Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1917-03-01
ASKS
ARMED NEUTRALITY
AGAIN ADDRESSES CONGRESS
ON SUBJECT OF VIOLATED
AMERICAN RIGHTS


Wilson appeared before congress this
afternoon and asked for authority to
place the United States in a state of
EARNED neutrality" to resist the Ger
man submarine menace.
Continued invasion Of the plain
rights of neutrals on the high seas,
further sacrifices of American lives
and ships, the intolerable blockade
Of American commerce-almost as
ehectual as if the country was at war
have taken the place of dreaded
"overt act," which was expected to
shock the world and have forced the
president to the next step toward
war.
Still Wants Peace
The president asked to be empow-
cred to take whatever steps are nec-
essary, which includes the arming Of
ships, the conveying of merchantmen
by war vessels or what other steps
are necessary, and made it plain
again that he wanted peace, but not
at the price of American lives and
rights or by driving the American
flag from the sea.
Congress is expected not only to
authorize the president to use the
armed forces Of the country, but also
to provide money.
Once before in the infancy of the
republic, a state of armed neutrality
was proclaimed to check predatory
violence" upon American rights in the
war between France and England, but
it did not result actually in war for
the United States.
Depends on Germany
Whether any armed neutrality will
mean war depends on whether Ger
many realizes that the United States
is ready to protect it's neutral rights
by whatever steps are necessary.
With full realization Of the
solemnity of the occasion, the presi-
dent too X his action with the calm
confidence that congress and the
country will stand behind him.
The grim faced body of senator's
and representatives who less than a
mt ath ago heard the president pro-
nounce the words which announced a
severance Of diplomatic relations
with Germany-an act which in all
the history Of first class nations al
ways has led to war-heard today in
tense silence and grave attention the
words which carry the American re-
public step further in its stand
against ruthless sacrifice Of neutral
rights and lives and step nearer
war if it must be.
President Wilson arrived at the
capitol just before 1 o'clock and
promptly at that hour stepped up to
the clerks desk in the hall of the
house where both branches of con-
gress, meeting in special joint ses-
sion. were assembled before him.
"It is devoutedly to be hoped,"
said the president at one point, "that
it will not be necessary to put armed
forces anywhere into action. + 4 X
~ am not now proposing or con-
war or any steps that
need lead to it. X X
War can come only by the willful
acts and aggressions of others
Not Declaration of War
To ask for authority to use the
forces of the United States to pro-
tect American rights is not in any
sense to ask for a declaration of war,
nor is it an act of war. It is to pre-
pare the United States for what may
be war-like acts by any other nation.
The president pointed out that
while he desires peace, there is some
thing greater than peace-the pro-
lection of the sovereign rights of |
American, and that the untramelled |
rights of American ships to sail the |
seas unmolested by any foreign ma
lion must be upheld.
Mr.. Wilson's decision to go before
was partly caused by the
act that Germany's campaign is
keeping American ships tied up in
American ports. Such a condition, the
president pointed out, is unbearable.
Liner Sunk
Washington, Feb. 26.-News of the
sinking of the Cunard liner Laconia
With Americans aboard, was receiv-
ID here as the president was on his
way to address congress. Although
without details it's grave possibilities
ldded emphasis to the presidents
words. .~
London, Feb. 26.-It is stated au-
henticallv that the Laconia was tor
,edoed without warning. @
Queenstown. Feb. 26.-The Cunard
inc steamship Laconia, of 1909 tons
ross. which sailed from New York
february 18 for Liverpool, has oeen
unk.
The survivors of the Laconia are
aid to number 27O. They will be
anded tonight.
DIR. JONES RETURNS
DR.. and Mrs. G.. S. Jones returned
unday after being absent nearly two