Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (March 1, 1917)
i: . r - .... , . - '. ...7 v. rOL. LVII NO. 17,558. PORTLAND, OREGON, THURSDAY, 31 ARCH 1, 1917.. PRICE FIVE CENTS. i 3 - v V 7v-, y IRLiNASKSAIDQF APMIAillO iJ Offensive Alliance Against U. S. Sought. DOCUMENT IS INTERCEPTED ; Washington In Possession of Facts at Time Relations Were Broken. : PEACE WITH TOKIO ASKED States Offered Carranza as Reward for Mediating With Japanese. . ..; WASHINGTON, Feb. 28v The As--iated Press i3 enabled to reveal .. : ' j at Germany, In planning nnrestrict d submarine warfare and counting . . ts consequences, proposed an alliance I : ith Mexico and Japan to make war n the United States, if this country ihould not remain neutral. . '. Japan, through Mexican mediation, ' ,' -as to be urged to abandon her allies , ad join In the attack on the United : - tates. v Three States Offered Mexico. Mexico, for her re-ward, was to re . . a general financial support from " ,3rmany, reconquer Texas, New Mex- and Arizona lost provinces and . " v are in tb" victorious peace terms ' ". rmany contemplated. -. taila were left to German Minis- von Eckhardt, in Mexico City, who y instructions signed by German Tor-' . . -ign Minister Zimmerrhann, at Berlin, " --nuary 19, 1917, was directed to pro- jse the alliance witb Mexico to Gen- ral Carranza and suggest that Me . co seek to bring Japan into the plot. , X Bemstorff Transmits Order. ';: These instructions were transmitted ' i o Von Eckhardt through Count von . srnstorff, ex-German Ambassador .' V.ere, now on his way home to Ger 1 lany under a safe conduct obtained (rem his enemies by the country igainst which he was plotting war. Germany pictured to Mexico, by "j road intimation, England and the en ,.',:?nte allies . defeated, Germany and " ' sr allies triumphant and in world .!. . mination by the instrument of un stricted warfare. . Copy of Instructions Held. A copy of Zimmermann's instruc ' 'ona to Von Eckhardt, Bent through Von Bernstorff, i3 in possession of i he United States Government. It k ' follows: .. , "Berlin, Jan. 19, 1917. On the first V.. February we intend to begin sub . ' -i aarine warfare unrestricted. In spite f 'f this, it is our intention to endeavor : keep neutral the United States of ;': ; America. " "If this attempt is not successful we jropose an alliance on the following .- v Dasis with Mexico: That we 6hall make war together and together make : .eace. We 6hall give general finan ial support, and it is understood that V,"-x Iexico is to reconquer the lost ter- "' itory in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. Tho details are left to you ': for settlement. '. 4 Japanese Aid Enlisted. 4 "You are instructed to inform the ' "resident of Mexico of the above in -:'i onfidence as soon as it is certain - ,i hat there will be an outbreak of war ' f vith the United States and suggest that the President of Mexico, on his own initiative, should communicate vith Japan, suggesting adherence at nee to this plan; at the same time ffer to mediate between Germany . id Japan. "Please call to the attention of the asident of Mexico that the employ- 'f ent of ruthless submarine warfare iw promises to compel England to ike peace m a few months. -loigneaj z,iJViMiKMANN." 'J This document has been In the hands t the Government since President W1I I -n broke off diplomatic relations with ermany. It has been kept secret, while President has been asking: Congress k r full authority to deal with Germany i id while Congress has been hesitat- tr. ;JV It was In the President's hands while ij hancellor von Bethmann-Hollwegr was " iclarlngr that the United States had ' 'aced an Interpretation on the sub J arine declaration "never Intended by 4 rmany." and that Germany had pro I .eted and honored friendly relations t (Concluded Pas 4. Colurna a " i TEXT lOF GERMAN ORDER FOR ilOVE AGAINST THE i UNITED STATES. Following- is the text of the ln structloiis forwarded by German I 'orelgrnf Minister Zlmmermann at Iierlln tio German Minister von Sckhardt, In Mexico City, a copy of which is In the hands of the American Government: I "Berlin. Jan. '19. 