The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-03-31
No Announcement Made, but
Congress Expected to De-
clare War Exists.
GERMANY IS BLAMED =
FOR FORCING FIGHT
United States Long Been
Object of Beligerent
Actions by Enemy.

Washington. March 30.--The admin
istrativc branch of the American gov
ernmcnt has determined definitely
upon course of action to meet tho
hostility of Germany. While official
announcement is withheld pending the
appearance Of President Wilson before
congress- formal recognition of the OK
tstoncc of a state of war is expected
to follow soon after the extra session
begins.
The president, having decided on the
principal features of the address to be
delivered to u joint session Of tho
house and senate, is putting the docu-
ment In writing and today he had "a
final discussion with his cabinet. The
meeting lasted only an hour and IL
half, but with conclusions quickly
made known. time was found for at
tention to indiXiduai departmental
matters. Later the president conferred
briefly with Secretaries Baker and
Daniels heads of the war and navy de-
partmcnts.
Cabinet Unanimous.
There Is said to have been no diff
fercnco OF opinion in tho cabinet on
the great question. The presidents ad-
visers, as wen as official Washington
generally. have long since accepted 1t
as II fact that war actually is being
| waged against the United States.
Officials believe that Germany is
making war on this nation because she
has taken more than 2i0 American
| lives ON tho high seas: because she
has destroyed American ships. by the
Wholesale; because millions OF dollars
worth OF damage has been done as II
| result of German plots in the United
States: because she has attempted to
| set on foot conspiracy with Mexico
and Japan to dismcmber the republic,
| and finally because of. the belief that
| Germany triumphant will constitute u
future menace to the peace of the
world in general and the United States
In particular.
| Germany's Responsibility.
| Tho United States, it Is emphasized
In official quarters. has not in the past
/
German people: but on the German
government responsibility Is placed for
terrorism on land and sea. which, now
that 1t has been directed against Amer
lean citizens and American interests.
must be actively combated.
just what part the United States
will play Is "A question the government
has yet to determine.
After the president has delivered his
{ address. congress Is expected TO take
under consideration promptly the
granting Of a large credit to the gov
ernmcnt and to provide for the raising
OF any army of perhaps 100000 men.
Other measures such as u censorship
bill. spy BILL the regular army ap-
preparation bill and emergency legisla-
ton for the army and navy also will
be submitted
The government SO far as is known
mas no plans for Il political alliance
with the entente allies, although n de-
gree of military cooperation, Of course,
| would be essential.
Always in the presidents mind, it is
believed. will be the ultimate perma-
nent peace for which he already has
outlined his program--a league of na-
tions backed by moral and military
force.
What day the president will appca T.
before congress to deliver his momen-
tous message will not be fixed until it
IL seen how long it will take the house
10 organize. 1t Is realized there will
De some opposition in congress, but
summaries OF public opinion collected
py OFFICIALS have convinced the admin
tstration that the nation will stand al
most solidly behind any action the
president may recommend.
Tho pacifist element both inside
congress and outside will make itself
heard before a decision Is reached.
Monday delegations of opponents OF
war VIII come here to attempt to in