ONE dollar per monthIDITAROD, ALASKA. SATURDAY MORNING,, FEBRUARY 10, 1917 25ctwtspkrcopy_
DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH GERMAN EMPIRE ARE SEVERED
AND UNITED STATES IS FACE TO FACEVITH PROBABILITY OF VAR
Course of the President Was the Result of Many Con
ferences with Prominent Members of Con
gress and with Realization of Effect
WASHINGTON, I'eb. 3.- Prior to making the announcement
to congress of the severance of relations. President Wilson con
firred for two hours with members of his cabinet, who were sworn
to secrecy. It was learned, however, that it was agreed that the
United States could not tolerate such interference with its rights
as that contemplated in the German announcement of the removal
of all restrictions in the carrying out of its submarine campaign.
Immediately after the cabinet meeting the President called senator
Slone, chairman of the senate 'committee on foreign relations, for
a private conference in his rooms. As the President hail promised
Sinator Stone to confer with him before actually breaking off diplo
mntic relations, this conference was highly significant. Senate
pages were sent scurrying about to secure every available senator
for the momentous conference. One cabinet member stated that
the future would develop something of the greatest importance.
Secretary of State Lansing notities! the International Merchant
Marine that he considered it inadvisable for the American liner
St. Louis to sail until impending matters were settled. Customs
officers throughout the country anil at Hawaii and Porto Rico were
notified to exercise the utmost vigilance. Extra troo[ifl were dis 1
patched to the Panama canal locks. Owners of American vessels j
will probably abide by the orders of the government, whatever they j
may be.
Makes Brief Announcement to Congress
Roars of applause greeted President Wilson when he stepped
alertly before congress at 2 o’clock this afternoon with the brief
announcement of the severance of diplomatic relations with Ger
many. llis kindly smile was absent, he looked worried and worn,
and acknowledged the ovation with but a curt nod. He Left hur
riedly after the conclusion of his announcement.
Bryan Utters First Word of Discord
The audience at once stampeded to obtain tickets to hear Will
iam J. Bryan, who made a strong protest against the entrance of
the United States into the war. ‘'America should not shell blood
under the banner of any foreign monarch," he said.
Bernstorff Feels Badly
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4.—German Ambassador Von Bernstorff
stated to newspaper men today that he was out of politics forever,
lie felt very badly, he said, and considered that his career had been
a failure. He told his friends that he had never been so much af
fected during his long diplomatic career. He said, with tears in
his eyes, that he did not care what became of him now.
To Put Country on War Footing
The White House was closed today. President WiLson, Secre
tary of War Baker and Secretary- of the Navy Daniels were in con
ference, hastening to place the United States on a war footing.
Unwelcome Condescension
LONDON, Feb. 4. The feeling of the English press is that the
American government has won a great victory in regaining lost
prestige with Great Britain and the entente allies. Lord North
eliffe, the newspaper publisher, says that Britain is very glad of
American support, but that she can finish the job unsupported.
American Liner Torpedoed
LONDON, Feb. 4. The American liner Housatanic, which sailed
from Galveston with a wheat cargo on January 6, has been sunk
off the Seilly isles, thirty miles off the south coast of England. It
is reported the vessel was sunk without warning, which would con
stitute an act of war. Twenty-five American seamen were in the
crew.
Later reports from the American consul at Plymouth state that
the circumstances furnish no cause for war, as the steamer was
warned and the crew taken off and towed ninety miles by the Ger
mans. who sent up rockets before leaving them, which attracted
assistance from a British warship.
Intense Excitement in Berlin
BERLIN, Fc-b. 5.—According to information obtained from oflt
oil 1 quarters, there is no prospect of any modification of the orders
to submarine commanders. The news that the United States had
broken off diplomatic relations with Germany caused intense ex
citement here. It is stated in semi-official circles that the govern
ment will do all in its power to prevent the rupture from going
further. Guards have been established about the American em
bassy and the chief American consulates in the country. Many of
the four thousand Americans in Germany are preparing to leave,
and Ambassador Gerard is expected to leave via Switzerland.
Germany has acceded to the American demand for the release
of the seventy-two Americans taken from ships sunk by raiders in
the Atlantic and brought to a German port aboard the YarrowdaU.
Question of Shipping Conditions
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5—What steps are to be taken with re
gard to United States merchant ships sailing for the war zone—
whether to arm them, provide convoys, or let them go unattended
and unarmed, or hold them in port—is proving one of the most
difficult questions arising out of the German crisis. The state de
partment is standing on its announcement of its opinion that it
would be wiser to postpone sailings for a few days.
