K
VOL,. LVII. NO. 17,537.
PORTLAND, OREGON, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1917.
PRICE FIVE CENTS.
V
WILSON WOULD
ALIGN NEUTRALS
4,778,050 MEN ARE
AVAILABLE FOR WAR
GREATER NUMBER COULD BE
RAISED IX EMERGENCY.
Others Urged to Follow
United States' Example.
ANSWER EAGERLY AWAITED
Nations on "Doorstep of Ger
many" Expected to Hesi
tate About Acting.
PEACE EFFORT IS RENEWED
Gerard Expected to Go to
Holland or Switzerland as
Soon as Possible.
BERLIN", Feb. 4, via Imndon, Feb. 5.
Germany today acceded to the
American demand for the Immediate
release of the 72 Americans taken
from ships sunk by the raider In the
Atlantic and brought to a German port
aboard the steamer Yarrow dale.
Committee on National Defense
Slakes Figures Public Actual
Experience Is Basis.
NEW YORK. Feb. 4. (Special.) An
Army of 4,778,050 men between 18 and
45 years old fit for military service la
available in this country, according- to
the estimate of an Investigating staff of
the executive committee of the Mayor's
committee on National defense, made
public tonight. A still greater number
might be put under arms' In a serious
emergency, according- to the commit
tee's report, by the recruiting of older
men. by the lowering- of physical
tandards and by the employment of
women In occupations now open only
to men.
The morbidity, or sickness, rate In
dicated by researches of the Public
Health Service and various insurance
companies, as well as the records of
physical examination at various recruit
ing stations, were considered in the in
vestigation, A more reliable metnoa.
In the opinion or the committee, is to
base the figures on actual experience
of other countries where universal
military service prevails. Using this
method, the committee has calculated
that out of 900,000 men reaching mili
tary age each year 690,000 axe fit for
military service, according to id
French standard and 459,000 according
to the German standard.
According? to the figures presented In
the report.more than nine-tenths of the
force of 1,600,000 trained troops which
the war college division of the general
staff thinks should be available at the
outbreak of war, could be made up from
men of 19 and 20 years. If the French
tandard were applied and men of 1,
20 and 21 years, according to the Ger
man standard.
K
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, Besides
breaking off diplomatic relations with
Germany, President "Wilson has made
a bold strike to range the moral force
of all other neutral countries along
with that of the United States in the
interest of peace.
The President has suggested to all
the other neutrals that they break off
diplomatic relations with Germany as
the United States has done and has
instructed all American diplomats in
those countries to report immediately
how the suggestion is received.
- Some Neutrals May Hesitate.
The opinion in diplomatic head'
quarters here is that European neu
trals at the very doorstep of Germany,
threatened by her military power, will
hesitate to take such a step. The ef
feet of the suggestion in other court-
tries is being eagerly awaited. This
was the only known development of
first importance which came out of a
day of tense waiting which followed
the actual announcement yesterday.
News that the American steamer
Housatonic had not been sunk without
proper warning and that no lives had
been lost, dispelled a cloud which
threatened the storm to follow the
first overt act against the United
States under the new war zone order.
The situation as to Austria is to
night unchanged. There is no doubt,
however, that diplomatic relations will
be broken with her when she an
nounces her intention to adhere to
Germany's course.
The President's invitation to neu
trals to follow his action was con
tained in instructions to American
diplomats to announce the break with
Germany to the governments to which
they are accredited.
Formal Order Issued.
It was contained in the following
order:
"You will immediately notify "the
government to which you are accred
ited that the United States, because
of the German government's recent
announcement of its intention to re
new unrestricted submarine warfare
has no choice but to follow the course
laid down in its note of April 18, 1916
(the Sussex note).
"It has, therefore, recalled the
American Ambassador from Berlin
and has delivered passports to the
German Ambassador to the United
States.
