UNITED STATES

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1916, Page 5

UNITED STATES

ON Hlg HIND LEGS.

wobblixg Wilson waking up. DOES HE MEAN IT? Received Jan. 30, 5.5 p.m. Washington, Jan. 20President Wi,lson, in an important speech, making a strong plea for military preparedness in the United State* emphasised how he had struggled to keep peace, but the liberty and honor of the nation were more important than that. Ho admitted that his message to Congress said that the need for preparedness was impressing but he had learned much in the meantime. Americans had a deepseated passion for peace, but they*were ready to fight at any tims for tha vindication of {heir character and honor, and would not ot any time eravenlj; avoid a contest. They would ratb*| Surrender territory than their Jdeals.. v y' ■ He desired to emphasise Ule iact that '(he circumstances of the waftd to-day were not what they were ye-sjerday, and he added: "I cannot tell yqfc what the international relations p{* flic United States will be to-morrow;,ai[d.l/iise the word literally, and I dare silent. Let the country suppose thp to-morrow is certain, to be as bright as to-day, America will net be the aggressor, but America does not control the circumstances of the world. We must be sure that we are faithful servants to those things we love, and be ready to defend them."

Washington correspondents regard the speech aa the last warning to Count Bernwlorff that Germany must give satisfaction to America over the Lusitania crime.