NEW YORK, Eeb. 5.—The American line received a cablegram
today saving that the steamship New York, carrying passengers,
left Liverpool on Saturday. She is the first American passenger
ship to sail since Germany promulgated the new submarine war
fare orders. .
Inalienable Rights Emphasized
While no final decision has been reached as to the attitude of
the government toward American merchant ships sailing for the
European war zone, it is regarded as highly improbable in official
circles that convoying by warships will be undertaken. The state
department has been careful to impress on the minds of those
rhippers who have requested advice as to what course to pursue
the inalienable right of Americans to travel on the high seas. But
care has been taken not to take any action which could lie re
tarded as instructions.
“ __ __ _ . . m Ml ■« «
American Killed When Steamship Is Shelled
LONDON, Feb. 6—The British steamship Eavestone has been
shelled and sunk by a German submarine. Richsrd Wallace, an
.American, of Baltimore, was among those killed.
Causes Increased Tension
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.—Increased tension has been caused
by reason of the Eavestone case, concerning which Consul Frost,
at Queenstown, today cabled that the vest'd, which was a provi
sional collier, had been sunk by shell fire by a German submarine
in tho vicinity of Fastnct yesterday. Richard Wallace, an Ameri
can negro able seaman of Baltimore, was killed during the shelling
of the boats just after they had left the Eavestone.
Location of American Vessels Secret
Today it is expected to develop whether the steamship Cali
fornia case will constitute Germany’s first overt act, such as will
move the President to ask congress to declare war.
The secretary of the navy has ordered that no more wireless
reports of the positions at sea of American merchant vessels be
riven. _ __ _ .
Order Modified
SEATTLE, Feb. 9.—The order respecting wireless reports has
(,een modified so as to permit the reporting of merchant vessels
No Overt Act by Germany Yet
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.—The breach with Germany is grow
ing wider hourly, and hope that hostilities can be avoided has
ijeen almost swept away. Germany’s ruthless submarine campaign
is developing with fury. However, on the basis of reports received
oji the destruction of the California and other ships so far, it is
stated authoritatvely, none of the cases constitutes an overt act
which will lead to war. Consul Frost reported this morning that
forty-one persons from the steamship California are missing.
Destruction of Deutschland's Cargo
NEW LONDON, Feb. 3.— The cargo intended for the submarine
merchantman Deutschland, which is expected momentarily, was in
flames at 11 a. m. today. The fire broke out soon after word was
received that diplomatic relations with Germany had been severed. ,
The cargo was stored 200 feet from the German ship Willehad. ,
Guarding German Prize Ship
NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Feb. 3.—The coast guard cutter Yama
craw has gone alongside the German prize ship Appam, and it is
thought the German prize crew will be taken off immediately. Two
torpedo boat destroyers have joined the superdreadnought Arkansas
tiff the Virginia capes on emergency duty.
German Vessels on Pacific Coast
SEATTLE, let), o.—'there are seventeen German vessels, with
a tonnage of 39,175, interned at United States Pacific coast ports
and Hawaii, two-thirds of them in Hawaiian ports.
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4 —The navy department has ordered
ti e German cruisers Prinz Eitel, Prinz Fredench and Prinz Wilhelm
seized and the crews to be held in isolation in barracks.
Appeal for Labor’s Influence Against War
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.—An appeal to organized labor in Ger
many to throw its influence against any widening of the break
with the United States has been cabled to Benin by Samuel Gom
pers, president of the American Federation of Labor.
HOSTILITIES HAVE SO FAR BEEN AVOIDED, A LTHOUGH IT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE THAT MATTERS
CAN LONG REMAIN AS THEY ARE—GERM ANY EVIDENTLY SEEKS TO REMAIN AT
PEACE WITH AMERICA, WHILE DEFYING HER IN SUBMARINE WARFARE
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.—Diplomatic relations with Germany have been broken off. German Ambas
sador Bernstorff has been handed his passports, and Gerard, the American ambassador to Germany, has
been ordered from Berlin. Gerard’s instructions are to close his embassy, as well as all consulates in Ger
many. Ail embassy attaches, consuls, consular agents and their staffs are to be brought out of Germany.
This makes the severance of relations more complete than is usual in such cases.
Whether the break with Germany will be accompanied by a similar break with Austria-Hungary could
not be learned definitely. As Austria-Hungary is understood to have indorsed the action of Germany, this
action is expected to follow.
