The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-21
War Crisis Demands Change OF
Date From April Is.
expect Wilson to Urge Univer-
sal Military Service.
ISSUES A PROCLAMATION
"Grave Question of National
Policy" To Be Considered.
Up to Congress Whether Z. 5.
Declare War on Germany.

Washington. March 21.-Presfdent
Wilson today called congress into eX-
ira session for April ,. He has decid-
cd to meet Germany's high seas at
fronts with sweeping action.
War today seemed just ahead.
Congress will be asked to consider
aggressive steps to be taken toward
the imperial German government
With a state of war admittedly exist
ing as a result of U-boat attacks on
American merchant ships. declara-
ton of war may result as the first
action taken by congress. If the presi-
dent does not ask declaration OF war
congress may demand one.
In any event. steps will be taken to
put the American navy and army on
a war footing. This footing will be
of such proportions as these branches
of the national defense have never
before. in the history of this country
assumed.
Possibility of averting open hostlll-
ties with Germany appear to have
been killed.
Tremendous Appeal From Nation
The presidents decision was based
on a tremendous appeal from the
country for revenge for Germany S
killing of American citizens and de-
struction of American property IN con-
travention of all international law
The presidents course marks the
ond of his constant efforts-efforts
which have been alike strongly com
mended and bitterly condemned
keep this country at peace even with
Germany, in order that IT mlght per
form the greater service" of restoring
son a war-mad Europe.
In reaching his conclusion to lay
before the congress the grave problem
of determining upon this governments
national policy toward Germany, the
1resident brought to an end a struggle
for peace-not only with his advisers
but with himself-perhaps the most
ffra matic in history.
Holding out against arguments for
positive war like action until the last,
the president was loathe to take a
course which he believed might be
construed as forcing the issue.
For sake of World Peace.
Appeals were made TO him by his
cabinet and thru hundreds of tele-
grams from people of the country that
aggressive action was demanded i'm
mediately mot only for the sake of
Americas conscience, but for the sake
of the peace of the world"
In this connection, it is recalled
that President Wilson about a year
that he had reason to believe if the
United States entered the war actively,
there would be a termination of the
struggle within few months.
His advisers told him within the last
"a hours that to assume now posi-
tive stand against Germany would be
to encourage the new Russian gov
eminent hearten the allied troops in
the field. perhaps create an irrepres-
sible demand in Germany for the over
throw of the autocracy there and
bring lasting peace to the world vastly
nearer.
No Time for Waiting.
IT became known today that in the
past few weeks many kilograms and
much of the advice that have gone to
the White House have counselled open
war and have been frank in declara-
lions that a high note of patriotism
must be sounded at once; they have
declared this to be no time for wait
ing to hear from the country" They
have declared the country has need
now of a leader who must tell the
country and the people what they must
do: they have declared it is finally up
TO the president of the United States,
to decide on active steps against Ger
many and German military and naval
ruthlessness and to lead the country
without timidity over the question
will the country want me to do this 20
This, in effect, is what the president
has been told by his closest and most
trusted advisers and counsellors; in
effect. it was what was told to Pres
ident Wilson at the cabinet meeting.
1t was in the face of overwhelming
sentiment that the president today de-
cided not to wait even the fourteen
more days until April 16, the date he
CONTINUED Page Two