The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1917-03-16
WARLIKE PROGRAM
FOR CONGRESS AT
SESSION IN APRIL
Sharply Militant Defence
Measures Urged BY Viii
son to Be Considered

Washington, March 16-President
Wilson's message to the Sixty-fifth
Congress, called in extraordinary ses-
sion on April 16, will be sharply mill
tant.
Defence measures such as the coun-
try has not been called upon to fur
nish since the Spanish War will be
urged for immediate consideration
and prompt action.
These are expected to include:
Legislation covering all matters
collateral with the defence of the
American merchant marine.
Suggestion for action on some form
of universal service or training to
prepare the American youth for SER
vice on land and sea If called upon.
Appropriations for the army and
navy.
Conservation measures which will
release for immediate use the mineral
and oil resources. ~
Universal training promises to be
the biggest question facing Congress.
President Wilson and Secretary Of
War Baker have sent out an appeal
for thoughtful public opinion upon
the needs and wishes of the country
on this radical departure from the
military traditions Of the country
Universal Plan Favored.
In answer to the plea newspapers
are found thus far to favor-about
five to one-the adoption Of some uni
versal training plan. But, according
to the military authorities here, the
newspapers are "far ahead Of the
people on the question. kilograms
and letters from the folks back
home" show strong aversion to, any
compulsory universal service or train
ing.
This registration, Of public opinion
Is being carefully compiled and will
be consulted by the President before
he addressed Congress next month It
is probable he will not recommend
the adoption Of any specific plan, but
will strongly urge "sorne training
measure"
i Senator Chamberlain said yester-
day he planned to reintroduce his own
universal service bill and try to get
1t through in some FORM" The Pres
ident will also urge immediate action
on measure to extend the powers Of
the shipping board Ito meet the spe-
cial needs Of the new situation into
which our commerce has been fore
ed"
Developments between now and
April 16 of course may entirely change
and increase the scope Of the Presi-
dents preparedness program. It is
entirely possible, for instance, that
the situation between the United
States and Germany will he such that
the President will be forced to an
nounce state of war" actually ex-'
listing when Congress reaasembles.
Other Measures Planned.
In addition to the outstanding pre-
sparedncss measures the President will
ask the new Congress to act on the
following:
Increase of the gold reserve Of the
national banking system to meet the
unusual circumstances OF the existing
financial situation"
Appropriations OF funds for West
Point and action upon the general
deficiency bill.
Increase Of The membership Of the
I. C. C.
Action upon the water power bill.
and enaction of legislation permitting
such combinations Of capital and of
organization in the export and import
trade Of the country "as .circum-
stances Of International competition
have made Imperative"
Little doubt Is expressed here that
Congress will remain in session
throughout the summer.