All naval stations and yards have been barred to all save officials and employes.
The United States has formally demanded that Germany immediately release the Americans who were
taken prisoners on prize ships by the raiders in the South Atlantic.
MOMENTOUS STEP WELL CONSIDERED
Confident that the sentiment of the entire country is behind him, and assured of the united support
of congress, President Wilson came to the conclusion that there was only one course for the United States
to pursue. The breaking off of diplomatic relations brings the United States to the verge of war. Never in
the history of the world have two first-class powers severed then- diplomatic relations without hostilities
following. The President, in taking the momentous :tep, has counted the cost and consequences carefully,
as have all his advisers, and they are prepared to pay it in the hope of shortening the war._
EFFECTS OF GERMANY’S POLICY OF FRIGHTFOLNESS ”
I
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.—Lloyd’s reports received here give 85,000 as the tonnage destroyed by
German submarines during February 5, 6 and 7. That rate, kept up for four years, would clear the seas
of the world of every vessel afloat.
PASSENGERS BALK ON AMERICAN SHIPS
NEW YORK, Feb. 9.—Numbers of persons who engaged passage to Europe on ships of American
lines canceled their reservations today and booked on ships flying the flags of the belligerent nations. Some
of them took passage on the French liner Espagne, which sails on Sunday for Bordeaux.
DASTARDLY ATTEMPT MADE
TO ASSASSINATE MALONE,
COLLECTOR OF CUSTOMS
NEW YORK, Feb. 5. An attempt to
jlow up the customs house with a bomb,
ind perhaps to assassinate Dudley Malone,
.he collector of the port, was frustrated to
day. The bomb, with fuse still burning,
was found by chance by two employes. The
infernal machine was planted in a room
directly under the office of Malone. The
collector was working at his desk when the
bomb was found.
REPORT BIG APPROPRIATION
FOR ALASKA ROAD WORK
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—In the army
appropriation bill, which was reported to
the house today, S500.000 for building roads,
trails and bridges in Alaska is included. The
committee declined to include an item of
$100,000 additional which had been asked
for to start work on the Gastineau channel
bridge at Juneau. It is thought the senate
will add this item.
CREW OF INTERNED VESSEL
HELD FOR ATTEMPTED ARSON
SEATTLE, Feb. 6.—Captain Frank Heifer
and twelve of the crew of the interned Ger
man steamship Saxonian were arrested and
confined in the immigration detention sta
tion last night for disturbing the engines
and attempting to set fire to the vessel.
Captain Johannes Wohlfers, master of the
interned ship Steinbek, also has been im
prisoned.
SALE OF DANISH WEST INDIES
RECEIVES KING’S APPROVAL
A Washington dispatch of December 27
states that the Danish minister has form
ally given notice that King Christian of
Denmark has approved the treaty for the
sale of the Danish West Indies to the United
States. The official document itself is ex
pected soon. When Secretary of State Lan
sing attaches his signature to the treaty the
| sale will be completed and the ownership of
the Danish West Indies will pass from Den
mark to the United States.
ANOTHER FATAL EXPLOSION
AMSTERDAM, Feb. 7.—Two hundred
persons, mostly women, were killed in an
explosion at the Noble munitions plant at
Schlebuch, near Cologne, recently.
GERMAN ESTIMATE OF LOSSES
BERLIN, Feb. 1—The Overseas News
Agency says that the entente powers have
had four million tons of shipping destroyed
since the inception of the war to date.
SUE POSITION:
_
Reparation and Restitution Will i
Be Demanded, and Security
for Future Peace
LONDON, Feb. 7.—England’s determina
tion to fight on until victory is won was
reaffirmed today by King George in the
speech from the throne at the reassembling
of parliament. The king declared that there
was no basis for peace at the present time.
“The enemy recently made certain over
tures with a view to opening peace nego
tiations,” said the king. “Their tenor, how
ever, gave no possible basis for peace.
“In answer to the invitation of the Presi
dent of the United States we have outlined
in a general way our war aims. Our ene
mies' threats of further outrages against in
ternational law and humanity will serve
only to steel our determination to win.
My people and the peoples of our brave
allies all are resolved upon securing full
reparation for past crimes and restitution
for the wrongs inflicted, and ample security
in the future. These things we regard as
absolutely essential to the further progress
of civilization.”
