Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-12-09

full partnership between the natlons
of the western hemisphere in worlt
affairs-was proclaimed by Presiden
Wilson today in his third annual al
dress to congress, the theme of which
was preparedness by the United
States to defend not only its/own in
dependence but the rights Of those
with whom it has made common cause
Every recommendation embodied ir
the document had to do with compre
hensive plans for Strengthening the
national defenses. The program In
cluded the army and navy plans al
ready made public by Secretaries Gar
rison and Daniels; legislation for gov
eminent owned merchant ships; a
rural credit law; the Philippine and
Porto Rico bills which failed of final
passage at the last session; conserya
ton legislation; a law giving federal
aid to industrial and vocational educa
ton; and the creation OF commission
to inquire into the transportation prob
lem.
Naturalized and native born Ameri.
cans who, sympathizing with belliger-
ents abroad, have plotted and conspir-
ed to violate their own country's neu-
trality were scathingly denounced by
the president. and congress was urged
to provide adequate federal laws to
deal with such offenders.
Internal taxation was proposed as
the means Of providing the money
necessary to add to the naval and
military establishments. Source OF
taxation suggested were incomes, gas
oline, naptha, automobiles and inter-
nal explosion engines, fabricated iron
and steel, and a stamp tax on bank
checks. Extension of the war revenue
bill and continuance of the present
tariff on sugar were recommended.
and the sale of bonds opposed.
His Longest Message.
This message was the longest Mr.
Wilson has ever delivered to congress.
He began with statement that since
he last addressed congress:
1.-THE European war has extended its
threatening and sinister scope until it
has swept into its flame some portion
of every quarter of the globe, not
excepting our own hemisphere, has
altered the whole face Of international
affairs. and now presents prospect
of REORGANIZATION and reconstruction
such as statesmen and peoples have
never been called upon to attempt
before"
The United States has remained
interest In the causes and because it
was the duty Of the nations of the
western hemisphere to prevent collec-
tive economic ruin.
The president pointed to the atti-
tude of the United States towards
Mexico as proving that this country
has no selfish motives in it's interest
In countries in Central and South
America. There was time, he said,
when the United States looked upon
itself as a sort Of guardian of the
republics to the south as against the
encroachment or efforts Of political
control from Europe.
But" he added, 1T was always diff
ficult to maintain such a role without
of1ense to the pride of the peoples
whose freedom of action we sought
to protect, and every thoughtful man
of affairs must welcome the altered
circumstances Of the new day in
whose light we now stand, when there
is no claim of guardianship or thought
of wards, but, instead full and hon
orable association Of partners between
ourselves and our neighbors, in the in
terests Of all America, north and
south.
Our concern for the independence
and the prosperity of the states of Cen
trail and South America is not altered.
We retain unabated the spirit that has
inspired US throughout the whole life
OF our government and which was so
frankly put into words by President
Monroe. We still mean always to
make common cause of national in
dependence and Of political liberty in
America. But that purpose is now
better understood so far as it concerns
ourselves. It is known not to be
'asr purpose. 1t Is known to have
thought OF taking advantage
ernment in this hemisphere
its political fortunes for
,nefit. ALI the governments
Ca stand, so far as we are
Led, upon footing of genuine |
" and unquestioned independ-
Still Watching Mexico.
Je have been put to the test in the
IF Mexico, and we have stood the
declared the president. He
at it remained to be seen
fexico had been benefited
Sc taken by the administra-
1T I'VE have at least prov
will not take advantage Of
distress and undertake to
her an order and govern
OWN choosing
isl continued the presi- |
den me states Of America are !
not e rivals but cooperating |
jfrienL nd that their growing sense
OF COM .Gnity interest, alike in mat
tiers political and in matters economic
Is likely to give them a new signifl-
canoe as factors in international af-
fairs and in the political history of the
world.
SIT presents them as in very deep
and true sense unit in world affairs,
spiritual partners, standing together
because thinking together, quick with
common sympathies and common
Sdoo1o thew n NJ e,,h;oot ~