EXT** \—Sp tng Mobilizatl • of Nation's Resources~NT^ ir T T ' * 7l y r *T^A HARRISBURG WmßSs> TELEGRAPH LXXXVI— No. 37 18 PAGES OFFICIALS D KAISER'S PEACE PLEA Berlin Asks Parley, but Washington Says Move Is In sincere; Rejection Predicted Unless U-Boats Are Stopped During Negotiations LITTLE HOPE IN GERMANY THAT WAR WITH U. S. IS AVOIDABLE Emperor William Calls Conference Presumably to Discuss Submarine Campaign and Position of Neutrals; May Try to Divide Public Opinion Here Washington, D. C., Feb. 12.—The German proposal delivered to the titate Department Saturday that means be discussed for preventing the break in relations from resulting in war appar ently has struck no responsive cord here. No otlicial would indicate whether a reply already been given, but there was no disposition to denv that the proposal has been made or to deny that the American govern ment regarded it as an effort on tho part of Germany to befog the Issue. Sharp Refusal Forecast Sharp refusal to consider hints for a discussion of the submarine situation with Germany unless it be preceded by abandonment of the campaign of ruth lessness and restoration of the bussex pledges was forecast here to-day. Official opinion has soiidified that Germany's suggestions of negotiations cannot be considered while ships are being sunk in a campaign which has brought forth the moral condemnation of most of the neutral world. Officials admitting to-day for the first time the receipt of such an offer through the Swiss minister regard the suggestion as an attempt to becloud the issue and weaken the govern ment's position. They gave Indications that it must be met by prompt action. They regard it as somewhat strange that Germany should now show a will ingness to negotiate on a subject she put into effect without discussion with this country or any attempt to give the American viewpoitn consideration. It was made clear everywhere in government circles that there was nothing to discuss unless Germany de sired to stop abridging American rights and illegally menacing American life. In connection with the German sug gestion special Interest attached to cable dispatches announcing that Em peror William had called a conference, presumably to discuss the submarine campaign and tho position of the neu trals. It was suggested that out of the conference might come something more tangible than the mere oral suggestion that Germany would like to discuss means of praventing the addi tion of another nation to her long list of enemies. What has been done so far is con strued only as an attempt to place upon the United States the appearance of belligerency. The chief purpose, it is believed,is to bewilder public opinion here and divide the country, and the move is about as unwelcome here as if Mr, Gerard in lierlin had gone behind the German government, through the Spanish ambassador, who represents the United States there, in an appeal to the German people on a wholly in complete issue. Whether any sort of answer will be made beyond a mere acknowledgment to the Swiss minister, who presented the suggestion yesterday, is uncertain, as that matter rests entirely with President Wilson. Opinions differ, some believing it wiser to ignore the suggestion entirely. It is possible that a summary of the present submarine campaign, with a list of the sinkings without warning and the loss of lives, may be submitted as further showing why the United States and other neutrals believe Ger many's course outside the bounds of law. Germans Trying to Atioid War but Have Slight Hope Copenhagen, Feb. 12. —Little hope or expectation prevails in lierlln that war with the United States is avoid able or that a modus vivendi recon ciling the policies of the two great THE WEATHER, For Hiirrlxliure nnd vlelnltyt In Ir, continued cold to-nlulit, with Imv cM temperature nliout 4 ilruriM'N below irroi Tuesday fair, with riiins temperature. For Knhtrrn Pennsylvania! Fair and continued coltl to-nluhti Tuesday fnlr, with riHiiiK temperature's moderate nortliwcNt wlmli, lie- I'omini; variable. Itlver The Siwuuphiiiiiiii river and all Its branches will fall Rlowly eicrpt local rises may occur where the channel hrrmnca cloßKetl with lec. static of nliout 0.0 feet IN indi cated for llarrishiirK Tuesday morning. General Conditions The nrea of hlitli pressure that wan over the Upper Missouri Valley, Saturday mornitiK, hus appar ently united with the hlnh over the Southeastern State*, torinlnur nil filriwlw xyntem of unusunllv 111 uh linrometer coverlni: most of the country cant of the Kocky Mountains, with Its center over Indiana. I.lurht to moderate rains have oceurred In the (iulf States and Georttla and there have lieen Unlit rains and snows In tile Pa cific States anil In Idaho mid Kan sum elsewhere fair wentlicr lias prevailed. Temperaturei 8 a. m., 4 tleßrees above r.ero. Sum Hlses, 7)01 a. m. Moon: Hlses. 