Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1917-02-26
PRESIDENT ASKS
FOR Permission
To ARM Ships
lcontlnued from IIrst Pagel

Inc SfIQdIlOn We una NuAANAAtn Ah
with regard TO the actual conduct OF
the German submarine warfare
against commerce and its effects upon
our own ships and people Is sub
stantially the same that 1t was when
addressed you on the third OF
February. except FOR the tying UP Of
our shipping in our own ports be-
cause Of the unwillingness OF our
ship owners TO risk their vessels at
sea without insurance or adequate
protection, and the very serious con-
gestion Of our commerce which has
resulted is growing rapidly more and
more serious every day.
This in itself might presently ac-
complish, in effect. what the new Ger
man submarine orders we're meant to
accomplish, so far as we are con-
cerned. We can only say, therefore,
that the overt act which | have ven-
tured 20 hope the German command
ers would i'm fact avoid has not oe-
Cured.
"But, while this Is happily true, it
must be admitted that there have
heen certain additional indications
and expressions Of purpose on the
part Of The German press and the
German authorities which have In
creased rather than lessened the im-
preston that. II our ships and eur
people are spared, II will be because
of fortunate circumstances or because
the commanders Of the German sub
marines which they may happen TO
encounter exercise an unexpected
discretion and restraint rather than
because Of the instructions under
which their commanders are acting.
IL would be foolish to deny that
the situation is fraught with the
gravest possibilities and dangers.
mo thoughtful man can fail to see
that the necessity for definite action
may come at any time. II wa are in
fact and not in word merely. to de.
fend our elementary rights as a neu-
trail nation. II would be most impru-
dent to be unprepared
u cannot in such circumstances un-
mindful Of the fact that the expiration
Of tho term of the present congress IS
Immediately at hand, by constitutional
limitation. and that it would IN all like.
lihood require an unusual length Of time
TO assembly and organize the congress
which is to succeed it. / feel that /
ought, in view Of that fact. to obtain
from you full and immediate assurance
Of the authority which / may need at
any moment to exercise No doubt ]
already possess that authority without
| special warrant Of law BY the plain i'm
| plioation of my constitutional duties
and powers, but / prefer in the present
circumstances not TO act upon general
| implication. I wish to feel that the
autohrity and the power Of tht
congress are behind me in whatever j
may become necessary for me to do. w
are jointly the servants Of the peopl
and must act together and in their spiri
50 far as we can divine and interpre
mo one doubts what il is our dut
70 do. We must defend orr commerc
and the lives Of our people in the mids
of the present trying circumstances wit
discretion, but with clear and steadfas
purpose.
Armed Neutrality Urged.
"since 1t has unhRppiiy proved i'm
possible 10 safeguard our rights b!
diplomatic means against the unWar
rantcd infringements they are suffer
ing AT the hands of German, there may
be no recourse but 10 armed neutral
! fly. which we shall continue TO main
tain and for which there is abundant
/ American power. II is devoutly 10 be
hoped that it will not be necessary tc
put armed force anywhere into action
The American people do not desire II
and our desire is not different from
theirs. | am sure that they will I'M
derstand the spirit in which / am now
acting, the purpose / hold nearest my
heart. and would wish to exhibit II
everything | do.
II am anxious that the people OF
the nations at war also should make
and not mistrHst us. ! hope that
need give no further proofs and as
surances than | have already given
throughout nearly three years o.
. anxious patience that l. am the frienG
Lof peace and mean TO preserve II FOL
America so long as | am able. ] an
not now proposing or contemplating
! war or any steps that need lead Y
! II. merely reuest that you will &C
cord me BY your own vote and den
mite bestowal the means and the au
thority 10 safeguard in practice thu
right OF a great people who are a
/ peace and who are DESTROYS OF eNer
GiSlnE none HNb lut 4AbhNo ~ fNst's
to follow the pursuits Of peace in y
! ouietness and good will-right
+. recognized time out Of mind by 81
! the civilized nations Of the world. N
} course or my choosing or Of their
/. will lead TO war War can COM
+ only by the wilful acts and aggres
+ sions Of others.
: you will understand why ! ca
= make no definite proposals or fore
: casts OF action now and must ask 70
your supporting authority in the mos
general terms. The form in whie
action may become necessary cannt
. vet be foreseen. believe that tn
!. people will he willing to trust me I
: net with restraint. with prudence an
] in the true spirit of amity and goo
faith that they have themselves dis
Z. played throughout these tryin
!, months: and ii IS i'm that belief thf
I i request that you will authorize m
! to supply our merchant ships wit
1 defense arms should that becem
necessary and with the means {
using them and to employ any othe
, Iinstrumentalties or methods ths
2 may he necessary and adequate {
5 protect our ships and our people
7 their legitimate and peaceful pursuit
:, on the seas. I request also that yo
: will grant me at the same time alor
: with the powers I ask, a sufliciel
III - ~ =.