New Britain Herald Newspaper, February 26, 1917, Page 1

PRICE THREE CENTS. WILSON ASKS CONGRESS FOR AUTHORITY N HERALD HERALD “ADS” MEA BETTER BUSINE NEW BRITAIN, CONNECTICUT, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1917. —TEN PAGES. ESTABLISHED UPHOLD AMERICAN INTERESTS ON HIGH LACONIA IS TORPEDOED WITHOUT W ‘Stagnation of Commerce on This Side of Atlantic Spurs President to Seek Endorsement of Congress ‘to Plan Vessels For Defense---Lays Emphasis on Fact That His Action Is Not Step Toward War Unless Foreign Power Makes " Necessary-—-Believes American Public Supports AMERICAN FREIGHTER SAFE AFTER DARING SUBMARINES £ iy S Orleans, Which Left New York in Defiance of Kaiser, Enters Gironde — Two Dock at New Yerk. Bordeaux, Feb. 26.—The American freighter Orleans was sighted off Pon- te De La Coubre, at the entrance to the Gironde, at 8:20 this morning. Owing to contrary tide she is not ex- pected to arrive at Paulliac, thirty miles northwest of Bordeaux, before 5 o’clock this afternoon. The Orleans and the freighter Rochester were the first American Vvessels to leave the United States for Europe after diplomatic relations with Germany were severed. Both ships sailed from New York on Feb. 10 for Bordeaux, unarmed. They were sald by their owners to be load- ed with non-contraband freight, con- ".sisting chiefly of canned fruits, meats, < ¢#f machinery ahd a few motor trucks. .. The Orleams is a vessel of 2,808 tons gross and carries a crew of thirty-five, thirty-two of which, including Cap- taln Allen Tucker, are’ Americans. Yike the Rochester, the Orleans had the American flag painted on each - side as well as the name of the ship, which was in letters large enough to be read three miles away with glasses. The Rochester has net yet been re- ported. Enters the Gironde. London, Feb. 26. 2:12 p. m.—An Exchange Telegraph despatch from Paris says it is officially announced that the steamer Orleans has en- tered the Gironde. New York, Feb. 26.—Two freight steamships, the Falkland, Norwegian, from, Manchester and the Manx Ian, British from Benoa, arrived here to- daw after passing through the German submarine zone, The Belgian steamship Escaut sailed for an unnamed port in Europe, The British steamer Lapland of the ‘White Star line arrived safely at Liverpool, yesterday according to cable advices announced today by the agents here. The Lapland left New Yovk on February 14. 5 The French line steamship Espagne arrived safely at Bordeaux on Friday at 6 p. m., according to a cablegram received at the line’s offices here. The Espagne left New York on February \14 with 116 passengers including 67 Americans, THAW'S LUNACY TESTED Proceedings Begun to Dearn Whether Stanford White Would-Be Suicide Is Sane. and Philadelphia, Feb. 26—Lunacy pro- ceedings were begun in common pleas court here today to determine the sanity of Harry K. Thaw. ISAAC PERAL SAILS Spanish Submarine Built at Fore River Shipyards Leaves Ncw Lon- don for Ocean Voyage. New Lomdon, Feb. 26.—The Span- Ish submarine Isaac Peral which has been at the New London ship and engine company’s wharf for the past few weeks left at 10:50 this morning on her long trip across the ocean. ENGLISH COAST RAIDED German Destroyer Bombard Broad Stairs and Margate, Killing Woman and Child and Injuring Two Others. o London, Feb. 26 ierman destroy- ers borbarded Broad €tairs and Mar- gate carly this morning. One woman and one child were killed and two persons were injured. Two houses were damaged. This announcement was made in the house of commons today. EAST AND WEST ON TRAIL OF GAMBLERS Rice Catholican for Sick Pocket- book, Dr. Knickerbocker Says FRISCO WAREHOUSE PACKED Products Needed For Human Con= sumption Found in Darge Quanti- ties—Chicago Trying to Solve Car Shortage Problem. % New York, Feb. 26—A. campaign of education against high food prices was extended today through several avenues. This plan was adopted by the board of health, after an investi- -gation to ascertain just how much duffering existed among theé poor and by the mayer’s food supply commit- ted. It was endorsed by Governor ‘Whitman, who summed up his view of the situation by saying: ‘“The people have simply got to eat what they can afford to eat.” The food supply committee sent to homes throughout the city by means of public school children 1,000,000 circulars urging citizens to eat rice instead of potatoes, onions and cab- bage. George W. Perkins, chairman of the committee, asserted that New York might expect only slight reduc- tions in food prices unless the - people made up their minds to adopt sub- stitutes for expensive foodstuffs. Enough rice is available at a low price, he said, to afford relief until legislative action can be taken. ‘Whitman’s Food Cost More. On Wednesday, it was