11 tin p. m. Hlver Stairct ll.<l feet above low wnter mark. Yesterday's Weather Iflrhest temperature, 10. J.owest emperature. 12. Mean temperature. IC. Normal temperuture, 21' governments can be found. There now is a desire on the part of the authori ties and a vast bulk of the people to avoid actual hostilities in any way con sistent with the general lines of the present submarine policy, but only in such a way. Accordingly, instructions were given, so the Associated Press has been re liably informed, to submarine com manders before they started on their February mission to take the safe side when neutral vessels, particularly American, were in question, whenever possible. Enemy merchantmen, when recognized as such, were ordered to be sunk at sight, but neutral mer chantmen were to be warned when such action, in their judgment, was consistent with the object of the cam paign and the (safety of their own ships. It was realized, however, after the prompt and resolute stand taken by President Wilson, that these orders could only be palliative and only defer, not avoid, an ultimate break. Government Will Find Way to Arm American Merchantmen Held in Port Washington, Feb. 12. Within a few days the government will find a way whereby American merchant vessels now held in port by fear of German submarines, may arm them selves and resume their sailings, it was Intimated strongly by officials to day. This will be accomplished by private means. The government will not supply guns or gunners direct, nor even formally advise arming. Ship owners have stated that hereto fore they have been unable to obtain either guns or gun crews. Officials to-day were still inclined to regard the latest offer of Germany to discuss means of preventing war, presented through the Swiss minister Saturday, only as an effort to cast on the United States the appearance of being belligerent. The official atti tude seemed to be that the United States and German government can have no diplomatic dealings until Ger many gives up her program of unre stricted submarine warfare and that any other advances meanwhile serve only to becloud the issue of American rights. It is not certain whether any answer will be made to the suggestion. Officials noted with interest to-day that the submarine's toll of merchant ships yesterday had sunk to the lowest level since the new campaign was in augurated. New York Reaches N. Y. After Uneventful Voyage New York, Feb. 12. The arrival to-day of the steamship New York brought the number of American trans-Atlantic passenger ships at this port up to four. The New York sailed from Liverpool on February 3 and ac cording to wireless messages received from her passengers, passed through the submarine war zone without inci dent. The American liner Kroonland docked here yesterday, and the St. Louis and St. Paul, of the same line are still at their piers while their owners await news from Washington in regard to the policy recommended for American shipping that would risk the dangers of the German blockade. The Cunard liner Andania, from Liverpool January 31 and the Italian steamer Giuseppe Vfcrdi from Mediter ranean ports reached their docks here to-day. The British liner Cedric, which sails to-day for Liverpool without passen gers, will carry 5,000 sacks of mail, [Continued on Page 11] GOLD READERS of the smr-imic pendent will find a continua tion of the serial story, "Gold," on another page of the Telegraph this evening. This story will run in the Telegraph each evening un til completed. A synopsis of "Golil" has been supplied in order that Telegraph reatlers also may enjoy the remainder of this really re markable story of the days of MB in the gold fields of California. Another treat in store for publi cation shortly is "Nan, of Music Mountain," one of the best stories of love and adventure in the Old West that has ever been written. Just the kind everybody likes. Wateli for It. HARRISBURG, PA., MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 12, 1917. COMPREHENSIVE PLANS FOR PERMANENT ORGANIZATION OF COUNTRY'S RESOURCES Washington, Feb. 12.