abandon hope that peace between the United States and Aus- tria-Hungary will be maintained. “We still believe that President ‘Wilson’s high aims are reconcilable with our measures, because this mea ure is necessary if Austria-Hungary's people are not to pass under the rule of governments which in their last note shed the last rag of decency and proclaimed themseives as promo- ters of a war of conquest. There is no reason why even a single Ameri- can should look upon the extension of our sea w a hostile act de- clared against his country, for that is -far from our intentions. “We are not giving our submarines their greatest application because of a design to conquer or subdue or to harm American interests, but solely to perform our God given duty to defend ourselves and our lives through an- other avenue opened. We reached our decision after months of delibera- tion. The decision had to be reached if our lives were to be realized to con- ‘ tinue a free people if large parts of | the monarchy were not to fall under Russian absolutism. ,“War with the United States, would be a calamity for all mankind because such a war would place upon Ameri- can people the same burden under which Furope groans today which ultimately may mean the debasement of the entire white race if carried to the excess to which participation by ¥ by the United States would undoubt- ey lead, Blames U. S. For Loss of Lusitania and Protests Against America Being Driven Into War. Washington, Feb. 7. — Senator Stone's resolution to have the senate endorse the break with Germany was taken up for action today immediately after Senator Works, Tepublican, in a prepared speech, had assailed 'the | president’s course. Senator Works said he did not ques- tion the good faijth of the president and gave him credit for “conscientious motives and patriotic purposes’ but protested ‘“‘against this or any other movement that lends tdward war with Germany for no greater cause than has yet been given us.” “I insist,’ said the senator after re- viewing the German negotiations and the president's determination to up- hold American rights on the seas, ‘that meither a private citizen nor the president nor copgress can be jus- tified in driving this nation into war lor endangering its peace by ay such false sense of courage or prestige or dignity.” Reviewilng the Lusitania case at length and branding it as a ‘cruel and unjust wrong to our people and to the nation,” the senator said, “it was well to consider how far we our- selves, by our course of action, con- tributed to this loss of American lives.” Blames Own Government. “Our government knew what was threatened, but we allowed the ship to sail, carrying American citizens into | the very jaws of death. Germany was fighting for her life. So were Eng- land and France and the other nations engaged in the war. What could have been expected of Germany under such circumstances? What moral right had we to tempt her to this fearful act by this threat against the lives of her people? This government cannot shield itself from the fearful respon- sibility it is bound to accept for this dreadful tragedy. We have continued from that time on to aid the enemies of Germany in the séme way. We have not been neutral as a nation. XMany of our people have not attempted t»> conceal the fact of their unneutrality. If we had been wholly neutral, as we professed to be, we would never have been brought to our present relations with Germany. “That Germany has violated the rights of our people on the sea, under international law, no one can deny But so has Great Britain and so would any other belligerent fighting for exist- ence, if necessary for her success. So would we do, I apprehend, under th2 circumstances. “The German government has de- clared a danger zone about its cnemies and given notice that any vesse found in that zone, with certain ex- ceptions, will be sunk. What should be our choice under such conditions? I say to keep out ships and our people out of this danger zone until the war is over and the embargo removed.” PREPAREDNESS HERE Acting Mayor Says He Is national Awaiting Turther Instructions from Governor Holcomb Before Making Plans. New Britain will be prepared in case war should break out between the United States and Germany. Alderman M. I Jester, who is acting mayor in the absence of Mayor George A. Quigley, now in Havana, Cuba, stated today that he was await- ing further instructions from Gov- ernor Holcomb in regard to | New Britain will be expected to do in the line of preparedness. than that Alderman Jester nothing to say although it is lieved he has had a conference had be- with reference in New Britain, Tt is expected that the mayors of Connecticut will consult with Gov- ernor Holcomb within the next few days in regard to what their respec- tive communities will do to help.the cause. to preparedness GERMANY DISPATCHED Country Points Out Law Violation in U-Boat Blockade. Rio, Janeiro, Feb. 7.