A
DR. REED OF MARSHALL
TELLS OF TRAIL CONDITIONS
Dr. J. Wilson Reed of the Marshall
City camp, on the lower Yukon, arrived in
Iditarod over the trail from Seward on
Thursday last. He left for the Outside last
fall, and has been visiting relatives for the
past few months. Dr. Reed formerly was
located at Bethel, on the Kuskokwim, but
for the past few years has been practising
his profession at various points along the
Yukon. He is accompanied by Tony Mc
Donald. .
Dr. Reed says that the trail conditions
between Susitna and Anderson’s, on the
Seward-Iditarod trail, have been worse this
year than ever before known. In January
heavy rains washed away the snow, leav
ing a ridge of ice on the trail. Then came
a heavy snowstorm, with a fall of seven
feet, making travel difficult in the extreme.
Dr. Reed and his traveling companion came
through from Susitna with Ellexson, the
mail carrier, and at times, snowshoeing
ahead of the dog teams, they were days in
negotiating a distance which is ordinarily
but a few hours’ run. He says that Ellex
son’s failure to get the mail through in
time was due to trail conditions, and not
to his refusal to take out the mail because
jf lack of compensation, as had been re
ported.
POLITICIANS AT FAIRBANKS
PUT HEADS TOGETHER
AND PULL OFF “FRAME-UP”
What appears to have been a neat little
“frame-up" among the “official crowd" of
Fairbanks came to light this week with
d e receipt by Guy G. Geraghty, now
United States commissioner of Otter pre
cinct, of a telegram offering him the posi
tion of chief deputy clerk of the district
court at Fairbanks, at a salary of J250
per month. As the acceptance of the posi
tion appears to be contingent upon a suc
cessor to Mr. Geraghty as commissioner be
ing found, the offer has not yet been ac
cepted.
The tender of the office, while it docs
not come as a surprise to Mr. Geraghty,
is causing considerable speculation as to
what really happened at F'airbanks. Mr.
Geraghty was an applicant for the position
of deputy United States marshal at Idita
rod, and has in his possession a telegram
rom L. T. Erwin, United States marshal
for the Fourth division, promising that he
will be appointed to the place upon the ex
piration of the term of Percy Charles, the
incumbent, who is the Republican divi
sional committeeman, which will be early
,n the coming summer. At the time this
telegram was received Mr. Erwin was seek
ing support in his campaign for reappoint
ment.
The matter of the impending appoint
ment of Mr. Geraghty as his successor was
a surprise to Mr. Charles, and he was un
fcvare of the contemplated change until it
became current talk about town. On his
,vay back to Iditarod from the Outside re
cently he traveled from Seattle to Juneau
with Mr. Erwin, and at that time no men
tion was made by Mr. Erwin of a contem
plated change.
Apparently there has been an under
standing of some kind between the politi
cians at Fairbanks by which Mr. Geraghty
has been offered the deputy clerkship in
order to relieve Erwin of his promise to
ipoint him to the Iditarod deputy mar
shalship. As it seems to be thoroughly
understood that the people of this district
arc not to be consulted in the matter of
local appointments, things will thus shape
themselves to the entire satisfaction of the
high moguls at Fairi^nks.
AMERICAN SHIP FIRED UPON
BY BRAZILIAN WAR CRAFT
RIO JANEIRO, Feb. 8.—The American
steamship Evelyn was fired upon by the
Brazilian battleship Minesgeraes on account
of a misunderstanding of signals, it be
came known here today. The Evelyn was
not damaged, but returned to the harbor
to clear up the misunderstanding.
--*
NO FIGHTING IN PROGRESS
BERLIN, Feb. 3.—Actions on all fronts
have been unimportant.
American Ambassador Gerard Said to Be Held as
Hostage by German Government to Insure
Safe Conduct for Bernstorff
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9. "I am very loath to believe that the
German government intentionally is detaining Ambassador Gerard
in Berlin.” Such was the authorized statement given out today by
Secretary of State Lansing. A dispatch from Berlin states that
Gerard probably will depart tomorrow.
Official Announcement Confirms Report
COPENHAGEN, Feb. 7. Berlin is holding Ambassador Gerard
as a hostage, having officially announced that she will not permit
him to leave until the government is satisfied that Bernstorff h»3
been accorded proper treatment by the American government.
Erroneous Report of His Departure
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7. The arrival of United States Am
bassador Gerard in Berne, Switzerland, is announced in a dispatch
from him to Ambassador Willard, in Madrid, who forwarded it
without further information to the Ftate department. From
European sources outside of Germany the government has learned
that the German government actually did consider Gerard prac
tically as a hostage until the arrival of advices from Washington
detailing the arrangements made for the safe departure of German
Ambassador Bernstorff.