"Say also that the President is re
luctant to believe Germany actually
will carry out her threat against neu
tral commerce, but if it be done the
President will ask Congress to author
ize use of the National power to pro
tect American citizens engaged in
their peaceful and lawful errands on,
the seas.
Peace Move Not Abandoned.
The course taken is, in the Presi
dent's view, entirely in conformity
with the principles he enunciated in
his address to the Senate January 12
(the address proposing a world league
for peace).
"He believes it will make for the
peace of the world if other neutral
powers can find it possible to take
similar action.
"Report fully and immediately on
the reception of this announcement
and upon the suggestion as to similar
action."
Thus it becomes apparent that In th
shadow of war the President has not
abandoned his efforts for peace, and
(Concluded on Pago 5, Column 1.)
HOUSATONIC
WARNED
DULY
BY U BOAT
Provision Is Made for
Safety of Crow.
GERARD SILENT ON
LEARNING OF BREAK
BRAZILIAN MINISTER LIKELY
TO TAKE OVER AFFAIRS.
CONTRABAND CARGO ADMITTED
Issue Reduced to Claim
Monetary Damages.
for
ALL 0IM BOARD RESCUED
GERMAN REGRETS . BREAK
Rev. K. O. Salzmann Reminds Hear
ers They Are Americans First.
"The present complications between
the United . States ana tiermany are
regrettable," said Rev. K. O. Salzmann
at the regular meeting of the Federa
tion of German-Speaking Societies
Saturday night at the German House.
Rev. Mr. Salzmann expressed the
hope that the two government would
be able to adjust questions over which
the United States had severad diplo
matic relations and that actual par
ticipation in the war would be averted.
He reminded the members that above
all they are Americans, and should re
main cool and philosophical in the
present crisis.
There are 47 societies affiliated with
the Federation in Oregon, embracing a
membership of more than 6000 persons.
SPAIN PLEADS FCR TIME
Central Powers Are Asked to Give
Ships Chance to Return.
LONDON, Feb. 4. A Madrid dispatch
to Router's says that the Spanish gov
ernment has telegraphed the central
powers asking that the time allowed
Spanish ships to return to port be ex
tended.
Many towns are protesting against
the note of the central powers and have
sent appeals to the government to sup
port with dignity the interests of the
nation. The administration has pro
hibited an anti-German meeting which
was called at Santander. The consulates
of the central powers at Barcelona and
the camp of Interned Germans near
that city are being guarded by the po
lice.
Boats Towed for 90 Minutes Toward
Land and Signal Fired to Brit
ish Patrol Boat, Which After-'
wards Lands All at Penzance.
"WASHINGTON. Feb. 4. The possi
bility that the sinking of the Ameri
can steamer Housatonic will become a
serious factor in the crisis with Ger
many apparently was eliminated today
by evidence that the attacking sub
marine acted within international law.
American Consul. Stephens at Plymouth
reported that warning- was given and
provision made tor safety of the crew.
As the Housatonic was carrying con
traband, any controversy over her de
struction is expected to present no
more serious issue than a claim for
monetary damages. ,
Case Like That of Krye.
If the consul's report is correct, the
case apparently falls Into the same
category as the American ship Wil
liam P. Frye, destroyed with a cargo of
grain early in the war by a raider
after her crew had been taken off.
Consul Stephens' dispatch later made
public reads:
'American steamer Housatonic load
ed with a cargo of wheat for - the
British government, torpedoed by Ger
man submarine 12:80, February 3. Ves
eel warned and total crew of 37 rescued
by submarine and towed for 90 min
utes toward land.
British Patrol Slg-naleA.
'Submarine fired signal to British pa
trol boat which subsequently landed
crew at Penzance."
LONDON. Feb. 4. The crew of the
American steamship Housatonic has
been landed at Penzance, England.
