The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-02-26

lies beneath these phrases and gives
them dignity and weight. 1t is not of
material interest merely that we are
thinking. 1t is, rather, of fundamental
human rights. chief of all the right
of life itself. I am thinking not only
of the rights of Americans to go and
come about their proper business by
means of sea, but of something much
deeper, something more fundamental
than that; l am thinking of those
rights of humanity without which
there is no civilization.
:. For Protection of Mankind.
7- my theme is of those great prin-
cipIes of compassion and of protec-
ton which mankind has sought to
throw about human life the lives of
non-combatants the lives of men who
are peaceful ty at work keeping the in
dustfial processes of the world quick
and vital, the lives of women and
children. and those who supply the
labor which ministers to their sus-
tenance. We are speaking of no sell
fish material rights but of rights
which our hearts support and whose
foundation is that righteous passion
for Justice upon which all law, all
structures alike of family. of state and
of mankind must rest as upon the
ultimate base of our existence and our
liberty. l cannot imagine any man
with American principles at his heart
hesitatins to defend these things"
FulfiIls Promise of February 3.
| The president worked turnout yes
| terday on his message.
| He abandoned his customary prac-
tice of going to church in the morn
| ing and worked in his study. Carly
! today he called Secretary Tumulty to
the White House and read the mes
sage to him.
At $3.50 Senator Stone went to the
| White House and the president told
!, f,f1 1ie int 6n6
| Tumu1ty sent the message to the
public printer at 9:45 and 10 o'clock
the request for a joint session was
sent to Senator Kern and Representa-
tive Kitchin.
| In taking his action today. the pres
ident fulfilled the promise he made
to congress on February when he
announced severance of diplomatic re-
lations with Germany
At that time after saying he believ-
ed that Germany would not disregard
| the ancient friendship, between her
people and those of this country by
prosecuting the ruthless naval pro-
gram they have announced" the pres
idcnt declared:
"Only actual overt acts on their
part can make me believe it even
now"
Overt Acts Committed
He then promised, .-if this conf
dence on my part in the sobrietv and
prudent foresight of their purposes
should unhappily prove unfounded; il
American ships and American lives
should in fact be sacrificed by their
naval commanders in needless con-
travention of the just and reasonable
understanding of international Law
and the obvious dictates of humanity
I shall take the liberty of coming
again before the congress. to ask that
authority be given me to use any
means that may be necessary for the
! protection of our seamen and our
| people in the prosecution of theil
peaceful and legitimate errands or
the high seas
Move Startles Congress.
While the president was generally
expected to address joint session
some time later this week, his sud
den determination to do so today soos
congress completely off its guard.
Even administration house and sen
late leaders claimed they knew moth
ing of the decision until announce
ment was made today.
Every one at the capitol took it fol
granted that the unprecedented situa
ton in the shape of the senate fill
buster has forced the president