The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1916-04-20
President Delivers
Special MESSAGE
BREAK seen IMMINENT
Mole 10 Germany Is Held Back
by Wilson.
CAN ACT WITHOUT CONGRESS-

Rerrstorff Confers With Lansing.
Germany Refuses to Ahate It's u
Boat Campaign Against NeutraIs.
Action of President Has Purpose of
Uniting Neutral Nations of Earth
as TO the Rights of Humanity When
World Is Battle Torn.
Washington, April 19.-President
Wilson went before congress On the
German submarine issue at / p. M. The
note which the President intended to
send to Germany was held up. The
Presidents action clearly indicated
the very serious nature of the note,
which is virtually an ultimatun, and
the news that the President would
address congress came unexpectedly
and with dramatic suddenness.
IL had been announced that the
President would confer with congress
sional leaders before putting the note
on the cable but after the cabinet
meeting it was decided that the far
reaching consequences Of a possible
refusal by Germany to accede to the
Presidents demands fully justified
his addressing congress on the sub
1ect.
Don't Need Congressional Sanction.
The President asks no action on the
part Of congress. His executive pre-
rogative does not demand that he OBJ
tein congressional sanction for sew
erance of diplomatic relations with
Germany or action which may lead to
this.
But the President realizes that sew
erance Of diplomatic relations may
even lead to the necessity for more
drastic action and consequently feels
that the legislative branch of the gov.
eminent should be consulted. Besides
the President had practically pledged
himself to consult congress before
taking any definite action on the
German situation.
Obtains Congress- Consent.
Having informed congress Of his in
tention and after obtaining the tacit
consent of congress to go ahead, the
President addressed his final warming
to Germany on the submarine issue
Count Won Bernstorff, the German am
bassador, conferred with Secretary
Lansing at the state department but
said ne had no news from his govern
ment which changes the situation.
1t was understood that the ambassa-
dor had no instructions to consider
any specific case now in controversy
between the two governments, but to
take up the subject broadly and to
seek the viewpoint of the American
government in the present situation.
Refuse to Abandon U-Boats.
Count Won Bernstorff told Mr.. Ian.
sing that Germany could under no
circumstances give up submarine
warfare which, he reiterated, was in
retaliation for the British food block.
ade Of Germany, but that his govern
ment was attempting to conduct it in
accord with international law and the
assurances given to the United States.
For any unauthorized violations of
those assurances, he reiterated, Ger
many was ready to make amends.
Secretary Tunnlty went to the cap,
itol after the cabinet meeting and took
up the question Of joint session with
Majority Leader Kitchin of the house,
Majority Leader Kern of the senate
and Senator Stone, chairman Of the
foreign relations committee They i'm,
mediately went into conference with
Speaker Clark.
Arrangements were made at the
capitol for passing a resolution imme-
diately providing for joint session
of both houses to receive the Presi.
dents message.