The Housatonic was warned by the
German submarine which sank her, ac
cording to John G. Stephens, American
consul at Plymouth. Mr. Stephens to
day sent the following telegram to The
Associated Press:
"Total crew of 87 of Housatonic
landed at Penzance Saturday. Vessel
torpedoed by a German submarine 12:30
Saturday. Warned. Crew towed 90
minutes by submarine toward land."
Crew Has Hoar to Leave.
When hailed by the submarine the
Housatonic was flying ihe American
flag and had the American colors
painted on her side, says a dispatch to
(Concluded on Page 16, Column
Return hy Way of Denmark and
Russia Probable Berlin
Papers Publish News.
BERLIN, Feb. 4, via London, Feb. 5.
The news of the breach of diplomatic
relations between the United States and
Germany was mads known here today
through newspaper dispatches.
No official information has yet been
received at either the United States
embassy or the foreign office, so Am
bassador Gerard's plans have not been
definitely decided. Ho will probably
leave Germany by way of Denmark and
return home through Russia, taking the
trans-Siberian Railway. It is expected
that American Interests will be en
trusted to tne Brazilian minister.
Mr. Gerard was on his way to keep
an appointment with Foreign Secretary
Zimmermann at noon today when an
Associated Press correspondent showed
him dispatches giving details of the
President's speech. The Ambassador
declined to make any comment. He
conferred with Chancellor von Beth-mann-HoIlweg
yesterday, but neither
offficial had then any information in
regard to the President's decision and
their conversation was general in na
ture. The Chancellor apparently asked
Mr. Gerard to call in order to learn if
he had any Information as to his Gov
ernment's course, news of which had
been eagerly awaited here.
GERMAN GUNBOAT IS
SET AFIRE BY GREW
SAFE CONDUCT FOR
GERMAN WANTED
Warship Is Burning in
Honolulu Harbor.
AMERICANS START HOME
Number Leaving England, How
ever, Not as Great as Expected.
LONDON, Feb. 4. A large crowd of
homeward bound Americans took the
boat train at Kuston station this
morning. There seemed little appre
hension as today s sailing was exempt
under the German warning. It being the
last one with such, exemption.
It turned out that the demands for
transportation by Americans desiring to
get away from England were less
urgent than expected and virtually one
filer deck with first-class accommo
dations on the departing steamer was
not taken.
RELIEF SHIPS SUSPENDED
Mr. Hoover Hopes, However, to Re
sume Work at Early Date.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 4. Operation of
all transportation of the Belgian re
lief commission has been suspended
and ships in American, Argentine, In
dian and European ports have been
ordered., to remain there until further
notice. Herbert Hoover, chairman of
the commission, announced today.
Mr. Hoover hopes operations may be
resumed soon and members of the com
mission In Belgium have been ordered
to remain at their posts until other
wise advised.
SKIPPER DESERTS KAISER
Captain of Vaterland Is to Try to
Become American Citizen.
NEW YORK, Feb. 4. Captain Julius
Gubar, formerly in command of the
Vaterland and now In command of the
Pennsylvania of the Hamburg-Ameri
can line, announced tonight that he de
sired to become an American citizen.
He said he realized this action would
mean the forfeiture of his command,
but it made no difference to him.
He was detained on board his ship
tonight, but asserted he would apply
to the Immigration authorities at Ellis
Island tomorrow for permission to take
out his citizenship papers.
VESSEL IS LONG INTERNED
Attempts Made to Wreck Ma
chinery in Philippines.
AUTHORITIES TAKE ACTION
GERMAN TEACHER RESIGNS
Educator in .Vermont Quits Because
of Diplomatic Situation.
BURLINGTON, Vt, Feb. B. Professor
Anton H, Applemann, professor of Ger
man and German literature at the Uni
versity of Vermont, yesterday tendered
his resignation because of the sever
ance of diplomatic relations between
the United States and Germany.
The resignation was accepted.
WIRELESS PLANT SEIZED
Federal Officers Take Over Concern
Owned hy German Company.
