New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-04-19
CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS

IN ignorance OF its full purposes, and
in a tense silence il was passed.
Secretary Tumulty returned 70 the
White House, and Congress. as the pos
sibilities of the Presidents action
dawned upon IL, was galvanized with
a realization of its significance.
The Senate. which had settled down
70 a night session on the army bill,
listened attentively while Senator Will
Jams spoke of the need of national de-
fence. and then in quick succession
adopted amendments which in effect
would eventually create an available
fighting force of one million men. Inc
reorganization Of the national guard,
the creation Of a volunteer army, mill
tsry training in schools and an amend
ment 10 increase the standing army 10
100000 men, a number much in excess
of the military committees recon-
mendations or the provisions of the
House bill. were quickly approved and
the bill itself was passed and sent 20
conference 70 adjust differences win
the House. There was no visible con-
nection between the two events. but its
signifcance was remarked upon.
President Wilson's purpose in go
ing before Congress is explained 70 be
In recognition Of the fact that while
the executive branch Of the government
has power 20 break diplomatic rels-
lions Congress alone has the power 70
declare war, and the President feels
therefore that Il should be advised of
an action in which IL may subsequent
ly be called upon 70 bear part.
Usual Secrecy Precautions.
President Wilson has guarded with
unusual precautions for secrecy the
words ne will deliver. Contrary 10 Gus
tom. no copy Of his remarks will be
given out in advance. He will read from
personally prepared manuscript on
which he has worked three days and OF
which no copy was made. Some OF the
Cabinet members know. and they are
bound in honor not 20 reveal, the Pres
ident's aim before he speaks TO Con-
gress, the country and TO Germany.
The President has refused 10 tell his
own secretary, because, as the Presi-
dent EXPRESSED il, he expected his sec
rotary would be questioned about II.
Count Won Bernstortf. the German
Ambassador, calling upon Secretary
Lansing by direction Of his govern
ment almost at the moment the Presi-
dent was arranging the joint session OF
Congress, was informed that the Seere-
tary could not discuss the situation
with him at this time. II was evident
that the ambassador was seeking in
formation Of the American govern
ment's plans, and that il had been de-
cided he should not have IL.
The ambassador did state, however,
TO Secretary Lansing that while under
no circumstances could Germany. give
I'D the submarine, because 1t was being
used in retaliation for Great Britain's
food blockade, his country would at
tempt 70 use the submersibles in &C.
cordsnce with international law and
Germany's assurances TO the United
States. He added that In any case
where instructions to submarine com,
manders were violated reparation would
be made, in accordance with the assur-
ances given in the Lusitanis, Arabic
and other cases. Secretary Lansing
told the ambassador he would see him
again in a few days.
When .he ambassador learned OF the
arrangements for to-morrow's joint Sea-