Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-05-11


Washington. n. c.. May 11.-Presi-
dent Wilson said today that his speech
In Philadelphia last night was not a
declaration OF policy in reference TO
the Lusitania disaster; that he was
not thinking OF any special matter. but
OF the newly naturalized Americans in
his audience. The president used the
expression that he was thinking of the
Cain" some people were trying TO
raise
The president made Il clear that he
was expressing a personal attitude and
not referring TO any specific case. That
led TO the belief in many quarters that
the president had not reached a deci-
sion in the Lusitania case and was
speaking his personal feelings as to
the ideal the United States should have
in this situation as well as other phases
OF the worldwide war. II was taken
that he was endeavoring TO explain
broadly that the United States should
seek 10 serve the cause of humanity by
using its influence TO secure an ad-
herence 10 the rules and principles OF
international law, wherever they have
been contravened.
The president said he would make
decision on the policy to be followed
in the Lusitauia case as soon as he [
had all the elements in mind. For the
present he had nothing 20 add, he said, /
20 his statement of last Saturday night /.
which was that he was considering /
very earnestly but very calmly the .
right course OF action 20 pursue" and /
that he knew the country expected him /
10 act with deliberation as well as .
with frmness."
For Solid Nation.
Ills Philadelphia audience thought he /
was referring specifically 10 the Lusi- I
tania tragedy. but the president indi-
Gated today he meant his speech to COW
er the entire subject OF foreign rela-
tions as well as domestic solidarity
with reference TO aliens who have be
come naturalized In America
Chairman Stone of the senate foreign !
relations committee. discussed the
Lusitania disaster with the president
before the cabinet meeting began and
later said he had no expectation that
an extra session OF congress would be
called.
For Ship Purchase Bill.
]
sage 90 the government ship purchase
bill which failed In the last congress.
Such a step. he said. would provide
American ships 20 carry American pas
sengers and goods He added that he
took Il for granted that the United
States would find means 10 protect its
own ships. /,
Senator Ia Toilette. another White
house caller today. opposed the sug-
gestion that diplomatic relations with
Germany be broken of. Il am for
peace" said Senator La Toilette. 7
want the United States 10 take a firm
stand. but I am opposed TO war"
The Philadelphia speech was inter
Dreted BY official Washington. never
.heless. as meaning that whatever y.
course is pursued the United States i.
would endeavor 10 serve the
,ause OF humanity by appealing to
Germany TO end her submarine war
are against unarmed merchant ships
,arryinE non-combatants.
In some quarters the suggestion was l
made that the president might forego
he usual means OF diplomatic CORE
lpondence and address a message in
,erson TO Emperor William 1t was I y
pointed out. by persons hitherto in the
Presidents confidence that he might Y
lrst try 10 prevent a recurrence of
uch an attack as was made on the .
.usitania. taking up subsequently the
question OF reparation for the loss OF
american lives. 2
Germany's disavowal OF any inten-
ion TO destroy American lives was
ooked on by many officials as signih-
ant OF Germany's desire to maintain
relations with the United L
itates and that her main purpose was /
o terrorize Great Britain and paralyze (
travel. L