Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-02-27
ASKS CONGRESS
F0RPERM|SS|0N
To USE FORCES.
At ITS DISPOSAL
Complications With German
U-BOats Grow Into Very
Serious Troubles
SHIP READY TO
SAIL WHEN ARMED

Washington, o. c., Feb. rs. -
President Wilson appeared before
congress at 1 o'clock this afternoon
and asked for authority to place
the United States in state Of
EARNED neutrality" to resist the
German submarine menace.
e Continued invasion Of the plain
rights Of neutraIs on the high seas,
{ further sacrifices Of American lives
and ships, the lntoIerable blockade
Of American commerce - almost
az effectual as II the country were
at war, - have taken the place Of
decaded covert act" which was
expected to shock the world - and
have forced the president into the
next step toward war.
PRESIDENT Wilson askIns 70 be
r,,..tsssS 10 tssse yshstever steps
are necessary which includes the
armins Of ships, the conveying Of
merchantmen by war vessels or
what other steps are necessary,
made II plain again that he wanted
peace, but not at the price Of Amer
ican lives and rights or by driving
the American flag from the seas.
New York, Feb. 26.-lf Presl-
dent Wilson 10 authorized by con-
sress to arm ships to protect
American mercantment on the
high seas, the American line
steamships tied up here will re-
sumo sallinos as soon az guns
can be provided, It was stated by
the lines officials here today.
Washington, D. c., Feb. 26.-Presi
ent Wilson will ask for authority t
stablish a state of armed neutral
~" He has made full and detailed
lans for protecting American ships
esiring to enter the German war zone
The president decided that before
ongress adjourned for the session II
1as necessary that he be given addi
lonal authority to protect American
lights. There have been reports thai
uch move would be opposed in con
ress but he decided to take the steI
egardless of that. v
In his address the president viii
oint out that Germany's acts since the
reak in diplomatic relations indicate
er determination to go forward witt
er campaign Of ruthlessness. despite
he protests of neutrals whose rights
re invaded.
The president will point out tha
7hile he desires peace, there is some
hing greater than peace-the protec
lon OF the sovereign rights Of Ameri
a, and that the untrammeled right o.
ships to sail the seas unmo
ested by any foreign nation must be
pheld.
Does Not Expect War.
Mr.. Wilson's decision to go before
was partly caused by the fact
hat Germany's campaign Is keeping
ships tied up in American
orts. Such a condition. the president
,ill point out, is unbearable.
The president is represented as con
dent that congress will rise to the oc
aston and promptly give him the de
.red authority. The president is still
s anxious as ever, it was said. tc
void war with Germany but is deter
aimed to protect American rights.
President Wilson is still confident
hat an extra session Of congress viii
e unnecessary. The situation outlin
d in his address, he believes, is such
hat congress will give him the desired
ungrudgingly. He has care
ully looked up the precedent anc
ound that on previous occasions TIE
Tnited States has taken the position
I armed neutrality without bringinl
bout war. This condition existed
nee in relation to France when Amer
can vessels were attacked by French
hips interfering with American com
1erce.
Steps leading up to the announce
1ent that the president would go be
ore congress came in quick succession
arly this morning. At 8 o'clock ht
Secretary Tumulty to thu
7hite house and soon afterwArd callet
Or Senator Stone. At $3.50 the deputy
!" -