1917. On the first of February we Intend to begin submarine warfare unre stricted. In spite of this. It ie our Intention to endeavor to keep -neutral the United States of Jlxb erica. ."If this attempt Is not suc cessful we propose an alliance "on the following basis with Mex ico: That we shall make war to gether and tog-ether make peace. We shall give general financial support, and it is understood that Mexico Is to reconquer the lost territory in New Mexico, Texas and Arizona. The details are left to, you for settlement. Tou are Instructed to Inform the President of Mexico of the above in confidence as soon as it Is ' certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States and suggest that the Pree- . ldent of Mexico, on his own ini tiative, should communicate with Japan, suggesting adherence at once to this plan; at the same time offer to mediate between Germany and Japan. "Please call to the attention of the President of Mexico that the employment of ruthless subma rine warfare now promises to compel England to make peace In a few months. (Signed) "ZIMMERMANN." T 1 INDIANA GRANTS SUFFRAGE Governor Signs Bill Giving Virtually Entire Franchise. INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 28. P enor James P. Goodrich signed t Roman's partial sufrage bill this ' vulng. The law gives the w m of Indiana the right to vote for 1 residential elec tors, delegates to the constitutional convention to be held next year, for practically all state officers except Governor. Lieutenant-Governor, Secre tary, Treasurer and Auditor of State, and for all county, city and township offices. AMERICANS LAND IN CUBA Marine at Guantanumo to Guard Property From Damage. HAVANA. Feb. 28. Although it be came deJnltely known here today that about 35) Auierican marines were 'land ed yesterday at Guantanamo for the purpose of guarding sugar mills and other property from possible damage, officials here would not discuss the matter. ' No mention of the landing was made in official reports and not a single Ha vana newspaper touched upon the sub ject toda. BRITISH STEAMER IS SUNK Trltonla, Carrying Horses to Iilver- pool, Said to Be Lost. BT.-JOrlNS, N. B.. Feb. 28. Word 'of the sinking of the British steamer Trltonla ffaa received in a cable mes sage to the agents here today. No de tails were) given. The Trltonia sailed from this port February IS for Liverpool with a gen eral cargp and stopped at Halifax, N. 8.. on j the 16th to take on some horses. She was built in Glasgow In 1893 and registered 12720 tons. APPLES MAY BE BARRED i Australia .rrobably to Prohibit Im ports From America, i LONDON Feb. 28. William Morris Hughes, the Australian Premier, says Keuter's Melbourne correspondent Inti mated to a' delegation which called on him that the importation of Amerl can apples j would probably be prohlb lte1 ( The depuitatlon visited the Premier with regard to tne restrictions on ex port of apples, and the Premier prom lsed to do hls utmost to assist crops. EMBARGO IS PUT ON RICE Ship Lines Put on Ban at Port of Galveston, Tex. GALVESTON. Tex., Feb. 28. An em bar so on riJre shipmnts through the port ot Oaiveston. destined to New York and poltnta beyonl, was announced by the Mall-.fy steamship line. A sim ilar embargo by the Morgan line el- ready is in fprce. s The embargo was placed, it Is said, to give opportunity to clear stocks al ready booked! for passage. DRY - LAW HITS COMMONS Liquor Salesf in Pai (lament to Be . Curtai led as Elsewhere. LONDON. K''-b- 28 A' resolution was adopted In thr House of Commons to- day recommer- ding the catering com- mlttee of the sale of intoxi iHouse to -observe in the atlng liquors the same restrictions In posed upon the general public. Heretofore tips sale of Intoxicants In Parliament ha not been affected by any outside act Ion. GERARD IS Off WAY: SHIP HAS NO CONVOY All on Infanta Isabel Deeply Anxious. SUBMARINE ATTACK FEARED Ex-Ambassador Concerned for Others in Party. 40 AMERICANS ARE ABOARD First 6 Honrs of Trip Passed With No Untoward Incident Danger Regarded as Slight After First 24 Honrs. BT CARL VT. ACKERMAN. (Correspondent of the New Torlt Tribune. Copyrighted. 