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Newspaper
San Antonio Light
Location
San Antonio, Texas, United States of America
Date
Feb 26, 1917
Page
1
Liner Laconia sank off Queenstown after leaving New York on February 18. About 270 survivors are reported, with some missing and one dead. The ship was torpedoed without warning, per American consul Wesley Frost in Queenstown.
President Wilson asked Congress for authority to use the army and navy to protect American rights on the high seas. He urged supplying merchant ships with guns and funds for defense, saying the action aims to safeguard humanity and pursue peace, not war. Legislative plans were to be introduced in the House, with debate over funding and timing.
President Wilson outlines the German submarine policy against neutral and belligerent commerce, cites sunk ships Housatonic and Lyman M Law, seeks authority and credit to defend neutral rights, and emphasizes humanitarian aims and peaceful conduct. He warns of possible armed neutrality if needed and urges Congress support without proposing immediate war.
The British liner Laconia sailed Feb 15 for Liverpool with 33 first class and 42 second class passengers aboard and six Americans among them. Twenty Americans were in the 216 crew plus one American in second class. Officials confirm one life lost with no detail on passenger or crew. The cargo included war supplies, wheat, cotton, provisions, fruit, steel, sundries and silver totaling vast quantities.
London reports say Turkish forces on the Tigris are falling back toward Baghalah as British cavalry press the pursuit. Exat El Amara has been captured and all Turkish positions from Samaiyatt to Kut El Amara are now secured, with Kut El Amara in British hands.
American Line officials say the St. Louis St. Paul Philadelphia New York and Kroonland await government provided guns to resume sailings. The Finland is en route from Europe. If convoyed by U S warships the passenger ships will sail unarmed. Kroonland to become a freighter.
Ambassador Willard in Madrid cabled that Spain notified him 72 American sailors from the prize ship Yarrowdale were released by Germany on February 16. No further details were given.
Tonight and Tuesday unsettled and colder in the San Antonio region. Strong winds and possible showers may affect the immediate vicinity as a cold front moves through. Residents should prepare for brisk temperatures and brief rain or drizzle.
Forecasts show St. Louis at 62 with a southwest wind and rain, Chicago at 44 with a north wind and rain, Milwaukee at 24 with snow, Kansas City at 40 with rain, New York at 38 with rain and a south wind, and Washington at 40 with rain and a south wind.
New York officials announce a broad campaign to ease high food costs. Governor Whitman backs eating cheaper staples as the city studies price rises. A million school-circulated leaflets urge rice over potatoes onions and cabbage while grocers join a boycott on certain goods.
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