—Definite steps to hurry mobilization of the nation's resources as a part of the national defense program were taken to-day at a special joint session of the National Defense Council and its advisory commission. Americans personally familiar with what has been done in Great Britain, France and elsewhere have been asked to appear before the commission which hopes to be able to frame a report and recommendations for submission to the council this week. Director GifTord, of the commission, explained that steps now contemplated did not bear directly on the present international situation. The discussion to-day had to do with the desirability and means of taking advantage of the present situation to make effective comprehensive plans for a per manent organization of productive resources so that they could be drafted into the public service in war time with little delay. No special legislation will be sought at this time, although the commission will frame sugges tions as to necessary measures to be urged at a later date. TENSION RELIEVED BY ARRIVAL OF GERARD PARTY Safely Reach Zurich Where Ambassador Tells of Being Held Prisoner PRESSURE PLACED ON HIM Kaiser Tried Hard to Get Him | to Sign Treaty Pro tocol Zurich, Switzerland, Sunday, Feb. 11, 10 p. m., via Paris, Feb. 12, 4.45 a. m.—Most of the members of Am bassador Gerard's large party gave a genuine sigh of relief this afternoon when the Swiss border was reached, for the strain of the last few days had told more or less on the majority of the travelers. Ambassador Gerard met cordially the horde of newspapermen which crowded about him on his arrival at Zurich, clamoring for interviews for papers all over the civilized world, but be kept rigidly to his determination not to speak lor publication until af ter he has reported to President Wil son In Washington. The strain of the situation for the Americans in Berlin had been height ened toward the end by the efforts of the German authorities to induce Mr. Gerard to open negotiations for an amendment to the Prussian-American treaty of 1799. At the same time the German newspapers were Hooded with reports of the seizure of German ships by America and with stories of diffi culties and indignities encountered by Count Von Bernstorff. Ambassador Gerard was refused permission to communiated in cipher with Wash ington and the authorities ignored all denials of the stories printed in the German newspapers until an official message received through the Spanish embassy made it clear that the stories were false. Prior to this, Ambassa dor Gerard's telephone wires were cut, his mail and telegraphic privileges stopped so that he could not even in struct the American consuls—and he was, in his own words a prisoner. Petty Friction The combined result was uncer tainty and petty friction which was only increased when the foreign and military authorities shifted the re sponsibility for the delay in Gerard's departure from one to another. No American, least of all Ambassador Gerard, could obtain any definite in formation. It was pointed out to the officials violation of the measures were only applicable to actual war and the admirable self-restraint and po liteness of the German people with the resultant good effect, was being jeo pardized. Delay followed delay and one excuse was made after another until Friday night when the foreign office suddenly announced its willing ness to permit Mr. Gerard to depart on the following day. The names of correspondents and of other persons were added to the list but even then petty delays and uncertainties follow ed until shortly before tho train was boarded. Mr. Gerard's farewells were said in a friendly though formal manner. Many Germans were in the throng at the station which consisted partly of Americans who had not received per mission to depart on the embassy train and m ist await the police routine be fore IXJ' ng allowed to leave. The fact that it was not generally known that Mr. Gerard was departing reduced the demonstrations at the South German stations to a minimum of . curious crowds. The older women and the children were assigned to the sleeping cars on the train. The younger persons rode in the day coaches and made the trip of twenty hours to the border with no serious discomforts. The party was accompanied by two repre