1017. by the Tribune Associa tion. Published, by arrangement.) ABOARD S. a. INFANTA ISABEL (via wireless to Flnisterre). Feb. 28. The Infanta Isabel is now six hours out from the Spanish co' ;t. Bo far there has been no untowu d Incident. Former Ambassador James "W. Gerard and his party are well. There has been no excitement over the possibility of a submarine attack on the ship, but everybody is deeply anxious, even Mr. Gerard finding It Im possible to conceal a certain vague feeling of foreboding.' ' Concern Not for Self. It Is not for himself that he is most anxious, -but for the members of his party whom he had repeatedly warned against sailing In company with him. He cannot shake off the feeling that his ship might be made the particular target for, attack by submarines. This uneasiness has been Increased by news of the torpedoing of the La- conia and shadowy hints of a speech by Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg, in which all respect for the Americans sailing on the high seas is reported to have been thrown overboard by the man who hitherto stood against Tir pits and Reventlow for continued friendship with the United States. Mr. Gerard feels no-ry that he and his party are no safer from attack than any one traveling the seas in this period of danger. Infanta Isabel Not Convoyed. The former Ambassador does feel. however, that if we escape without attack during the first 21 hours, there will be little danger of trouble with the submarines. The Infanta Isabel la not being con voyed in any way, much against the wishes of certain members of the party. The weather is moderate. The embarkation v?as uuvsntful. The Infanta Isabel cleared from Corunna for Havana, which la expect ed to be reached by March 8 or 9. Washington Sends No Word, TJp to the moment of sailing Mr. Gerard had received no word from Washington as to whether Germany would consider his passports valid up to the time he reached American soil. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gerard are bear- (Concluded on Page 4. Column 2. THE BACK-YARD "DRIVE' T t PORTLAND FIRM TO BUILD2CUNARDERS CONTRACTS FOR 10,000-TOX STEAMERS AWARDED. Columbia Shipbuilding Company Is Known to Have Been Flgnrlnar. Seattle Gets Job, Too. PHILADELPHIA. Feb. 28. An nouncement was made today that the Sun Shipbuilding Company at Chester. Pa., has received a contract from the Cunard line for two standard 10,000 ton cargo boats. Other concerns, including the Beth lehem Steel Company and Seattle, Wash, and Portland. Or., . concerns have reeclved similar contracts. BALTIMORE. ltd., Feb. 28. The Bethlehem Steel Company at Sparrows Point announced today that it had re ceived contracts for two cargo ships of 10,000 tons each from the Cunard Com pany. Negotiations have been conducted with the Cunard line by J. R. Bowles, president of tho Northwest Steel Com pany, and who is Interested In the Co lumbia River Shipbuilding Corporation, maintaining a plant alongside of the Northwest's yard, and also in the J. F. Duthie & Co, of Seattle. In all. It Is said five vessels were offered, and It is known the Cunard line Is negotiat ing as well for two steamers under construction at the Northwest yard for Norwegian owners. It was said last night that Mr. Bowles had not communicated with his Portland colleagues as to the actual awarding of contracts, though It Is fully expected information will be for warded Immediately. The Portland and Seattle plants. In which Mr. Bowles Is concerned hold contracts for 8800-ton ships, they being standardized types, and while Eastern contracts are for 10,000-ton carriers, those awarded on the Coast are probably the same size na those now. being worked on for other owners. SOLDIERS IN QUARANTINE Pneumonia, Measles and Mnmps Spread In Border Camps. EL PASO, Tex, Feb. 28. Because of the spread of pneumonia, measles and murrrps among the soldiers of this diS'-j trict, a quarantine has been placed upon all camps by order of General Bell. The Army medical authorities ad- Lvleed the measure, which is intended to keep the men as much as posssible In the open air. Only soldiers . oa military ' business will be permitted to come Into El Paso, although all