Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-01-25
President I our
For'PreparedneSs
Begins Thursday
viii Take His Program
Straight to the People in
the Hope of Accusing Con-
greSS to Action

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24.-President
Wilson, apparently refreshed by his two
day trip down the Potomac aboard the
naval yacht Mayfiower. today began the
task of clearing up all pending routine
business preparatory TO starting Thurs
day on a speech making trip to New
York and the middle west to lay his
plans for national preparedness before
the country.
The president had business and social
engagements which were expected TO
keep him busy from now until he leaves
for New York. His program called for
conferences today with members Of con-
gress, a cabinet meeting tomorrow and
several dinner engagements.
A complete program for his Swing
around the circle" in the interest of pre-
paredness was laid before the president
today. Ii had been mapped out by the
White House force while he was aboard
the Mayflower preparing the addresses
he will deliver Scores of invitations
for the president to include cities not
on his scheduled itinerary had to be re-
fused. At the White House today il
was said. however, that his route has
been arranged so that a brief stop can
be made at ST. Louis.
Except for an unexpected visit to his
toric Yorktown the trip down the river
Inc
president spent most OF the time work
ing on his speeches.
The preparedness issue, which has for
some time been overshadowed in interest
and discussion in congress by the Next
can problem and the international stu
alton. has again come TO the forefront as
a result of President Wilson's decision
10 make a personal appeal to the coun-
try in behalf of his program. In con-
sequence, friends and opponents alike
OF preparedness look for stirring times
In congress.
Many members apparently are waiting
TO hear from back home" on the subject
OF preparedness before deciding upon a
course OF action and it is believed that
the presidents trip not only will bring
out public opinion but arouse congress
to activity.
President Wilson decided today to
visit st. Louis on the trip. He will
make eight formal addresses.
Mayor PierpOnt and Representative
Edwards, of Savannah, called at the
dent Wilson TO visit that city on his
proposed speaking trip into the south
late in February.
Senator Tillman and members of the
congressional delegation of South Car
olinR, today conveyed to President Will
som the invitation Of the South Carolina
legislature to speak before that body.
The president told the delegation that
he would like to address the legislature
but did not know il his other appoint
ments would permit his doing so.
The president today was invited to
speak before the Virginia Legislature by
Senator'S Martin and Swanson, Represen-
tatives Glass, Flood and Carlin, and
committees representing the two houses
of the general assembly. The president
said he would accept if possible. No
date was set.
President Wilson wants the meetings
at which he will speak to be open to
the general public as far as possible.
The committees in charge have been no
titled that the president does not de-
sire entertainments of apOlitical char
acter arranged for him.