announced, public hearings will begin at Albany on the bill creating a state depart- ment of foods and markets. Governor ‘Whitman, who has been here since Friday night, recelved personal proof of advancing-prices yesterday when he found dishes on the menu at the ho- tel where he is staying cost ten cents more than on Saturday. The department of health, in a re- port to the mayor found that a marked increase in the export of staple foodstuffs had a . great influ- ence in raising prices but declared, nevertheless, that there was less de- pendency and real need in the city than had been common for many vears past. The report urged that the poor be educated to buy food more intelligently and said that the “well to do might contribute towards this education by altering habits of carelessness and extravagance in their heomes.” A number of retail grocers .today joined consumers in the boycott against potatoes, onions‘and chickens and agreed not to sell these articles. Cold Storage Plants Filled. San Francisco, Feb. 26.—The entire force of the city administration was enlisted today in an effort to find out what foodstocks are being held in cold storage. City officials sald they had been informd that local cold storage | warehouses were packed with the very products that are being sold at famine prices on the plea that the supply -is short. At the city attorney’s office it was said that wherever it is found that accumulation has been made for the purpose of cornering food, measures will be adopted to force that par- ticular product into the market at a reasonable price. Chicago Conditions Reported Worse. Chicago, Feb. 26.—Officials of the Chicago board of trade, attorneys for the board of representatives of gra houses met today to discuss the car shortage sityation, particularly as it affects the grain business and to de- vise means of obtaining more cars fr the movement of the product. Ac- cording to board of trade officials, conditions are growing worse Imstezc of better, as regards grain shipments (Continued On Seventh Page). 4 PRIDE OF CUNARD LINE GIVEN " Him---Also Requests Special Appropriation TO SEA; ARNIN¢ to Arm Merch? recedent Cited, Showing United States Entered Into State of “Armed Neutrali NO w ARNING BEFORE ATT ACK On Previous Occasion—Ruthless Destf tion of Laconia Makes Situation Grave | Many Americans on Board As Passen- gers and 20 Ameri- cans in Crew—One Dead, Is Report. Queenstown, Feb. 26.—The Cunard line steamship Laconia of 18,099 tons gross, which sailed from New Yorl: Feb. 18, for Liverpool has been sunk. The survivors of the Laconia said to number 270. They will landed tonight. are be No Warning Given, London, Feb. 26.—It is stated au- thoritatively that the Laconia was torpedoed without warning, WILSON’S SPEECH IN CONGRESS Washington Feb. 26.—Speaking be- fore a joint session of congress this af- ! ternoon, President Wilson said: “Gentlemen of the congress: I haev again asked the privilege of addressing you because we are mov- ing through critical ‘times during which it seems to me ta be my duty of congress so that neither counsel nor action shall run at cross-purposes between us. “On the third of February I officially | informed vou of the sudden and un- | expected action of the imperidl Ger- ‘[man government in declaring its in- | tention to disregard the pramises it { had made to this {last and undertake immediate sub- marine operations against all com- merce, whether of belligerents or of neutrals, that should seek to approach Great PBritain and Ireland, the Westey "Frost, American congul at ~tfons of international practice, With: Queenstown, - telegraphed the Ameri- | can embassy here today: “Cunader Laconia torpedoed at 1:40 Sunday night. Two hundred and seventy-eight survivors landed. De- tails lacking, but know some mlissing. One ‘dead.” Had More Than 100 Passengers. New ' York, Feb. 26.—The Cunard liner Laconia sailed from New York on Feb. 18 with 100 passengers among whom were ten or more Americans. The Laconia was one of-the largest vessels of ithe Cunard fleet and the largest ‘thus far sunk since the new German submarine warfare was com- menced. She registered 18,099 tons, was 66 feet long, 71 feet beam and 40 feet deep. She was built at New Castle. The Cunard line announced at 1.30 p: m, that they had received con! firmation from the Britih admiralty of the destruction of the Laconia and that the advices stated there was only one casualty thus far known. She was torpedoed last night, the line announced. Americans Aboard. The Cunard line first announced that four Americans were aboard the Laconia but withh=ld the names of the rest until destruction of the vessel had officially been confirmed. The four Americans were: Miss Phyllis Barker, New York; Arthur T. Kirby, N, J.,, Mrs. F. E. Harris, New