can move freely among the camps. The percentage of illness, however. Is not high, the medical offi cers state. HORSE SHIP IS ASHORE Steamer Leysian Is Total Loss on British Coasts NEWPORT NEWS, Vs., Feb. 28. Reports received here today by Furness, Withy & Co., Ltd., the agents, said the British steamer Leysian, engaged in the horse transport trade between this port and Avonmouth, England, went ashore on the British coast February 24 and will be a total loss. The vessel was returning here after discharging horses at Avonmouth and the message said that her crew, includ ing a number of American muleteers, had been rescued. AGAINST THE HIGH COST OF EATING WILL SOON BE ON. " HoSy ' . ARMED NEUTRALITY ACTION IS BLOCKED La Follette Filibuster, Single Handed, Wins. YOTE DELAYED 1TIL FRIDAY Revenue Bill Carries In Sen ate, 47 to 37. PARTY LINES FOLLOWED Measure to Raise $350,000,000 by Special Taxes Passed Only Alter Bitter Fight Special Ses sion Seems Likely. WASHINGTON, March 1. The Ad ministration revenue bill, designed to raise $350,000,000 through special taxes and bond Issues, was passed by the Senate last night by a strict party vote, 47 to 87. Senator Stone, chairman of the for eign relations committee, sought unan imous consent to dispense with parlia mentary formalities In order to get formally before the Senate the armed neutrality measure reported by the committee, which would authorize the President to arm American ships and employ "other Instrumentalities" to protect American life and rights on the sea. La Fellette Alone Objects. Prompt objection came from Senator La Follette, who insisted on consuming time reading the Journal of previous days over the vigorous objection of Senators Fall and Poindexter, Repub 1 leans. Finally the "Wisconsin (Senator was induced to withdraw his objection on condition that there should be no at tempt .to pass the bill before Friday, When Democratic leader agreed to this, the committee presented the bill with a favorable report and Senator Stone asked that it lay over until Fri day. Adjournment Finally Taken. . - Then the Senate adjourned until 10 o'clock this (Thursday) morning, the majority abandoning plans for taking up the naval appropriation bill. There was no indication what would be the attitude of Senator La Follette when the bill comes before the Senate for action. The Democrats are taking it for granted that he will oppose it. but hope he will not undertake to force an extra session by a persistent fllibus ter. Hoose May Act Today. . The Democrats had no intention of trying to force the armed neutrality bill to a vote tonight, as it is desired that the House pass It first because of the bond Issue provision it contains. The House Is expected to act under a epecjal rule late today. Immediately after the vote on the revenue bill which followed the defeat of scores of amendments offered In quick succession by Republicans, Sen ator Stone moved to adjourn until 12:40 Concluded on Pa.se 7. Column 1.) . CAR SHORTAGE IS NOW GETTING LESS SOTJTHERX PACIFIC LINE IS CLEARING UP ORDERS. Worst . Stage Seems to Be Passing. 1822 Empties Sent In by This Road In Ten Days. SALEM. Or., Feb. 28. (Special.) The backbone of the car shortage on the Southern Pacific lines In Oregon seems to be broken. This is particu larly true as to cars routed over the lines of the Southern Pacific, but a shortage still exists as to cars routed east via Portland. Reports received today by Edward Ostrander, secretary of the Publio Serv ice Commission, show a drop from a shortage of 1023 freight cars yesterday to 748 cars today. This Is the lowest shortage of cars shown since the acute situation began several months ago. According to the reports filed there Is every Indication that tho big bulk of - the shortage as far as Interstate shipments and movements south into California are concerned on tbeir com pany's lines has eased up and will be done away with. Within the last 10 days the report shows that the Southern Pacific has brought 1322 empties into the state for use on its lines, and this great In flux of cars available for use has largely cleaned up the orders. Reports received at the