—The Brdzilian reply to the German declaration of un- restricted warfare has been dispatched to the Brazilian minister at Berlin, ac- cording to an official anmouncement. According to juthoritative infor- mation the Brazilian note protests against the. violation of international law involved in the submarine block- ade and points out that such a block- ade could, if effective, close the entire high seas, a situation which could not be permitted. The note protests, by anticipation, against any hostile act from which a Brazilian merchant ship should suffer by virtue of the block- ade and holds Germany responsible for such acts. \ Dr. Lauro Muller, foreign minister, will confer again today with the rep- resentatives of the other South Am- erican countries. It is understood that Chile and Argentina will refuse to endorse the terms of the Brazilian note. Argentina is said to hold that the breach of relations between the United States and Germany has been delayed tco long. Each South Ameri- can republic will make an independ- ent reply to Germany but the pour parlers between the Latin American states will continue. The Brazilian minister at Berlin has been instructed to make immediate delivery of the note to the German foreign office and the German minister here has al- ready been informed of Brazil's posi- tion. DENMARK WILL NOT BREAK Government Decides Against Follow- ing President Wilson’s Suggestion For League of Neutral: Copenhagen, via London, Feb. 7, 5:58 a. m.—It is stated in reliable quarters that the Danish government has decided that it cannot follow the example of the United States in break- ing relations with Germany. A note will be sent to Washington explaining the position of Denmark and calling attention to the fact that conferences beween representatives of the three Scandinavians countries as to their intentions are being continued at Stockholm. GERMAN EMPLOYES ARE GIVEN VACATION Guaranty Trust Company Gives Iif- teen Workers Leave of Absence With Pay. New York, Feb. 7—Fifteen Germans cmployed in the foreign department what other well known public officials in ; of the Guaranty Trust company, one of the largest hanking organizations in the country, have been given indefin- ite leave of absence with pay, it was announced today, pending the out- come of the break between the United States and Germany. An officer of the company explained that this action was taken “for rea- sons of neutrality” and that no reflec- tion upon the character of the men was meant. DEUTSCHLAND IN PORT German Merchant Submarine Ias Not Further | Started on Its Third Voyage to A\m- ca, Bremen Paper Says Amsterdam, via London, b, m.—The Zeitung that the merchant suh- hland : Weser Dremen sa) marine Deu on her third voyage to has not started America wemains in a German port. of | and At Opening of Parliament Ruler and Many Others Appear in Military or Naval Uniforms—FEm- pire Has Gone As Far As Possible ‘With United States. London, Feb. 7.—King George in opening parliament today said that the response of the Allies to the in- vitation of the President of the United States outlined their aims as far as could be done at present. The king added: “Threats of further outrages upon public order and common rights of humanity serve to steel our determ- ination.” The opening of parliament, always | picturesque, was shorn of much of its color and pomp.- The peers wore none of the customary robes and re- galia. The king was clad in a khaki vniform and all the lords and mem- bers of the hotise of commons wWho are entitled to wear either khaki or navy blue followed the example of the king. There was other innova- tions in keeping with the time of war. The imperial escort consisted of offi- cers of the over seas fighting forces. i The roval gallery in the house of set apart for wounded sol- r the first time in the his- v of parliament the imperial for- cign press was recognized by the al- lotment of seats in the press gallery to correspondents from allied and neutral countries. The weather was clear and and as the royal procession from Buckingham Palace house of parliament dense lined the streets. The King’s Speech. crisp passed to the crowds King George’s speech follows: “¥For the third time in succession I summon you to your deliberations in the midst of war. Certain over- tures, of which you are aware, have been made by the enemy with a view to opening peace negotiations. Their tenor, however, indicated no possiblle ! basis for peace. My people through- fcut the empire and my faithful and ! heroic allies remain steadfastly re- : solved to secure the just demands for : reparation and restitution in respect of the past and guarantees for the (future which we regard as essential {to the progress of civilization. “In response to an invitation by the President of the United States of America we have outlined, so far as can be done at present, the general objects mecessarily implied by these aims.” “Threats of further outrages upon public law and the common rights of humanity will but serve to steel our determination mor “My armies have conducted success- ful operations not only in Europe but in Egypt. Mesopotamia and Bast Africa and they are fully prepared to renew greatest struggle in close and cordial co-operation with my allies on every field. I trust their united efforts will car the successes already won to a victorious conclusion. “I invited representatives of my dominions and my Indian empire, which have borne so glorious a share in the struggle to confer with my ministers on important questions of common interest relating to the war. The steps so taken will, I trust, con- duct to the establishment of closer relations between all parts of the em- pire, “You wlll be asked to make neces- sary provision for effective prepara tions for war. The accomplishmnt r)f the task to which T have set my hand will entail unsparing demands on the | energies and resources of my sub- « 0nln|\|ul on Eleventh Page) WEATHER. Hartford, Feb, artford and vicinity: in and w Thursday unscttled and colder by night. e e AN 7.