York and F. P. Gibbons of the Chicago Tribune. Two other Americans among: the first class passengers were Mrs. Mary E. Hoy and Miss Elizabeth Hoy, of Chicago. There was also one Ameri- can in the second class cabin, Rev. James Wareing of New York, making a total of seven. Five thousand sacks of United States mail were carried by the La- conia, of which 1,300 were trans- ferred from the American liner St. Louis when it was decided to hold the latter vessel in port. Many val- uable securities and documents sent by American Dbusiness ' firms were sup- posed to be in the St, Louis' mail bags. i Twenty Americars, all native born | were members of .he crew of the La- conia. BLIZZARD IN IDAHO. RS | Recovery of Bodies in Mine Made | . Impossible. - ' Boise, Tdaho, Feb. 26.—With all of | southern Idaho in the grip of one of | the worst storms of the winter, at- tempts at recovering the bodies of the fifteen men who lost their lives sunday in the snowslide at the North Star mine Hailey have abandoned. Of the fifteen three may die. The heavy which was Still falling over most of the state t day, increased the danger of new slides. near heen injurcd, snow, | accomplish, ! ers would in fact avoid, out regard ta any conslderations of humaniiity even which might interferce with their object. That policy was forthwith put into practice. Tt has now been in active exhibition for near- 1y four wee “Its practical results are not fully disclosed. The commerce of other neutral nations is suffering severely, but not, perhaps very much more se- verely than it was already suffering before the first of February when the new policy of the imperial govern- ment was put into operation. -We have asked the co-operation of the other neutral governments to prevent these depredations, but I fear none of them has thought it wise to join ug in any common course of action. Our own commerce has suffered, is stffer- ing, rather in apprehension than in fact, rather because so many of our ships are timidly keeping to their home ports than because American ships have been sunk. “Two American vessels have been sunk, the Housatonic and the Lyman M. Law. The case of the Housatonic which was carrying foodstuffs con- signed to a London firm, was essen- tially like the case of the Frye in which, it will be recalled, the German damages and the lives of the crew, which, as in the case of the Frye, were safeguarded by reasonable care. “The case of thejLaw, which was carrying lemon box staves to Palermo disclosed a ruthlessness of method which deserves grave condemnation, but was accomplished by no circum- stance which might not have been { expected at any time in connection with the use of the submarine against merchanmen as the German govern- ment has ‘used it. “In sum, therefore, the situation we find ourselves in with regard to the actual conduct of the German sub- marine warfare against commerce and its. effects upon our own ships and people is varlably the same as it was when 1 addressed vou on the third of February, except for the tyving up of our shippinz in our own ports be- cause of the unwillingness of our shipowners to risk their vessels at sea without insurance or adequate protec- tion and the very serious congestion { of our commerce which has resulted, a congestion which is growing rapidly more and more serious every day. “This in itself might presently ac- complish, in cffect, what the new Ger- man submarine orders were meant to so far as we are con- cerned. We can only sayv, therefore that the overt act which I have ven- tured to hope the German command- has not oc- curred. ! “But while this is happily ‘true, it must by admitted that there have been certain additional indications and ey WEATHER. 26.—Tor ford and vicinity: Unset- probably tonight Tuesday. Tues- 1L ted, and I 3 Colder B to keep in close touch with the houses | overnment in April | At- | 5 3 { would in all likelihood require an un- /lantic coasts of Burope or the har- 5 | bors of the eastern Mediterraneean ! and to conduct those operations with- ceed it. | out regard to the established restric- | government admitted its liability for ! pressions of purpose on the part of the German press and the German authorities, which have increased ra- ther than lessened the impression that, if our ship® and our people are circumstances. “It would be foolish to deny that the situation is fraught with the grav- est possibilities and dangers. No thoughtful man can fail tq see that the, necessity for definite a¢tion may come at any time, if we are in fact, and not in words, merely, to defend our elementary rights as a neutral nation. It would be most imprudent to be unprepared. “I cannot in such circumstances be unmindful of the fact that the expira- tion of the term of the