commission also show that the Southern Pacific Company, after constructing nearly 3000 freight cars, has recently put rush orders into its own and other shops for nearly 2000 additional cars, and It is probable more construction orders will follow. BERLIN OFFERS STEAMERS Germany Wonld Replace Seven Dutcli Merchantmen Sunk. THE HAGUE, Netherlands, via Lon don, Feb. 28. The German government has offered to replace the seven Dutch merchantmen which were torpedoed off the English coast last week with Ger man freighters until the end of the war on condition that Holland pur chase them afterward. One newspaper says the report that the steamers Branberg, Eemland and Zaandijk are still afloat? has not been confirmed. ) The steamships Brandberg, Eemland and Zaandijk were three of the fleet Of seven Dutch merchant ships torpe doed by German subriartnes February 22, The aasterlan4, Jscatra and Noorderdljk' were known definitely to have been sunk, while a fourth, the Menado, was reported to have been towed into Falmouth. JOHN M. HAINES BETTER Uopo Is Now Entertained for Re covery of ex-Governor. BOISE, daho. Feb. 28. Ex-Governor John M. Haines, of luaho. who was thought by his physician Monday to be at the point of death, has rallied. Hope now is entertained for his re covery. INDEX OF TODAY'S NEWS t The Weather. TESTBRDArs Maximum temperature 47 degrees; minimum. S3 degrees. TODAY'S Fulr; northeasterly wind a Submarines. Germany found to have aelced Mexico and Japan to Join In offensive alliance agalnat United States. Page 1. Gerard at sea without convoy. Pace 1. Son of woman victim of U-boat asks chance to serve against Germany. Pace 8. Britain ltmtte lines to freight and troop movementa Pare 2. Callfornlan listed among Lacoaia dead. Page 3. , Opposition to rrantlng President's request Is melting. Page 1. America demands Instant release of four American Consuls. Pagre 2 Belch stag leaders back Kaiser in TT-boat policy. Page 2. German Intrljrues unearthed along West Coast of Mexico. Para 4. War. British take Gornmecourt and are within mile of Bapaume. Page 5. National. Donble victory for prohibition Is won in House. Pare 8. La Follette blocks action on armed neu trality bill. Page 1. Domestic: ' Two 10.00O-ton Cunarders to be built in Portland- Pav 1. Sport. Crucial hockey game tomorrow nights Page 14. Beavers are . defeated by negroes, to 1. Page 14. Pacific Northwest. Car shortage seems to have passed worst stage. Page 1. More charges of bribery made against Beat tie police inspector. Page 15. Teachers omit "patience" in list of 10 vir tues. Page 7. Governor names Phil Metschan, Jr., and W. J. Hofmann to disburse . tourist fund. Page 6. Idaho Speaker calls on member to right. Page 7. Compromise on probate code reached at Olympia. Page 6. Commercial and Marine. England's efforts to get wheat stimulates' Chicago market. Page 19. - Potato - ablpmenta are stopped owing' to weaker Eastern markets. Page 19. Sharp decline In war stocks in Wall street. Page 19. Meteor get crew and ' will sail today. Page 18. Portland and Vicinity. Mayor praised for patriotic stand. Page 8. Dairymen bope to get butter standard. Page 9. Grade-crossing - removal contract Is let. Page 9. Patriots provoked by views of pacifists. Page 8. Chiefs air charges against four firemen. Page 8. February bank clearings record gain of tl2.3B4.60O over last year. Page 11. Prices of shoes climb higher yet. Paga"18. W. L. Thompson, lllghway Commissioner. pledges economy. Page 15. Two more Jitney franchises ' granted to Stephen Carver. Page Is. Judge Lasfgguth's last day Is busy eae Page 18. Weather report, data and forecast. Page 1 WILSON'S REQUEST IS GAINING SUPPORT Opposition, to Protec tion Plan Melting. ACTION IN 24 HOURS FORECAST La Follette Indicates He Win Conduct Filibuster Alone. HOUSE GETS FLOOD BILL, Pacifists' Communications to Con gressmen Followed by Telejjrams JFrom Constituents Demand ing Vigorous Act. WASHIXGTOX. Feb. SSJ Opposition In Congr -ess to granting authority to -President "Wilson to protect American rights and lives on eea began melting today and the Administration leaders confldently predicted action within an other 24 hours. There