—For Snow to their nursing and medical services. LINER ST. LOUIS WILL DARE AT PHILA. NAVY YARD GALA COLORING ~ LACKING | Warships Off For Service “Somewhere Along the Coast.” Feb. 7.—While every importance was naval and army Philadelphia, place of military guarded today and officers were preparing calmly but rap- idly for any eventuality, womens or- ganizations were working at Thigh speed so that hospital facilities may be at top notch efficiency. United States destroyers steamed out of the navy yard yesterday for pa trol duty somewhere along the coast,” while these swift vessels were speeding to their destination, prepar- ations were under way to protect the navy vard from aerial atack. . space was prepared in the center of the drill field for an anti-aircraft gun that can search the air in event of necessity. Every ships crew i being put through two drills daily, including landing practice, handling of artillery pieces and loading and aiming of small arms. Twenty-two machine gu.s have'been mounted about the navy vard, their crews having orders to “shoot to kill” in case of necessity. About the time that the destroyers were leaving the navy yvard for a d tination not revealed, two Russian munition ships, the Albatross and \ ol ogada, loaded with high were leaving Carnéy’s Point the first leg of a long and ocean voyage. They are bound Kola Bay, Russia. It was reported yesterday that the machinery grease on the interned German auxiliary cruisers Kronprinz ‘Wilhelm and Prinz Eitel Frederich was found mixed with sand. All grease cans aboard the two vessels were taken ashore. A guard barracks is under construc- | tion at the Frankford arsenal. Tt wiil command the Delaware river side oz the government munition plant. The i Pennsylvania railroad bridge spanning | the Delaware river between Bridge- | burg and Delair, N. J., was placed un- der infantry guard last night. Both the Penasylvania womens di- vision for national preparedness and the emergency aid are increasing their membership. The latter organization is turning out thousands of baadages | and both are putting finishing touches j perilous for CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AID, President Landers Tenders (-ou'-l'nori Holcomb Co-operation of Local Or- | tente ganization in Casc of War. Secretary H. Andrews of the | New Britain Chamber of Commerce appeared before Governor Marcus Holcomb at the state capitol this af- ternoon and tendered the executive, the co-operation of the organization in the event of the international crisis developing to more serious propor- tions. The contents of the missive follows: February 7, 1917. Hon. Marcus H. Holcomb, Governor, State Capitol, Hartford, Conmn. Dear Si The New Britain Chamber of Com- merce will be glad to co-operate with you carrying out any measures which you may recommend as neces- sary for the protection of the state 2nd nation. Such facilities as are in our posses- sion, are at your disposal whenever you wish to call upon us. Yours respectfully, G. M. LANDERS, President, Britain Chamber of Commerce. in New STAMFORD YACHT CLUB OFFER. I'eh. 7.—The Stamford s offered to place at the disposal of Secretary Daniels of the navy its fleet of fifteen power yvachts {or patrol duty in case of war, it was Stamford, yacht club ‘lannounced today. | deci | York today for Liverpool. { will affect about seventy-three Vi Washington Rules American Vessels Have Right on Seas and Illegal Attack Will Mean War. ‘Washington, Feb. 7.—The American liner St. Louis will not be given a con- . voy if she decides to sail for England through the German submarine zone, it was announced at the state depart- ment today. The government is acting on the policy that Americans have an in- alienable right to traverse the high sea, that the German submarine block- | ade is entirely illegal and that any sinking of American ships in contra- vention of law would immediately | lead to hostiliti can vessels is being drawn up at the public here although it may be made ! public by ship owners receiving it. Tt ! desire not to have the government ap- pear to go out of its Way to make an official public announcement on the question. It is also stated that as yet no ship- pers have made a direct request for’ convoy. It is understood however, informally and that it been learned that there are not enough Am- erican war vessels available to convoy the whole American merchant arine plying through the war zone. Today's announcement is under- | stood to mean that the United States ' is going ahead as though the German blockade order had nev and that no preparations voying or arming will be .nlup'nd rests with Germany overt act that President Wilson said would lead to war. . Louis Expected to Leave Today. New York, Feb. 7.