Norwich bulletin. [volume] (Norwich, Conn.) 1895-2011, 1917-04-03
PRESIDENT WILSON CALLS ON
CONGRESS TO DECLARE THAT
A STATE OF WAR NOW EXISTS

| ing only against an irresponsible gov
considerations of humanity and of
right and isSrunning amuck.
President Wilson's Address.
President Wilson spoke as follows:
Il have called the congress into ex-
traordinary session because there are
serious, very serious choices of policy
to be made, and made Immediately,
which it was neither right nor consti-
tutionalIy permissible that I should
assume the responsibility of making.
Germany Put Aside All Restraints.
"On the third of February last. /
officially laid before you the extra
ordinary announcement of the imperi-
al German government that on and
after the first day of February 1t was
it's purpose to put aside all restraints
of law or of humanity and use it's
submarines to sink every vessel that
sought to approach either the ports
of Great Britain and Ireland or the
western coast of Europe or any of the
ports controlled by the enemies of
Germany within the Mediterranean.
That had seemed to be the object of
the German submarine warfare. earlier
in the war. but since April of last
year the imperial government had
somewhat restrained the commanders
of its uEder-sea craft in conformity
with its promise then given to US that
passenger boats shoIId not be SUNK
and that due warning would be given
to all other vessels which its subma-
rines might seek to destroy, when no
resistance was offered or escape at
tempted and care taken that their
crews were given at least a fair chance
to save their lives in the open boats.
The precautions taken were r7eagre
and haphazard enough, was proved
in distressing instance after instance
in the progress of the cruel and un-
manly business. but a certain degree
of restraint was observed.
Every Restriction Swept Aside.
THE new policy has swept away
every restriction aside. Vessels of ev-
cry kind, whatever their flag, their
character, their cargo. their destina-
ton, their errand have been ruthless
ly sent to the bottom without warn
ing and without thought of help or
mercy for those on board. the vessels
of friendly neutrals along with those
ard ships carrying relief to the sorely
-bereaxed and stffcsSen pspple of Rei4
giun, though the latter wene provided
with safe conduct through the pre-
scribed areas by the German govern
nnent itself. and were distinguished by
,unmistaka BILE marks of identity, have
been su-ss with the same reckless lack
of compassion or of principle.
81 was for a little while unable to
believe that such things would in
fact be done bV any government that
had hitherto subscribed to the humane
practices of civilized nations. Interna-
tional law had it's origin in the at
tempt to set up som5 law. which would
be respected and observed upon the
seas, where no nation had right Of
dominion and where Law the free high
ways of the world BY painful stage
after stage has that law been built up
with meaere results. indeed after all
was accomplished that cou'd be ac-
complished, but always with a clear
conscience of mankind demanded.
Plea of Retaliation.
This minimum of right the Ger
man government has swept aside under
the plea of retaliation and necessity
and because 1T had no weapons which
it could use at sea except these. which
it is impossible to EMPLOY it is
employing them without throwing to
the winds all scruples of humanity or
of respect for the understandings that
were supposed to underlie the inter-
course of the world.
Wanton Destruction of Lives.
'T am not now thinking of the loss
rious as that is, but only of the wan
ion and wholesale destruction of the |
lives of -combatants, men, women
and children engaged in pursuits |
est periods of modern history, been |
deemed innocent and legitimate. Prop |
erty can be paid for; the lives of the |
peaceful and innocent people cannot |
be.
Warfare Against Mankind
The present German warfare |
against commerce is a warfare aLainst |
mankind 1t is war agairs st all ma
tions. American ships have been sunk |
American lives. taken, in ways which |
but the ships and people of other neu- |
trail and friendly nations have been |
sunk and overwhelmed in the waters |
In the same way. There has been no |
mankind Each nation must decide |
for itself how it will meet it. The |
choice we make for ourselves must |
be made with a moderation of coun- I
sci and temperatures of judgment |
befitting our character and our mo- |
tives as a nation. We must put excited |
feeling away
vindieation of Human Right.
sour motive will not be revenge or
the victorious assertion of the physi- |
cal might of the nation. but only the |
vindication of right, of human right |
of which we are only a single cham |
pion.
Armed Neutrality Now lmpraetieabIe. |
When | advised the congress on
the twenty sixth of February last / |
thought it would suffice to assert our |
neutral rights with arms. our right |
to use the seas against unlawful inter 1
ference, our r1gnt TO keep our people |
safe against unlawful violence. But /
armed neutrality. It now appears. is |
impra cticable.
Submarines Are Outlaws.
Because submarines are in effect |
outlaws when used as 1.-The German |
submarines have been used against |
merchant shipping. it is impossible to |
defend ships against their attacks as |
the law of nations has assumed that |
would defend themselves
against privateers or cruisers. visible
craft giving chase upon the open sea.
Must Be Dealt With on Sight.
1T is common prudence in such cir |
grim necessity indeed, to
endeavor to destroy them before they
have shown their own intention. They |
must be dealt with upon sight. if dealt
with at all.
The Ger - S-.-nrn@nt denies the