were Indications that many of the Republicans of the Senate. who. though favoring: the steps proposed. In sist that Congress should be called in extra session, would vote or the meas ure requested by the President whea the roll was called. Xm. follette to Filibuster. The chief If not the only reason for uncertainty was found In the attitude of Senator a Follette, who has given indications 6f preparing; for a single handed filibuster In the closing hours of the session. Details of the destruction of the Cunard liner Laconla, published In the morning papers, and telling of the suf fering and death of an American moth er and daughter among the passengers, had Its effect during the day. Mem bers of the House and Senate whose communications had come largely from pacifists began receiving telegrams, from their constituents calling for vig orous action by the Government. Flood Bill Reported. The Mouse foreign affairs committee early In the day reported out the Flood bill, authorizing the President to arm American ships, with amendments eliminating the provision for the use of "other Instrumentalities" and adding a prohibition against the insurance of munition ships by the Government War Risk Bureau. A special rule to expe dite passage of the measure was Intro duced by Chairman Flood, of the for- eign affairs committee, who said he probably will press It tomorrow. It would provide for a vote not later than 4 o'clock P. M. The Administration plan is to have the Senate substitute for the House measure the bill reported by the Senate committee and based upon a memoran dum prepared by. the President. In the form of a conference report the leaders anticipate no difficulty in having the House pass the substitute promptly. Bryan Gives Indorsement. Ex-Secretary Bryan appeared at the Capitol tonight while the House was debating the District of Columbia pro hibition bill. It developed, however, that he had not come to support the efforts of the pacifist group and in a general way Indorsed President Wil son's address to Congress. Another aggravating incident was added to the situation today by the re ceipt of a word from Gernfany that four American Consuls were being held In Germany because a German Consul, on his way from the United States to Ecuador, had been delayed In Cuba. A statement of the facts and a request for immediate release of the Americans was cabled tonight. Announcement was made at the State Department that Instructions had been sent to Ambassador Elkus at Con stantinople to report definitely and immediately whether Turkey would guarantee, not only for herself, but for her allies, the safety of the American cruiser Des Moines and the naval col lier Caesar in taking relief supplies into Syria and bringing out the 1000 or so marooned Americans there. Am bassador Elkus, having sent a rather ambiguous promise from the Turkish authorities, was told to say that un less definite and specific guarantees were received from Turkey binding all the central powers, the two vessel would not be allowed to proceed. Michigan Republicans Lead. The veering of opinion at the Capitol in ' favor of the armed neutrality bill was apparent throughout the day. The first concrete indication came at a meeting of the Michigan Republican delegation In Congress, called by Sen ator William Alden Smith. The dele gation agreed to support tho bill de sired by the President, not to oppose defense measures or to try to force an extra cession and to stand squarely be hind the President In the emergency. "Walt until members of Congress hear from the country," declared Major ity Leader Kern to several of his col leagues, "and I think we shall see a rallying of members of both houses." A few minutes before he heard of the action of the Michigan delegation one Republican Insisted that an extra session of Congress would be held. When Informed of the attitude of the Michigan Republicans he expressed surprise and added: "Perhaps that may be catching.'" .- -' Semate Awaits House Actios. Eenate leaders determined today no? to attempt to reach a vote on the bill until the House bill has been passed. tCoaoluded en Pace T, Column 8.) t-- -V.' I, I