—American ship owners today showed an increased dis- position to hold their until they receive some definite ad- vice from Washington. After hearing the state department had made no ion on the question of giving pro- the American liner St. ha tection to Louis, that the steamer would leave New The sail- ing prospects of the St. Louls, it was said, are as indefinite now as when the Geramn blockade was first de- clared. The decision of the Standard ‘Oil company to keep in port all their ips engaged in transatlantic service els. TForty of these belong to the Stand- ard Oil company of New Jersey, whose tanker Communipaw was recalled wireles after sailing from Norfol Va., for Copenhagen, Jan. 29. Steamers flving the fiags of the En- nations continue to observe their regular schedules. The White | Star liner Cretic set out for Mediter- | ranean ports Wwith twenty-one b sengers in her cabin and eighty-six in | her steerage. The Espagne from Bor- | deaux and Tuscania from Liverpool | are cxpectad to arrive here today and } sail again on Saturday. The New York of the American line, which left Liverpool February 3 for | New York, reported back by wireless that she is now clear of the subma- rine war zone. Cable advices from London say that the American line is | accepting bookings for the Fhilade]-l’ phia and Finland. | HATS OFF, GENTLEMEN. ‘Washington, Feb. 7.—The United Daughters of the Confederac; through its president-general, Mrs. Cordelia Powell Odenheimer, has tendered President Wilson the sup- port and ser s of its 100,000 mem- bers in whatever manner they may be dilable in the nation’s present NEW YORK PASSES GUARD BILL. Albany, Feb. ~-With dissenting the two socialist members asserably today under an rgency nu age from the govern- ed the bili making immediate- ble $1,000,000 for expenses of the national guard. The hill passed the senate yesterday. A statement of the position of the | | government on the sailing of Ameri state department but will not be made | is understood to be President \Wilson's | that the question has been discussed ' to commit the vessels in port ; officers of the line announced | { under orders from Secretary ;into the German |Sec’y Houston of D of Agriculture ports United St Would Be Self-§ taining If Cut From Rest of W ‘Washington, Feb. 7.—The sta partment has received a repoi Amercian ambassador Gerard i reached Berne, Switzerland. From European source outsif Germany the government has k i that the German government ag considered Mr. Gerard practica | a hostage until it received | from Washington detailing t lxangemenl% Of the safe departs { Count Von Bernstorff. The arrival of Mr. Gerard at }\xas announced in a- despatch | him to Ambassador Williag Madrid, who forwarded it | further confirmation, to the sta partment. The government is still waiti some act by Germany which malke relations suddenly more g4 but it -was stated last night, aft | cabinet meeting, that nothing h: { curred to change that attitude. | next step of the United States, i should be necessary, will be without addressing any comm tion to Germany, it as de authoritatively. Entente Fears for Munition 8 Congress "and all executive | ments of the government\ werd | gressing today in their prepa for any eventuality. It is thig ity which has surprised entente. ! mats and caused them today td phasize their hopes that the States will not actually go to v fear a decluration of war harm the entente cause by stg the export of munitions. The statc department today early replies fromi Is to President Wilson's py }ll that they join the United 3*aj severing relations with German, +it was indicated that no such wor i been received so far. A break with Austria seemed { pend mainly upon the reply { bassador Penticld at ! state department’s i | details of the Austrian s | which officials now admit received Secreta e stablishment monopo. [ all of the army ment were canvi purchase of large has urged onal action Joi of a govern adio plan 4 quarterm. er e sing the mark stocks of %up] Ba tod U. S. Seif Su Secretary of Agriculture Ho: reported that his departments sh, conclusively that the United § could be self sustaining if iny should happen to cut her off tron] world. . Swiss ning. officials will embassy beford Von Bernstorff] legation parture -of Count his staff depart. Instructions have been sent to § consuls to take over the German sulates in Atlanta, Chicago, Dei New Orleans, New York, Philadel fan Francisco, Seattle, St. Louid Paul and Manila. Special arrangements are 1 made the Swiss minister for departure from Manila of the Ge consu] there. Because of conditions at sea understood that the consul ma; unable to return to Germany. where he will go is uncertain. T likely that he will be permitted remain in the Philippine Islands. It was disclosed today that on 3 day the state department sent despatch giving the plans worl for the safe departure of the fof German ambassador and his Any plans German officials might entertained to restrain the depa of Mr. Gerard were then,-unk Trying to Trace Gerard. The state department had & Ambassador Willard a despatch forwarded to Ambassador Gersr Berlin which would he of value in case Mr. Gerard still were in German eapitol. Ambassador Willard replied he received a despatch from Mr. Ge (Centinued on Eleventh Page)