The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1916-04-19
WILSON
DIRECTS
Def AT
GERMANY
UItimatum Is "tO Sever DiplO-
matte Relations Altogether"
Only Reconsideration Pres
ent Submarine Warfare.
BREAK PLEDGE WITH IMMUNITY
Hundreds of Americans Sacri-
feed, President Tells Congress.
Sussex Most Shocking IlluStra-
ton; Cites Lusitania, Too.
immediately" IS DEMAND
IMMEDIATELY" is DEMAND
No Delay in Stopping Raids To
Be COuntenanced.
Saws: "We Are Spokesman for
the Rights of Humanity"

Washington, April 19.-Presi-
dent Wilson told congress assem-
bled in joint session shortly aft
er l o'clock this afternoon, he
had given Germany irrevocable
notification that the United
States will break off diplomatic
relations if her illegal submarine
campaign is continued.
A note, Americas last word,
practically an ultimatum, and
demanding an immediate reply,
presumably was in the Berlin
foreign office as the president
was speaking. 1t was dis
patched last night ir accordance
with the presidents plan to have
it before the German govern
ment at the same moment he
was addressing the American
congress.
The president asked no action
whatever of congress. He sim
ply informed it of the accumula-
ton of facts proving that Ger
many's assurances to the United
States are being violated; that
the submarine campaign despite
the earnest protest of the United
States is being conducted with
renewed vigor in contravention
of all the laws of nations and hu-
manity and that he means to
sever relations unless it is
brought within the law.
War Certain to Follow.
Diplomatic history of the world
shows that such a course is almost GER
tain to be followed by war
The presidents note and his address
to congress are final. They mark the
end of diplomatic negotiations. A con-
tinuance of the long standing friendly
relations, the president made clear
depends alone upon Germany's con-
duct.
Galleries Were Filled.
Representatives of the allied coun-
tries filled the diplomatic galleries of
the house. Women ruled in the pub
lie galleries, less than twenty men
finding places in the six hundred seats.
lery. In the cabinet party We're Secre-
taries Lansing, Baker, Houston and
Wilson, Attorney General Gregory and
Postmaster General Burleson.
The vice president and senators ar
rived at 1850 and marched in double
file down the center aisle. the mem
bers of the house rising and remaining
standing until they were seated.
While the senators were taking their
seats President Wilson reached the cap
itol and waited in Speakers Clark S
office just outside the chamber. AS
the president entered the chamber,
just before / o'clock. senators, repre-
sentatives. cabinet and galleries arose.
An outburst of applause gave way to
loud cheering. During this demon
stration the president shook hands
with the speaker and the vice presi-
dent and then bowed to the assem-
blage.
Audience Was Grave.
The president began his address,
speaking slowly and distinctly. His
voice was heard throughout the cham
bre.
As the president began the review OF
the German submarine campaign
there was no demonstration to pune
tuate his recital of the sacrifice OF
American lives. Not a sound was
heard above the presidents voice as
he spoke the name Lusitania.
Every head bowed forward as the
president indicated that he was ap-