Arizona republican., 1917-03-10
ORDER ID ARM
 SHIPS MADE BY , WILSON IN bEO
Republican A. p. Leased wirel

WASHINGTON. March g.-President Wilson from a sick bed today ordered the arminc of American merchant ships against Germany's ruthless submarine warfare, and at the same time issued a proclamation calling an extra session of congress to meet April l6.
 The presidents decision came sud- denly late this afternoon. following the action of the senate yesterday m re- vising its rules to permit prompt action on important questions and the sub- mission of formal opinions by Secre- tary Lansing and Attorney General Gregory that he has the power to arm merchantmen without action by con Sress.
 Details of the governments armed neutrality plans for -eiending the mer- chant marine were withheld to avoid cndangering Amer cans and theiI ships by permitting the information tc reach Germany. The only statement at the White House and the navy de- partment was that the president was determined to protect American rights
 The decision, conf < at the end of a period of tense waiting was generally hailed as the unavoidable next step in the policy adopted 9y ,Ie president when he broke off diplomatic relations with Germany and Garc warning that the United States could not tolerate at taclzs on American ships and citizens in violation of international law.
 Fraught with the grave possibility 0i war with Germany the action was taken by President Wilson only after he was convinced that Germany aCtu- ally was proceeding with her cam paiGn of ruthlessneSS and had madC efforts to plot with Mexico and Japan aainst the tcrritoria -n.egrity of the United States
 Long before the orc ss' was given from the White house. all necessary prepar- ations for the arming of merchantmen had been completed 7 the navy de partment. Secretary Daniels how ever, issued an appeal to the press O, the nation tO refrain from discussing these preparations
 The presidents action sent a thrill through the senate, meeting in speola session. and through the government departments. Still hoping that wal with Germany will be avoided official. and senators declaT1G that the issue rests entirely with Germany.
 Formal announcement of the govern ments policy was given in the follow ing announcement issued from tht White House
 Secretary Tumulty stated in eonnec- ton with the presidents call for ar extra session in congress that the president is convinced he has the power to arm American merchant ships anG ts free to exercise it at once But g, much necessary Legislation Is pressini 4or consideration iiss.. ne is convince. that II IS for the best interests of tht country to have an cdTlY session of th, siXty-tifth congress. whose support ht will also need n all matters collatel i.. io the defense of our merchant marine.
 The president signed the proclama- lion calling the extra session of con gress and authorized the publication of the explanatory statement with Sec retary Tumulty standing at his bed side severe cold has kept him iron seeing callers for three days and h. was put 10 bed by his physician yes terday
 In deciding that he has power |, arm merchantmen. fhe president tool the position that an old statute passe, in lS1g. cited in the senate debate q prohibiting such a step. without con Sressional action. has no application to the present situation. He is satis fled that the nation stands behind hin and accepts the overwhelming vote l. the house on the armed neutrality bil and the known opinion of large ma JoTltV Of the senate as proof Of the at titude of congress.
 Although the bin which failed O passage in the senate provided for bond issue of sl00.e00. 900 to pay th expenses of armed neutrality. the gov ernment has sufficient money availahl Tor it's immediate purposes. Congrcs will be asked to provide more whei the extra session conyenes.
 Under a bill passed during the Ia S days of the last congress the funds q the disposal of the federal var ris bureau to insure American ships va increased to s15.000. .O00.
 Armed neutrality is expected 10 re move the practical blockade of Amer ican ports and place the issue C eventual war squarely upon German, An attack upon an armed America vessel will precipitate al, fight if th ship gets sight of the submarine. an an unwarned attack would be regarde by the United States as an act of wa
 The presidents proclamation callin the extra session of congress follows
 Whereas, public interests requir that the congress of the United State should be convened in extra session { l2 o'clock noon on the 10th day ( April 1917. to receive such communica tions as may be made by the executiv
 Now. therefore, l. Woodrow Wi son. president of the United States America, do hereby proclaim and ds clare that an extraordinary occasio requires the congress of the Unite States 10 convene in extra session {
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