sentatives of the foreign office and guarded carefully by men from the secret service. The customs inspec tion and other examinations at the border were relaxed to a mere formal ity. j ®ht Star- JmVpmficnt UVCG It steals from out the shadow of the tomb And cries to all America, "Make room, In this your fated hour for memory!" The soul of Lincoln passed through grilling fires, Yet rose to meet a nation's high desires While none knew grief therein than he. Can we allow the flag our fathers' blood Stained with its crimson sink beneath the flood While all the waiting world stands by to see? The soul of Lincoln calls the souls of us, "Remember, oh REMEBER! Put your trust In God whose Hand controls the land and sea. "If blood be shed, there is no other way, Through tribulation cometh perfect day. Tbe"K*mg shall lead rcrtrsrs~He once lead me." —ANNA HAMILTON WOOD. Written For the Telegraph SEVEREST COLD WAVE OF YEAR SWEEPING IN Weather Bureau Issues Warn ing to Prepare For Below Zero Weather Warning that a cold wave was on the way was the best that the Harris burg Weather Bureau could promise this morning to the thousands shiver ing in the zero-like breezes. The lowest temperature In several years was the forecast for to-night. Advices from Washington shortly be fore noon were to the effect that an extreme cold wave, extending from the Middle West to the coast, would sweep down upon Pennsylvania districts late to-day. A temperature of at least 4 below zero is expected. This will be eight degrees lower than the official record early this morning. Slightly warmer weather will follow in the wave of the depression to-morrow afternoon, lee Foot Thick An estimate by E. R. Domain, fed eral meteorologist for Harrisburg, fixed the thickness of the ice on still water at from ten to twelve inches in thickness. Ice on the river is much thicker at many points where gorges and Jams have occurred. It is not unusual to find blocks of ice six feet [Continued on Page 11] HEADS WITH HIS TONGUE Kansas City, Mo., Feb. 21. Wil liam McPhcrson, of Highland Park, Ills., who lost his sight and both arms in a mine explosion In 1906 and who since then has learned to read with his tongue, by means of raised letters on porcelain slabs is here to-day being fitted with artificial arms. In a ser mon before a congregation last night he said he had fed himself yesterday for the first time in 11 years. TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS Patrons who desire to pay their subscriptions at the office instead of to the regular collectors and subscribers of The Star-Independent who desire may pay their subscriptions by calling at the Business Office of the Harrisburg Telegraph at 216 Locust street, opposite the Federal building. All subscription lists and ac counts of The Star-Independent are now at this office. If you have been paying your subscription to a collector, kindly continue to do so. The same man who has al ways collected from you, if you are a Star-Independent reader, will continue to visit you at the regular periods. CITY DETECTIVE BUREAU WILL BE ABOLISHED SOON Superintendent Windsor to Be Dismissed Possibly Tomorrow Harrisburg's City Detective Bureau is to be abolished and William L. Windsor, Jr., superintendent, dis missed, it was rumored to-day In city official circles. Council may be asked to approve this action to-morrow, it was under stood to-day, because of a preliminary report by C. J. Driscoll, of the New York Bureau of Municipal Research, who is making a survey of the Harris burg Police Department. Although it could not bo learned what recommendations had been made by the police expert, there seemed to be little doubt that the Detective Bu reau will soon be a thing of the past, and that Chief of Police J. Edward Wetzel will be given supervision of the detective force. Recommendations may also be made to Council to provide for the appointment of a clerk to the Police Department, who will probably be placed in charge of all records of com [Continucd on Page 11] NO I)RIIJL< IN THIS TRAINING Chicago, Feb. 12. A modification of universal training has been insti tuted at Northwestern University and the first classes were held to-day. There will be no drilling or carrying of arms, but the course includes only such phases of the training as can be taught in lectures. Three hours a week are to be devoted to the study. DTJKK TO INSPECT TROOPS London, Feb. 12. The Duke of Connaught