PORTLAND, Me., Feb. 4. A commer
cial wireless plant owned by a German
company at Deering. a suburb of this
city, was taken over by United States
(authorities tonight.
Geier Remembered for Incident
Early In War, When Japanese
Battleship Stood Guard to
Prevent Escape to Sea.
HONOLULU, T. H, Feb. 4. The in
terned German gunboat Geier is burn
ing in the harbor here. he was set
on fire by her crew, according to the
local authorities,
The Geier, of 1604 tons, was Interne
here shortly after the war began. She
was built at Wllhelmshaven In 1894.
MANILA. Feb. 4. It Is reported that
virtually all the machinery and en
gines of the 23 German steamers lying
In Philippine ports have been dam
aged by their crews. Seventeen of
these vessels are Interned at Manila,
three at Cebu and three at Zamboanga.
Damage Done 36 Hoars In Advance.
The damage in some cases is said to
have been done 36 hours before the
first report of the break In the rela
tions between the United States and
Germany. ,
The American squadron has returned
to Manila from target practice and is
patroling the bay.
Customs officers have completed
their examination of the interned Ger
man boats. Nine of them had their
engine-rooms wrecked and several had
fires burning under empty boilers.
Cse of Explosives Feared.
Customs launches and naval, vessels
will act as a patrol guard around the
steamers. It is feared some of the Ger
man boats have explosives on board,
and they may be used in case they are
seized.
When the German gunboat Geier put
into Honolulu for refuge in the early
days of the war her engines were in
bad condition, and the craft was in
need of general overhauling. She was
accompanied by the German steamer
Locksun, which vessel has supplied the
Geier with coal, supplies and some as
sistance. When the Geier was Interned the
Locksun "Was declared to be a naval
collier or convoy and also was Interned.
Nine other German merchant ships
which had taken refuge in Honolulu
were not In the interned class.
The Geier was inspected under orders
of Admiral C. B. T. Moore. United
States Naval commandant in Hawaii,
.
WASHINGTON TO ASK BRITAIN
TO PASS BERSSTORFP.
KAISER'S BIRTHDAY
PLANS ARE SHELVED
Ex-Ambassador Denies Self to Re
porters for First Time, Em- "
bassy Under Guard.
WASHINGTON. Feb. 4. Although
plans for his enforced departure from
the United States st'ill were incomplete.
Count von Bernstorff began today the
preparation of his baggage and that or
his staff for shipment back to Germany.
When passports for the embassy
staff were handed to Count von Bern
storff yesterday, they were not accom
panied by a guarantee of safe conduct
through the allied blockade, but the
State Department Is preparing to secure
one from Great Britain.
For the first time since the war be
gan Count von Bernstorff denied him
self to newspaper correspondents today
on the ground that since he no longer
had official standing, there was noth
ing of interest that he could say.
In addition to agents of the United
States secret service stationed in the
embassy as a measure of personal pro
tection, three uniformed policemen were
on guard today inside.
American Flags Float
At German House.
AUTHOR OBTAINS DIVORCE
Writer of "Glorious . Romance'
Breaks Own Martial Ties.
RENO. Nev., Feb. 4. (Special.) Mrs.
Winifred Babcock, author of "Glorious
Romance" and many other stories.
has obtained a divorce from Ber
tram W. Babcock. operatic man
ager, of New Tork. ' She obtains cus
tody of their three children, the oldest
of whom is 13. As Mrs. Babcock testi
fied that she -as able to care for her
self and the children and had supp .-ted
herself for the past 16 years, no ali
mony was granted.
Mrs. Babcock swore that her husband
remained Intoxicated for two weeks at
a time and when drunk abused and
reviled her.
SPANISH STEAMER SHELLED
Another Spaniard and One Nor
wegian Sunk by Submarines.
PARIS. Feb. 4 The Spanish steamer
Palrra, en route for Vigo with a cargo
of cement, was bombarded by a German
submarine. The vessel was badly dam
aged and one sailor wounded.
