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Newspaper
Washington Post
Location
Washington, Washington Dc, United States of America
Date
Mar 31, 1917
Page
1
President Wilson rushes to finalize a joint session address amid preparations for a large scale war against Germany. Officials expect formal recognition of a state of war soon after the extra session opens. Plans outline 1,000,000 troops, coast defenses, and all branches mobilizing while pacifist opposition grows.
Chicago officials consider adding wax figures at beaches to illustrate proper and improper bathing suits. A city council committee discussed rules, endorsing skirts over skin light jerseys, but not requiring stockings. They insisted swimsuits must not extend within four inches of the knee.
London dispatch transcribes Alfred Zimmermann denying letters to Carranza and detailing Germany's plan to ally with Mexico and invite Japan after war with the United States. He criticizes U S neutrality and contrasts German conduct with Washington. Haase notes U S agitation and political reactions.
New Orleans March 30 Gen Julian Irias former liberal party presidential candidate in Nicaragua is detained by city detectives and federal agents on a nominal illegal entry charge but is held for possible involvement in a large scale plot said to be backed by German interests in Latin America. He is held incommunicado at the parish prison with authorities silent on charges while Latin American sources claim conferences in Mexico City with Honduran Nicaraguan Guatemalan Salvadoran and Costa Rican revolutionists and a German agent. Irias recently traveled in Mexico City and Laredo and has denied any revolutionary ties saying old papers may explain the case.
Senators and House members arrive from heart to heart talks with the people to declare the nation united behind President Wilson. If he seeks a declaration of war Congress will approve by a large majority, with even broader support for mere recognition of a state of war. Respondents from Texas Michigan and Indiana voice willingness to defend the flag if war comes while hoping peace could be preserved.
Rio Janeiro reports the French bark Cambronne arriving with rescued sailors from sunk steamers. They describe a raider flying the Norwegian flag before hoisting the German banner and firing. An armed vessel, likely the converted raider St Theodore, was spotted 1000 miles east of Sandy Hook by the Mongolia. The Mongolia crew notes the raider’s two masts one funnel war gray color three guns 16 knot speed and German wireless. The St Theodore reportedly sunk off Rio after transferring prisoners. The Mongolia completes the first American Atlantic crossing since German submarine warfare began, under Captain Emery Rice with 141 crew including 72 Americans.
Philadelphia March 30 Cunard Steamship Company plans to place orders in the United States for 114 passenger steamers costing about 120 million dollars. Ships will range 8000 to 17000 tons. Builders report labor shortages and form an alliance to recruit more workers. Last month Royal Mail Line, Cunard subsidiary, ordered twelve ships for 30 million dollars.
Chihuahua City March 20. Franciseco Villa led 3500 cavalry in a bold bid to seize Chihuahua City but was repelled with 500 prisoners and 350 killed or wounded. Key Santa Rosa Hill battery aided by a central station battery opened fire. Gen E Hernandez broke the line, taking 200 prisoners. Villa’s force reportedly numbered 3600, facing Carranza troops with 129 dead or wounded.
Eighteen German submarines and a base were reported found off Haiti and towed toward the United States guarded by a battleship. The claim was quickly repudiated by Washington officials who said the report could not have occurred.
The Democratic caucus renominated Champ Clark for a fourth term as Speaker. One hundred eighty-one of 214 Democrats attended, with plans to fill four vacancies on the Ways and Means Committee. John Carew likely named as New York’s member. Republicans to caucus to nominate a full slate with Mann favored for Speaker. Capstick ill with broncho pneumonia taken to hospital.
Index to Today's Issue lists sections on war coverage with Wilson, U S blame, Congress stance, naval actions with two raiders in the Atlantic, Clark named by Democrats, British advances, Villa attacks, harbor plan by Baker, a large U S secret service, Poland and Russia, expert lists on war, thaw discussions, railroad vs News of Alexandria, editorial comment, society notes, sporting events, finance, and city news briefs.
Copenhagen reports say more than 40 Americans were captured and sent to Germany by the German raider Moewe. Most were aboard the Esmeraldas and sunk, with one American, Smith, aboard the Brecknockshuma. Prisoners are in Westphalia, while Benson, who sailed on the unarmed Staat, was released. Other sailors, including two Danes, remain aboard armed merchantmen.
British headquarters report Royalcourt Sorel le Grand and Fine captured between Bertincourt and Roisel after sharp fighting. German attack near Neuville Bourjenval repelled with losses. British enter lines east of Neuville St. Jonst and take prisoners. Artillery active. Belgian detachment makes raid at Steenstraat. Canadian forces repulse four assaults east of Neuville St Vaast with heavy losses. Continued fighting described in Champagne and Ypres sectors.
Special to The Washington Post reports the Orduna arrival in New York and the capture of a young German U-boat commander. A British raider fitted as a merchant ship hunted submarines by shadowing sea gulls, locating subs, and forcing the surrender at Liverpool. The prisoner confessed to sinking Laconia and Folia and was tied to a Southampton hotel stay prior to capture.
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