"This government has no alternative consistent with the United States' dignity of honor but to follow the course which it declared in April, 1916, would be followed unless Germany effected an abandonment of her submarining methods."
Tremendous cheering followed from both sides of the chamber and from the galleries when the president made the following statement, which is believed to mean that he will ask congress to sanction a declaration of war:
"If American ships and lives are to be sacrificed, I shall take the liberty of coming before congress again to ask for authority to use any means necessary to protect our seamen. I can do nothing less."
The president said he simply could not make himself believe that Germany intends to abandon her ancient friendship for the United States, break her solemn obligations, and kill American citizens on the seas.
He has asked that all neutral nations follow the United States' course.
Following the address, the president went directly into conference with Newton D. Baker, secretary of war, and Josephus Daniels, secretary of navy.
The state, war and navy buildings are all closed to visitors today.
Spain will handle the American diplomatic business in Germany.
The kaiser is expected to give Americans in Germany 15 days in which to leave.
AMBASSADOR BERNSTORFF HANDED HIS PASSPORTS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 3.—Count J. H. von Bernstorff, German ambassador to the United States, was handed his passports at 1:57 this afternoon, he announced that the Swiss minister will represent the Germans in this country hereafter. He refused to make any statement or to answer any questions: "I am only a private citizen now," he said. 