LONDON. Feb. 4 Lloyd's reports- the
sinking of the Norwegian steamship
Ymer, 1123 tons gross, by a submarine.
Part of the crew was landed. The sink
ing of the Spanish steamer Dos de No
viembre is reported in a Retuer dis
patch from Madrid. One man was
drowned.
Concluded on Pag 2. Column 1.)
NEUTRALS' COURSE PUZZLE
Diplomats Wonder if They Will Fol
low America's Lead.
LONDON, Feb. 4. The question
whether other neutrals will follow the
American policy with regard to Ger
man submarine warfare Was discussed
warmly among diplomats and other of
ficials here last night when they read
the President's address.
Messages from Holland and Scandin
avian countries contain no predictions
that they contemplate breaking rela
tions with Germany.
UNCLE SAM AND I RECKON I CAN MEET THE ISSUE AGAIN, TOO.
3
ium. 3 m&u- x mm
WILSON ASKED TO KEEP PEACE
Loyalty of German-Americans
to Nation Affirmed.
SONG "AMERICA" ROUSES
Programme Arranged for Day Com
pletely Changed, In Order to
Eliminate Alien Features and
Brine: Out Patriotism.
OREGON GERMAX-AJIER1C.MS'
MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT.
The American citizens of Ger
man extraction of Oregon do hope
and pray you to use your power
ful Influence and position to pre
serve peace for the lake of hu
manity. FKDBRATED GERMAN
BPEAK1NQ SOCIETIES OF
OREGON.
BELLINGHAMJS ON GUARD
Patrols Surround Armory to Protect
Property From Fanatics.
BELLING HAM, Wash.. Feb. 4.
Guards were posted about the State
Armory here tonight on orders from
the state adjutant-general.
The local commander received orders
to maintain a night guard sufficient
to protect the property of the state
from possible dSinage at the hands of
fanatics.
INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS
The Weather: ,
TESTERDATa Maximum temperature, 40
decrees; minimum temperature. 40 de
crees. TODAY'S Partly cloudy: southerly winds.
Diplomatic Break.
Washing-ton to ask safe conduct for Count
von liernBlori I. I bo a.
British count on Untied States for valuable
aid In crisis. face o.
Damage to Kronprlnzessla Cecllie's machin
ery is small. rage e.
Brazil ready for break with Germany.
1-S 8.
Crew of interned Oerman gunboat Geier set
her afire In Honolulu narDor. rasa
Wilson urges neutrals to follow example In
breaking witn Germany, rage a.
HouBatonlc duly warned by German sub
marine. Page 1.
President still thinks Germany may avoid
warlike act. Pass 3.
Army and Navy awaiting development.
Page 3.
Guns are placed to protect New Tork
bridges. Page 10.
Move to seize Interned German ships denied.
Page 4.
Legislature.
Consolidation Brocramme due for Legisla
tive uctlon. Page 7.
Fast clip struck by Legislature. Page 7.
War.
Germans make ghostlike attack on British
trenches. Page 6.
National.
Revenue bill frankly sectional. Page 6.
Resignation of B. N. Baker from Shipping
Board reveals political aeai. page z.
Taft urges conscription to equalize burden
of defense. Page z.
Congress prepared to act promptly. Page IS.
Domestic.
East satirizes proposal of Salem, Or. Page 7.
Sport.
Nlchoi Simpson, who will box Trambltas.
has fine record, page 1Z.
HoQck says proposed new rule would aid
pitchers Instead sf batters. Page 12.
Coast Clubs need leaven of comedy. Page 12.
Portland and Vicinity.
Pastor declares God gives each human being
rlgnt to snaoe own aestiny. page 11.
Would-be suicide bares love affair. Page 6.
Swedish lecturer tmnks America will- enter
war. Page 5.
Portland industries supply other town with
ship parts. Page IS.
Democraltc dere&t blamed to cliques by
Kentucky mica, page is.
