The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-02-27
President Again Be-
fore Congress-.
PLANS NOT ANNOUNCED
Pleads for Authority to Take
Such Steps as He May
Deem Necessary.

Washington. Feb 27 President
Wilson appeared before a joint ses
sion Of congress and asked for an
thority to place the United states in
a state OF armed neutrality" to re
sist the German submarine menace
Continued invasion of the plain
rights OF neutrals on the high seas
further sacrifices OF American lives
ANA ships the intolerablp blockade OF
American commerce almost as effect
ual as il the country were at war
have taken the place OF dreaded
overt act" which was expected TO
shock the world and have forced the
president into the next step toward
war
President Wilson IN asking to be
empowered TO take whatever steps
are necessary. which Includes tie arm.
ing of ships, the conveying Of mer-
chantmen by war vessels or what 9th
er steps are necessary. made it plain
again that he wanted peace. bat not
at the price OF American lives and
rights or BY driving the American flag
from the seas.
Congress is expected not only 10
authorize the president 10 use the
armed forces OF the country but also
TO provide money
Is Not Contemplating War
4 j
the president at one point. that il
VIII not be necessary TO put armed
forces anywhere into action am
not now preparing or contemplating
war on any steps that need lead to it
War can come only by the wilful acts
and aggressions OF others
Continuing his remarks the presi.
dent said
II merely request that YOU will ac-
cord me by yoar own vote and def.
mite bestOwal the means and the an.
thority 10 safeguard in practice the
rights Of great people who are at
peace and who are desirous OF exer.
cising none but the rights Of peace.
to follow the pursuit cf peace in quiet
ness and good will rights recognized
time out Of mind by al the civilized
nations Of the world No course OF
my choosing or of theirs will lead to
war.
War can come only by the willful
acts and aggressions Of others
You will understand why | can
make no definite proposals or fore
casts of action now. and must ask
for your supporting, authority in the
most general terms
The form i'm which action may be
come necessary cannot yet be fore
seen.
Hopes Public Will Trust Him.
II believe that the people will be
willing to trust NE TO act with re
straint, with prudence, and in the true
spirit of amity and good faith that
they have themselves disployed
throughout these trying months; and
ii is in that belief that | request that
you will authorize me TO supply our
merchant ships with defensive arms
should that become necessary. and
with the means Of using them. and to
employ any other instrumentaltes OF
methods that may be necessary and
adequate to protect our ships. and ouf
people. in their legitimate and peace
full pursuits on the seas.
II request. also that you will grant
me at the same time. along with the
powers ! ask, sufficient credit to en-
able me to provide adequate means ot
protection where they are lacking. in
cluding adequate insurance against
the present war risks.
Il am thinking not only of the
rights of Americans to go and come
about their proper business by way
of the sea, but also of something much
deeper, much more fundamental thar
that
II am thinking of those rights o
humanity without which there is nc
civilization"