present con- gress be immediately at hand, by constitutional legislation, and that it usual length of time to assemble and organize the congress which is to suc- “I feel that I ought, in view of that fact, to obtain frem you.full and im- mediate assurance -of the authorit! which I may need at any moment to { exercise. No doubt I already possess | that authority without special warrant of law, by the plain implication of { my constitutional duties and powers, but I prefer in the present circum- stances, not to act upon general im- plications. T wish to feel that the | authority and the power of the con- gress are behind me in whatever it may become necessary fér me to do. ‘We are jointly servants to the people and must act together and in the spirit, so far as we can divine and in- terpret it. No one doubts that it is our duty to do so. We must defend our commerce and the lives of our people in the midst of the present trying circumstances with discretion but with clear and steadfast purpose. Only the method and the extent re- main to be chosen, upon the occasion, if occasion should indeed arise. “Since it has unhappily proved im- possible to safeguard our neutral rights by diplomatic means against the unwarranted infringements they are suffering at the hands of Ger- many, there may be no recourse but to armed neutrality, which we shall know how to maintain and for which there is abundant American precedent. “It is devotedly to be hoped that it will not be necessary to put armed forces anywhere into action. The American people do not desire it and our desire is not diiferent from theirs. I am sure that they will understand the spirit in which I am acting, the purpose T hold nearest my heart and would wish to exhibit in everything I do. T am anxious that the people of the nations at war also should un- derstand and not mistrust us. I hope that T need give no further proofs and assurances than 1 have already given throughout nearly three years of anxious patience that I am the friend of peace and mean to preserve it for America. so long as I am able. I am not now proposing or contemplating war or any steps that need lead to it. T merely request that you will accord me, by your own vote and definite { bestowal the means and the authority to safeguard in practice the right of a great people who are at who are desirous of exercising none but the rights of peace to follow the pursult of peace in quietness and good will—rights recognized time out of mind by all the ilized nations of the world. No course of my choosing of theirs will lead to war. War can come only by the wilful acts and ag- ions of others. You will understand why I can make no definite proposals or fore- casts of action now and must ask for your supporting authority in the most gencral term The form in which action may become necessary cannot vet be foreseen. belfeve that & to trost with the people will me to act with prudence and in pirit of amity and good faith that they have themselves displayed throughout. these trying months; and it is in that belief that I request that be (Continued on Ninth Page.) peace and re- | the ; Washington, Feb. 26.—President Wilson appeared fore congress at 1 o’clock this thority to place the United States in a state of afternoon and asked for. e a neutrality” to resist the German submarine menace. Continued invasion of the plain rights of neutrals} the high seas, further sacrifices of American lives spared, it will be because of fortunate | ships, the intolerable blockade of American commerg| almost as effectual as if the country were at war—Hh next step towaid war. President Wilson asking of the y Once before in the infancy republic, a state of armed neutralit. was proclaimed to check ‘“predatory violence” upon American rights, in the war-between France and. England but ‘it @il not result actually in war for the United States. X Whether another armed neutrality will mean war depends on whether Germany realizes that the TUnited States is ready to protect its neutral rights by whatevér mearns are neces- sary with a full realization of the solemnity of the occasion the pres- ident took his action today with the calm confidence that ‘congress would stand behind him. Senators and representatives who less than a month ago heard the president pronounce the. words which announced severance of diplomatic relations with Germany—an act of which in all the history of first class nations always has led to war—heard today in tense silence and grave at- tention the words which carry the American republic further in its stand against ruthless sacrifice of neutral rights and lives and a step near war if it must be. The president arrived at the capitol just before 1 o'clock. The president decided that before congress adjourned for the