will be appointed inspector general of oversea troops, according to the Times. The paper lntimatc-s that the duke will investigate the question of promotion of Canadian officers, which has been a subject of criUcism here. Single Copy, 2 Cents NIGHT EXTRA THREE MORE SHIPS SUNK TO-DAY BRING GRAND TOTAL TO 85 During the morning and early aft ernoon to-day only one large vessel was leported a victim of the new Ger man submarine campaign—the Brit ish steamer Netherlee, of 4,227 tons. She was last reported from Philadel phia for Dunkirk, France. Two small Steamers brought the total tonnage up to 4.9R8 for the period. In the field and military operations the British are pushing ahead on the Somme front, according to their latest reports, which recorded a gain of ground along a front of more than three-quarters of a mile north of Reaumont-Hamel in the Ancre region. | CARRANZA WANTS TO STOP EXPORTS i| [ Washington, Feb. 12.- General Caranza has sent a note Sj ! to the United.States, A Brazil and Chile, well ah jl j; to al! other neutral nations, asking them to join in an j j jj agreement to prohibit the export from their countries to lj. | the warring Euro{ f foodstuffs and munitions j! 11 of war s ' | j BRINTOM HURT IN AUTO CRASH jj |! Martin A. Brinton, head of the Banter Packer Com- || j| pany, real estate, of Camp Hill, suffered a broken kneecap jj |j and other injuries e automobi 1 he was !' jj,,. driving, ran into ate -Ae in the eastern part of j| !! (1 ji Camp Hill, late this afternoon. Th< ilew ihe !| •! laprobe into Mr. Briii' him. jl jj STEAMER LYCIA SUNK LATE TO-DAY j j; London, - Fob. 12.—The steamer Lycia has be< ii ]! Lloyd's Shipping The crew was saved. | j; The British steamer Lycia \ I !j tons, built in 1896, at Middlesbrough. ALLIED PLANES LOST j Berlin, Feb. 12. —By Wireless.—From the beginning ot J the war to January 31, 1917, German battle planes and anti- 1 air craft batteries destroyed 1,002 hostile machines, or 167 enemy squadrons of six machines each, according to official j jj atatistics obtained by the Overseaes ews Agency In the ! !| period stated, 1,700 hostile aviators were put out of combat j !! and machines values at 50,000,000 marks were destroyed. ' j| TO CONSIDER HIGH SCHOOL PLANS Harrisburg. City school directors and members' oi the jj Citizen's Advisory Committee will hold a special meeting to j[ morrow afternoon at 3 o'clock to consider a report on the j! briefs submitted by architects who appeared before die j[ board lor examination. An architect may be selected to l! draw plans for the new junior high school, to be erected in !; Allison Hill. jj SIXTH PENNA. TO LEAVE !| San Antonio, Texas, Feb. 12.—The Sixth Pennsylvania |! infantry is expected to get away from El Paso to-day. jj VILLA DRIVES CLOSE TO BORDER j| _ Calumbus, N. M., Feb. 12.—Villa troops have occupied • "j Twin Windmills, 26 miles south of the border and an inter l mediary base of the communication trial to Colonia Dublan, j[ according to Carranza officials here. A Villa drive toward ![ the border was reported from Western Chihuahua by other ! j sources here. All horses, mules and other stock were being j! commandeered, the Villa followers giving receipts for all j; property taken it was saiad. Washington, Feb. 12.—The United States has replied j| to Germany's proposal of a discussion of the si?bmarine sit |!| uation by declining to enter into any negotiation while the ]! proclamation of unrestricted warfare remains in effect and j; until Germany restores the pledges given in the Sussex case. |! The State Department to-d?y made public Germany's pro ]j posal submitted in a memorandum by Dr. Paul Ritter, the jj Swiss minister, and also the government reply, thereby |! confirming fully the announcement made by the Associated |j j Press last Saturday and printed in the Harrisburg Tele |; I gr a P h - I K i i Berlin reports the British operations to have been a series of attacks ex tending from Serre to the Ancre river which were sanguinarily repulsed, Ihe British, however, occupying some abandoned trenches. The French on the western front are conlining themselves ut present to raiding operations, several of which are reported by Paris to-day to have resulted successfully. Outpost encounters and surprise at tacks in comparatively small force are the only events along the Russian front recorded in the current com munications.
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