Second Edition. THE WAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 293, 9 December 1914, Page 6

Second Edition. THE WAR.

America

, OPENING OF CONGRESS. THE QUESTION OF THE NATION. AL DEFENCE. [By Eiiioraio Thlbgbaph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] (Received 1.0 p.m.) Washington,, December 8. President Wilson, who opened Congress, asserted that the United states would never in time of peace bo ready to put in the field a nation of men trained to arms. The President objected entirely to compulsory military service, declaring it unnecessary.—(Cheering from the Democrats). Proceeding, President Wilson referred f° bow the United States stunted and hindered the growth of a mercantile marine, Government shipping services to Central and South America being imperative. Tin? Administration’s programme regarding business legislation was,, virtually completed, and the road'< wfis now clear before every honest business man. president Wilson declared in conclusion that when half the world was afire the United States would be careful to make a moral insurance against the spread of the conflagration which would be defined and certain to be adequate. Although some Americans were nervous and excited, there was no need to turn the country into a military camp.