UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1917, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS TO CONRESS. FULL POWER ASKED FOR. ARMED NEUTRALITY. Washington. Feb. 215. In his address to Congress, Mr. Wilson recited the circumstances of the Housatfjiiic and Lvman Law as evidence of the (ierman determination to disregard the rules of humanity and international law. He pointed out ho.w American commerce had suffered. "Our commerce," he said, "is suffering rather in apprehension than in fart, rather because 30 manv of our ships a re tini'dlv keeping to their home ports than because American ships have been sunk.'' The situation at present was substantially the same as when he addressed Congress last, except for this tying up of American commerce. An overt act, however, had not occurred, but expression? of purpose on Germany's part had given ground for the impression that, if an overt act was avoided, it was because the German submarine commanders acted with unexpected discretion and restraint. The situation was fraught, with the gravest dangers and possibilities, and the necessity for definite action might .come at any time, therefore, as Congress was about to expire, Mr. Wilson asked for full authority and power, end that Congress would deal with the situation in whatever way was necessary, with the purpose of defending the lives and commerce of the American people. If it is impossible to safeguard American rights by diplomatic means against ■unwarranted infringements,' thee raay be 110 recourse but to armed neutrality, for which there is abundant American precedent. "It is'devoutly to be hoped it will not be necessary to put armed forces anywhere into action. The American people do not desire it, and my a°slre not different from theirs 1 ., i mil sure they will understand the spirit in which I am acting-and the purpose I hold next to my heart and would wisli to exhibit •in everything I do. I am anxious that the peoples of the nations at war should hot mistrust us. I hope that I need 'give no further proofs and assurances ■than I have already given throuar.pnc nearly three years of anx'ious patience that I am the'friend of peace, and mean to preserve it for America as long as I am able. I am not now proposing or contemplating war, or any other steps that may lead to it. War can only come •by the wilful acts and aggression of ■others." Mr. Wilson explained that he wanted ■the general authority of Congress, believing that the people were willing to trust him to act prudently and in the true spirit of amity. lie also asked authority in particular to supply American ships with defensive armament, and for a credit to provide insurance as against present war risks. The President concluded by emphasising the necessity of keeping fundamental human rights before all minda in America. Speaking of 110 selfish material rights, but of the rights whose foundation is that righteous passion for justice upon which all law and all the structures of the family, of the State, and of mankind must rest, no man with Ameri; can principles at heart can hesitate t<> defend these things. Mr. Wilson asked Congress for authority to arm merchantmen and take any •other means to protect American lives and interests on the high seas. Ho declared the time had arrived when ■influences other than material/things .must be considered if the United States •was to uphold her citizens' rights. WHAT THE PRESIDENT MEANS. WILL BE AUTOCRATIC. CONGRESS WILL PROBABLY AGREE. AIMING 01? LINERS. Received Feb. 27, !>S p.m. Washington, February 20. Tremendous interest was taken here and in New York in President Wilson's address, which is interpreted as meaning that he intends to take the power whether it is granted or not. Despite the studied repression of the President's tone, the statement is regarded as the final step short of war. The general opinion is that Congress will grajit the powers asked for. Semi-official.—lt is believed that liners will probably be armed next week. ® SPECIAL WAR BOND ISSUE. Eeceived Feb. 27, 8.5 p.m. Renter Service. Washington, February 2G. It : is proposed to have a special war bond issue of £20,000,000. TWO AMERICAN LADIES PERISH. Received Feb. 27, 5.5 p.m. New York, February 27. The Times' Queenstown correspondent reports that "two Americans, Mrs. and Miss Hoy, of Chicago, perished in the sinking of the Laconia. BLOCKING A SUBMARINE BASE. GERMANS FINANCING CUBAN REVOLUTION. Reuter Service. Received Feb. 27, lO.'-lo p.m. Vancouver, February 27. A German attempt to establish a submarine base at Lucia Island, south-east of Cuba, has been blooked by United States destroyers. Passengers. 011 a Cuban liner confirm that, Germans are financing a Cuban revolution. PROTECTING AMERICAN CITIZENS. .A BILL INTRODUCED. Received Feb. -28, 12.10 p.lll. Washington, February 27. Mr. Flood has introduced in the House of Representatives a Bill empowering the arming of merchantmen, also authorising the president to take other steps to protect the citizens and appropriating 100,1)00,000 dollars therefor. The papers almost unanimously support the granting of the power asked. NAVAL DEFENCE. Received Feb. 28, 12.45 a.m. New York, February 27. The Secretary of the Navy is organising a volunteer reserve and an auxiliary fleet of 750 ships, also small craft amt;io.OOO men fafahdaMßfeftt 'the de-