Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1914-12-08


Joint meeting of both branches of con-
eress today, is printed on page three
of this issue.-Editor The Argus).
Washington, d. c., Dec. S.-Presi-
dent Wilson departed from the pre-
pared text of his annual address to
congress today, which was devoted
principally to answering those who
contend that the United States is un-
prepared for national defense, to give
notice to the business world that the
legislative program of the administra-
ton, as it affects the regulation of
business, was practically completed.
He said it had resulted in a clear ROAD
to "unclouded success
Honest business men, the president
declared. need to have nothing to fear
in treading the way outlined in the
trust and currency bills. His words
were interpreted to mean no further
important business legislation was
contemplated.
The galleries were packed. The
president entered the chamber at
1890. A moment later he began read
ing his address. His voice was a trifie
husky.
The democratic side of the chamber
applauded loudly when the president,
discussing national defense, declared
the country would ever be ready, in
time of peace, "to put in the field
nation of men trained to arms" An
other outburst greeted a declaration
against compulsory military service.
I'VE are champions of peace and
the democratic side applauded, and
clapping frequently interrupted the
presidents argument that the United
States should preserve its reputation
as a peace-loving nation and his con-
clusion that it should never "have a
large standing army" Applause from
both sides of the chamber greeted the
presidents announcement for national
defense, "a citiZenry trained to arms"
when he declared: I'VE will not
change our attitude toward national
defense because some among us are
nervous and excited" Outbursrs of
applause and laughter interrupted him
nearly every minute. He concluded
his address at 1:10.
Military Lobby on Job.
President Wilson told callers today
he favored disclosure of all facts con-
nected with the preparedness of the
United States for national defense and
believed while the subject should be
discussed as fully as possible, the
whole question hinged on the method
Of investigation. The commission
plan proposed by Representative Gard |
ner he disapproves. The president |
said he had no especial knowledge of !
the existence of any lobby for stirring |
up military discussion at this time, |
but intimated he believed there was |
such an organized effort. He declares |
his correspondence shows widespread |
opposition to any efforts to involve |
the United States in militarlst move |
ment. The president refused to say |
he believed partisanship en-
tered into efforts to investigate the |
question.
Laugh on Senator Smith.
The president said he did not expect |
the administration legislative program !
would necessitate an extra session CT |
congress after March T. The presi- |
dent laughed when a report was
brought to his attention that Senator !
Smith of Michigan had said the evac-
uation of Vera Cruz was caused by an |
from Carranza giving the |
United States "a hours to withdraw
troops. The president said il was use /
less to comment on the report.