session it was necessary that he be given addi- tional authority to protect American rights. There have been reports that such a move would be opposed but he decided to take the steps regardless of that. [ The president is represented as confident that congress will rise to the occasion and promptly give him the desired authority. The president is still as anxious as ever, it was said to avoid war with Germany but is determined to protect American rights. President Wi on is still confident that an extra s on of congress will be unnecessary The situation out- lined, he believed, is such that con- gress will give him the desired au- thority. He has carefully looked up the precedents and found that on previous occasions the United States has taken the position of armed neu trality without bringing about war. This condition existed once in rela- tion to France when American ves- sels were attacked by French ships. | interfering with American commerce. What Armed Neutrality Is. Armed neutrality Is described by au thorities on international law as mil itary measures for the purpose of de- | fending rights of neutrals against| threatening infringements on the part of @ belligerent. It has generally concerned more than one power and the most striking historical instances of armed neutralities were those of the northern I uropean powers in 1780 and 1800, made to defend the | recognized as taken the place of an “overt act,” which was expected| shock the world—and have forced the president into to be empowered to 4 whatever steps-are necessary, which includes the arm of ships, the convoying of merchantmen by war vessels what other steps are necessary made plain again tha wanted peace, but not at the price of American lives§ rights or by driving the American flag from the seas. calculated. to accomplish that pose. “An armed neutrality is in fa alliance of geveral powers, usi a defensive character, though by no means essential.’ During’ the present war , Hg and Hwitzerland have mal what amoynts to an armed neutf although ft has been confined to When war broke out bef France and Great Britain . net were alarmed at the dangers which the maritime rights threatened and the empress of undertook to unite them jn: d of their neutral rights. This fo the basis of treaties between K Denmark, Sweden, Hollind, A: and Portugal. They formed a which, under the: name of Neutrality, undertook to preservl violate the maritime rights of trals.” These declarations were ognized by the treaty of peace tween Great Britain and Francd were the established law ‘of na when the United States in 1783 independent by powers of the world There 18 jndication that President Wilsol tended to ask other neutrals to the United States jn armed neut) Others May Join Movement. Tt was realized that there was ple historic precedent for such ad Holland, Norway and Spain esps 1y, with their merchant marine rapidly destroyed, it is pointed might consider joining with United States. The last time the United States in a state of armed neutrality during the war between IFrance FEngland, which ended with downfall of Napoleon. Many American vessels were and in June, 1798, President began to obtain from congress Iy authority to protect Amerimui» merce and to put the United Staf a better position to make war if came necessary. When word reached the .ca that the president would add congress the senate judiciary col tee was in session considering om the armed neutrality bills prop by the department of justice. Tt W] make it Jawful to employ land naval forces to enforce “‘any Or. obligations imposed by the T States by the law of nations by jes the United States is a party by the status of the United Stated “Senators admit confusion as to what power the measure would tend. News of the sinking of the Cnui liners Laconia with Americans abd was received here as the . pre was on his way to address con Although without details, its g possibilities added emphasis to president’s word. - Fulfilling His Promisc. When President Wilson announ | principle of free ships and free goods | adoptea by the treaty between the Raltic powers and opposed to Eng- land. “If the commercial interests of sev- eral nations,” says one authority, “are threatened by unjust or unlawful measures on the part of a belligerent which they deem unjust or dangerous there can be no question of their rights to secure their menaced inter- ests by such courses as seem best to congress the severance of df matic relations with Germany, said he was unable to believe Germany. would acrifice Amel rights fn the campaign of ruthlessy which she had proclaimed, but add “If this inveterate confldence on part in the sobriety and prudent sight of their purpose should happily prove unfounded: if Amer) (Continued on Ninth Page.)