Safe Conduct for Bernstorff
WASHINGTON, Feb. 8.- The British government has granted
safe conduct to Ambassador Bernstorff, stipulating that he must
touch at Halifax and have his papers examined. France also has
given assurance of safe passage for the German diplomat.
Bernstorff Is Decorated
AMSTERDAM, Feb. 6.—Kaiser Wilhelm has conferred the Iron
Cross with the white ribbon on Count Johann Heinrich von Bern
storff, late ambassador to the United States.
-*
ACTIONS OF OTHER NEUTRAL NATIONS
AWAITED IN WASHINGTON WITH INTEREST
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7.—That no neutral European nation
will follow the lead of the United States in breaking off diplo
matic relations with Germany was made certain today by infor
mation reaching the state department from its foreign agents
abroad.
Switzerland Makes Response
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.—Information that Switserland will
not adopt President Wilson's suggestion that she break off diplo
matic relations with Germany was received here today. This is
the first response.
Denmark Also Remains Aloof
COPENHAGEN, Feb. 7.—The Danish government has decided
that it cannot follow the example of the United States in breaking
off relations with Germany.
Brazil Sends Note of Protest
RIO JANEIRO. Feb. 5.—A note of protest which Braiil will
dispatch to Germany in answer to her declaration of unrestricted
submarine warfare has been completed and will be sent after an
exchange of views between the American governments.
Uneasiness on Dutch Frontier
AMSTERDAM, Feb. 7—German fortfications at towns on the
Dutch frontier have been filled with soldiers, and many inhabit
ants of frontier villages have packed up their most valuable pos
' .sessions and are ready for a possible sudden flight. Uneasiness is
j increasing.
HURRIED PREPARATIONS FOR WARFARE
ARE APPARENT IN MANY DEPARTMENTS
__
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9.—Secretary of War Baker today sent
orders to the Bethlehem steel plant to cease work on minor orders
for the war department and concentrate all available men immedi
ately on the production of thirty-nine batteries of four-inch and
thirteen batteries of 6ix-inch guns for the United States field artil
lery. These guns will be built from designs completed as the result
of observations of military' officials in the European war. The Beth
lehem steel plant also will immediately commence to turn out a
9.2-inch gun for the United States which, it is declared, will prove
a far more efficient weapon than the 42-centimeter gun of the
German army.
Preparing the “Sinews of War”
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.—Senator Thomas of Colorado today
introduced an amendment to the hou&e bill providing for the
issuance of $300,000,000 in non-interest-bearing treasury notes,
to be used in putting the nation in a state of naval and military
preparedness.
Gan Equipment Ordered East
QUINCY, 111., Feb. 5.—Orders have been received here by the
Illinois naval reserve to rush its entire gun equipment to the East.
Patriotic Offer of Peace Advocate
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5—Henry Ford, the automobile manu
facturer and noted peace advocate, announced here today that in
the event of war he would place his factory at the disposal of the
government and operate it without profit.
Warships Take on Stores
SEATTLE, Feb. 8.—The armored cruisers at the Puget Sound
navy yard were today ordered to take on stores and provisions
for full commission of nine months.
A Roosevelt Receives Recognition
WASHINGTON, Feb. 6.—President Wilson today appointed
Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., a major of infantry in the officers’ reserve
corps.
Patriarchal Offer of Teddy
OYSTER BAY, Feb. 4.—Theodore Roosevelt, in a letter to Sec
retary of War Baker, has offered to raise a division and tenders
the personal service of himself and four sons in case of hostilities.
German Vessels Seized at Manila
MANILA, Feb. 5.—Naval authorities here have seiaed seven
teen German merchant vessels anchored in Manila bay. All the
German crews were removed.
-«
GERMAN-AMERICANS PLEDGE LOYALTY
TO COUNTRY OF THEIR ADOPTION
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 8.—Pledges of loyBlty to the United
States in the event of war with Germany were made early today
by the German-American National Alliance, which claims a mem
bership of three millions, at a meeting of delegates from twenty
eight states, hastily summoned by Dr. Hexamer, the president.
PROVIDING FOR ALASKA RAILROAD WORK
SEATTLE, Feb. 9.—Purchasing Agent Dole of the Alaska En
gineering Commission is placing orders for a million feet of bridge
and dock timbers for use on the Alaska government railway con
struction. He will also open bids today for seventy-four convertible
ballast cars.
The Pacific Steamship Company will operate ten vessels in the
Alaska trade this season.