Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-04-03
Debate Resolutions Today

SS0Os0 oGoSIoki0uS bO6ay
When the President had finished
speaking, resolutions to declare a state
of war existing were introduced in both
houses of the Congress referred to ap-
propriate committees and will be debat-
I'd tomorrow. There is no doubt of
their passage.
The objects of the United States in
entering the war. the President said,
were to vindicate the principles of
peace and justice against selfish
and autocratic power" Without selfish
ends, for conquest or dominion, seeking
no indemnities. or material compensa-
tions for the sacrifices it shall make.
the United States must enter the war,
the President said, to make the world
for Democracy as only one of the cham
pions Of the rights of mankind and
would be satisfied when those rights
were as secure as the faith and free
dom Of nations could make them.
Summary of Address
The Presidents address was sent in
full to Germany by German official
news agency for publication in that
country. The text also went to Eng
land. and a summary of its contents
tions.
To carry on an effective warfare
against the German government. which
he characterized natural foe to lib
erty." the President recommended:
Utmost practical cooperation in
counsel and action with the govern
ments already at war with Germany
Extension of liberal financial credits
to those governments so that the re-
sources of America may be added so far
as possible to theirs.
Organization and mobilization of all
the material resources of the country.
Full equipment of the navy. particu-
larly for means of dealing with sub
marine warfare
An army of at least 100000 men,
based on the principle of universal liza
bility to service. and the authorization
Of additional increments of 100000 each
as they are needed or can be handled in
training.
Raising necessary money for the United
States government SO far possible with
out borrowing and on the basis of equit
able taxation.
All preparations, the President urged
should be made in such way not tC
check the flow of war supplies to the
nations already in the field against Ger
many.
Measures to accomplish all these ends
the President told Congress, would be
presented with the best thought of the
executive departments which will bt
charged with the conduct of the wal
and he besought consideration for then
in that light.
Scene Of Enthusiasm
President Wilson's appearance before
Congress was marked by scene of the
greatest enthusiasm ever shown since he
began the practice of delivering his ad
dresses in person. Crowds on the outside
of the Capitol cheered him frantcally az
he entered and as he left. Congress roar
ed cheer after cheer in an outburst OF
patriotism.
From the galleries, the only member;
who appeared not to be joining in the
demonstration were some Senators of the
group which the President branded az
'wilful men, who. by preventing a vote
on the armed neutrality bill had made
the great government of the United States
contemplate.
Chief Justice White was among those
who cheered loudly and there was no d.
vision of spirit between Republicans and
Democrats.
While the President was speaking, word
of the torpedoing without warning of the
American steamer Aztec, the first Amer
lean armed ship to be attacked in the
barred zone, was passed from mouth to
hut ha did NOT know
of it until he had finished.
While Congress works tomorrow on
the war resolution the cabinet will hold
war session to which Maj. Gen. Scott
chief of staff of the army, and Admiral
Benson chief of operations of the navy,
may be invited. Meanwhile many days
of hurried preparation for the eventual
ity which now confronts the nation have
borne their fruit and remain only to be
carried further.
The nation is on a war footing, de-
claring war upon no other only girdins
itself to take up the gauntlet that had
been so ruthless1y thrown down.
The President reached the capitol
about $40. AS his big motor swung
around the east front of the big build
ing. two troops of the Second Regular
Cavalry on guard, sabreS glittering un-
der the arc lights swept the plaza
clear while the hundreds of people
cheered. He was taken immediately to
the Speakers room and then into the
House chamber. where the senators
were just filing in. Six members of the
supreme court who had taken seats in
front of the Speakers stand. stood and
faced about
The President entered amid deafen-
ing cheers. Never had he been greeted
rs he was tonight 1t was noticed tsat
Senators La Toilette, Stone and Cum
Minis. who helped defeat the armed neu-
trality bill in the last session did not
join in the applause. Senator La Fol-
lette stood with arms crossed and head
sunk over his chest. Senator Lane. an
other of the group. applauded mildly
and Senator Kenyon more vigorously. -.
The President began his address as
soon as quiet was restored He spoke
slowly at first, then faster than usual.
Audience Serious and Quiet