New Britain herald., 1917-02-26

the German press and the German authorities, which have increased ra- ther than lessened the impression that, if our ships and our people are spared, it will be because of fortunate circumstances. A-
 Tt would be foolish to deny that the situation is fraught with the grav- est possibilities and dangers. No thoughtful man can fail to see that the, necessity for definite action may come at any time, if we are in fact, and not in words, merely, to defend our elementary rights as a neutral nation. It would be most imprudent to be unprepared.
 II cannot in such circumstances be unmindful of the fact that the expira- tion of the term of the present con- gress be immediately at hand, by constitutional legislation, and that 1t would in all likelihood require an un- usual length of time to assemble and organize the congress which is to suc- ceed it. lt-
 T feel that I ought in view of that fact. to obtain from you. full and inn mediate assurance of the authority which 1 may need at any moment to exercise. No doubt I already possess
 
 of law, by the plain implication of my constitutional duties and powers. but l prefer in the present circum- stances, not to act upon general inn plications. I wish to feel that the authority and the power of the con- gross are behind me in whatever it may become necessary for me to do. We are jointly servants to the people and must act together and in the spirit, so far as we can divine and in terpret it. No one doubts that it is our duty to do so. We must defend our commerce and the lives of our people in the midst of the present trying circumstances with discretion but with clear and steadfast purpose. Only the method and the extent re- main to be chosen upon the occasion, if occasion should indeed arise.
 Since it has unhappily proved inn possible to safeguard our neutral rights by diplomatic means against the unwarranted infringements they are suffering at the hands of Ger many, there may be no recourse but to armed neutrality, which we shall know how to maintain and for which there is abundant American precedent Tt is devotedly to be hoped that it will not be necessary to put armed forces anywhere into action. The American people do not desire it and our desire is not different from theirs ] am sure that they will understand the spirit in which I am acting the purpose I hold nearest my heart and would wish to exhibit in everything I do. I am anxious that the people af ,yr1r Sh derstand and not mistrust us. I hope that l need give no further proofs and assurances than I have already given throughout nearly three years of anxious patience that am the friend of peace and mean to preserve it for America. so long as I am able. I am not now proposing or contemplating war or any steps that need lead to it. ] merely request that you will accord me, by your own vote and definite bestowal the means and the authority to safeguard in practice the right of a great people who are at peace and who are desirous of exercising none but the rights of peace to follow the pursuit of peace in quietness and good will-rights recognized time out of mind by all the civilized nations of the world. No course of my choosing of theirs will lead to war. War can come only by the wilful acts and ag- gressions of others
 You will understand why I can make no definite proposals or fore casts of action now and must ask for your supporting authority in the most general terms. The form in which action may become necessary cannot yet be fOreseen
 Il believe that the people will be willing to trust me to act with TO- S1raint with prudence and in the true spirit of amity and good faith that they have themselves displayed throughout, these trying months; and it is in that belief that I request that
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