Assistant engineer on Housatonic Is Pendle
ton, Or., man. Page 6.
Frank Falkln kills self after wounding son
and snooting at -wire, page 14.
Local Federal officials on guard in warlike
crisis. Page 13.
Portland German-Americans appeal to Presi
dent to preserve peace. Page 1.
Pastors careful In alluding to breach with
Germany. page 11.
"Forty-Five Krnciency" Club for women
proposed. Page lo.
Weather report, data and forecast. Page 10.
Dr. Foster, peace advocate, says war should
be only for humanity. Page 10.
Chines dragon leaves its lair. Page 10.
The present crisis between Germany
and the United States caused a com- ,
plete rearrangement of the plans for
the' celebration yesterday at the Ger
man House, where only American flags
were hung. For several weeks plans
had been made to honor the Kaiser's
birthday, but at the 11th hour every
thing was changed. German flags were
stored away and the btars and Stripes
alone used. Likewise German costumes,
prepared weeks ago for the day, were
not used, and some of the German
songs went lvto the discard.
William Relchmann. chairman of the
committee on arrangements, explained
to the raoie than 1500 persons present
that. Instead of having a celebration
in honor of the Kaiser, it was for the
German Red Cross. He Introduced Ed
gar "Winter, secretary of the Federa
tion of German-Speaking Societies of
Oregon, under whose auspices the pro
gramme was given.
Patience Is Called For.
"Now is the time for us to show the
characteristic element of the German
race patience. Patience is the funda
mental principle of Germanic philoso
phy. It Is not within our power to
force all fate which Is now being ful-.
filled on the European battlefields,"
said Mr. "Winter, and he continued:
"We are gathered here this afternoon
to hear a programme which has been
changed considerably to suit the occa
sion. This country settles its own fate,
the people having charge of working
out of the difficulty, and no outside in
fluence can be brought to bear.
Carefnl Speech Vrged.
"For this reason be quiet and use no
word or action which will tend tc
create any feeling one way or the
other. The thought of war between
the United States and Germany is too
dreadful, and we hope for the best
that our beloved United States will see
that peace Is preserved. No matter
what the future may bring, we should
not lose our manhood or womanhood,
but be honest to each other, ourselves
and this United States, our adopted
country."
Mr. Winter was speaking in behalf
of Rev. K. O. Salzmann, who had been
called out of the city previous to the
meeting.
Mr. Relchmann, chairman of the
co3mlttee in charge- impressed on
the minds of those present the Impor
tance of keeping level heads.
American Loyalty Preached.
"Be good, loyal American citizens at
all times," he said, "and keep quiet in
public places as well as at home. Tou
will notice our decorations. Nothing
but American flags have been used and
everything pertaining to war and Ger
many has oeen eliminated, from the
programme. We went to considerable
expense arranging for uniforms, but
these will not be shown. Scenes of
present war conditions will not bo
shown, for it is our desire to remain
and stand back of this country."
Only twice during the whole pro
gramme were there any outward signs
of emotion. When "America" was be
ing played by the orchestra everyone
jumped to their feet and Bang, espe
cially at the conclusion of the pro
gramme. Between two of the numbers
at the latter part of the afternoon Mr.
Winter read a proposed telegram to be
sent to Pre. ldent Wilson. He asked
those present If they were satisfied
with the intent, and he was accorded an
ovation.
German Numbers Left Out.
Even the songs and music had to be
altered for the occasion. There had
been several numbers arranged which
were "old country" favorites, but these
were eliminated at the last moment.
The change wjis made so quickly that
the programmes that were first printed
were destroyed and new ones made up
late yesterday morning.
Representatives of many of the - 42
German - speaking societies within a
radius of 50 or 75 miles of Portland
were in attendance.
A little one-act playlet around which
was centered scenes from Germany was
put in the dl .card. Musi- and songa
featured the programme, and it evoked
(Concluded on Page 3, Column 2.)