South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1917-04-02
All Members of Congress AC-
CeDt Without Question
Fact They Will be Asked
to Declare War.
NAVAL OFFICERS WORK
OUT DEFENSE PLANS
Congressional Program is Al
ready Prepared-WiII Call
For Half a Million
Volunteers.
nterna tiOnal News Service

Irterna tional News Service:
WASHINGTON. April .. All
branches OF the United States gov
eminent today were modified TO
consider Germany's aggression
against this nation. The 65th con-
gress, fresh from the people and re-
flecting the sentiment Of every sec
ton of the nation, met in extraor-
binary session. 1t had been called
by Pres't Wilson to supplement- his
efforts, diplomacy having failed in
its efforts 10 protect American lives
and property from German ruthless
submarine warfare on the high seas.
Congress commissioned under
the constitution as the only body
which can declare war-was 10 re-
ceive from the executive branch.
represented by Prest Wilson, the
account of the failure of every step
taken 10 protect Americans and
their belongings which eliminated
in a declaration of state of
armed neutrality" which. so far.
has been effective only in the case
of vessels armed for protection and
supplied with expert gunners taken
from war craft on which they are
badly needed.
Now up TO Congress.
The next move admittedly was mp
TO congress. It's members. nearly
all of whom had reached here long
before noon. the hour fixed for the
special session to assemble. accept
ed without question the fact that
they will be asked TO declare that a
state Of war exists between Ger
many and the United States entire
ly through the acts Of Germany.
There was no hesitancy in evidence
anyw here. Leaders in the senate
and house. democratic and repub-
lican alike. were unanimous in in
made il would be couched in Ian
guage that no one could mistake.
Meanwhile the extraordinary &C
tivity i'm both branches Of the ma
tional defense were contained. All
day Sunday army and navy chiefs
we're at their desks working out the
defense plans. The orders for both
branches are ready for signature.
Every possible move that could be
taken in advance Of specific author
ity by congress had been completed.
The navy has been active for sew
eral weeks. It's position at the
present time is at the point of mo4
strategic value Its further move
ments depend on what congress
wants.
Army Also is Waiting.
The army also is waiting The
general staff has completed all OF
its plans for the recruiting 10 war
strength OF the regulars; the calling
to the colors Of the entire national
guard and the summoning into
being Of an army OF 500. 900 volun-
teers. When congress gives the
authority action will come with
great swiftness.
The general congressional pro-
rushed. II will follow, after the war
measure is disposed OF. the follow
ing course:
Preparations 20 supplement the
money set aside as in the war meas
ure; passage OF the army bill: the
shipping bill amendment giving the
administration broad powers over
all merchant shipping and ship
yards: a sweeping espionage bill; a
general censorship measure: a bond
issue and some plan for general
military training which is expected
10 include universal military train
ing. There will also he creative
financial legislation in the form OF
general bond issue and also OF
various forms Of taxation 20 meet
the expenses Of the war.
The senate foreign relations COM
mittee was scheduled 70 meet this
afternoon. II will consider the vto-
lation by Germany OF the Prussian
treaty and will decide what action
IL any. the United States shall take
on that document.
Rep. Augustus p Gardner OF the
sixth Massachusetts district. went 70
the capital with a war resolution
which ne was 20 drop into the bill
box Ii recited the various acts OF
Germany against the United States
which have been characterized as
hostile and made a positive declara-
ton OF war. Under the rules il
would go directly 10 the house for
4 eign affairs COMMITTEES.
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