The Detroit times., 1917-02-27
America Must Safeguard
Commerce and Citizens,
Declares President Wilson

WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-The presidents address 10
congress on the submarine crisis follows:
Gentlemen of the congress-
have again asked the privilege of addressing you be-
cause we are moving through critical times during which
it be my duty to keep in close touch with
the houses of that neither counsel nor acuon
shall run at cross purposes between us.
On the third of February officially informed you OF
the sudden and unexpected action of the Imperial German
government in declaring its intention to disregard the
promises had made TO this government in April last and
undertake immediate submarine operations against all COM
whether OF begerents or OF neuuas tnat snouo
seek approach Great Britain and Ireland, the Atlantic
coasts of Europe the harbors of the Eastern Medter-
conduct those operations without regard to
established restrictions of international practice without
regaro any consideration of humanity which might
interfere with their object That policy forthwith put
into practice 1t has been in active execution for near
ly four weeks
It's practical results not yet fully disclosed The
of other neutral nations suffering severely
but not perhaps very much more severely than it al
ready suffering before the first of February when the new
policy of the Imperial government was put into operation
We have asked the cooperation of the other neutral gov
enments prevent these depredatons, but far
of them has thought it wise TO join common course
of action Our has suffered, is suffering
rather in apprehension than in fact rather because
of ships tmdy keeping to their home ports than
because American ships have been sunk
Two American vessels have been sunk the Housatonic
and the Lyman NJ Law The of the Housatonic which
carrying foodstuffs consigned to London firm,
essentially like the of the Frye in which it will be
recalled the German admitted its liability for
damages and the lives of the crew. the of the
Frye, safeguarded with reasonable The OF
the Law which carrying emonbox slaves to Palermo
condemnation but accompanied by no circumstances
which might not have been expected at time In
ton with the Of the submarine against merchantmen
AZ the German government has used IL.
In sum, therefore, the situation find ourselves in
With regard to the actual conduct of the German submarine
warfare against and its effects upon
ships and people is substantially the when ad
dressed the third of February except for the tying
OF shipping because of the unwi
ngness of ship TO risk their vessels at with
out insurance adequate protection and the serious
congestion Of has resulted, congestion
which growing rapidly more and more serious every day
TINS in itself might presently accomplish in effect what
the German submarine orders meant to
psh so far concerned We only say, there
FORE that the overt act which have ventured hope the
German commanders would in fact avoid has
But while this happily is true, il must be admitted
there certain indications of expressions of purpose on
the part of the German press and the German authorities
which have increased rather than essened the impression
that If ships and people spared it will be be-
of fortunate circumstances because the command
of the German submarines which they may happen to
exercise unexpected discretion and restraint
rather than because Of the instructions under which those
commanders acting would be foolish to deny that
the situation faught with the gavest possibilities and
dangers. No thoughtful fail to that the
fact and not in word merely, defend elementary
rights neutral nation 1t would be most mprudent to
be unprepared.
cannot in such circumstances be unmndfu the fact
that expiration of the term Of the is
is Immediately at hand by constitutional limitations and
that II would in all likelihood require unusual length Of
time assemble and organize the which to sue
coed it.
feel that ought in view of that fact to obtain from
you full and immediate of the authority which
may any moment TO exercise. No doubt already
poss that authority without special warrant of law. by
the pain implication of my constitutional duties and pow
ers but prefer in the present circumstances not to act
upon general Implications wish to feel that the author
ity the power of the congress behind in what
ever il may become necessary for do We jointly
the of the people and must act together and In
their spirit, far divine and interpret it.
No one doubts what II Is duty to do. We must de-
fend and the lives Of people In the midst
Of the trying circumstances with discretion but
with clear and steadfas Only the method and the
extent remain to be chosen the occasion occasion
should indeed Since il has unhappi proved impos
sble safeguard neutral rights by diplomatic
against the unwaranted infrngements they suffering
at the hands Of Germany there be but to
armed neutrality, which shall know how TO maintain,
and for which there is abundant American precedent.
is devoutly to be hoped that it will not be necessary
30 put armed force anywhere into action The American
people do not desire and desire is not different from
theirs that they will understand the spirit in
which acting the purpose hold nearest heart
and would wish to exhibit in everything do.