Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-02-27

! Chris Haw left this morning for AL
bia where he will remain few days on
business.
Next Saturday is registration day
and all republicans should see that
their names are registered.
1t will be recalled the German govern.
ment admitted it's liability for damages,
and the lives Of the crew, as in the
case of the Frye, were safe guarded
with reasonable care.
"The case of the Law which was
carrying lemon-box slaves to Palermo
disclosed a ruthlessness Of method
which deserves grave condemnation,
but was accompanied by no circum-
stances which might not have been ex-
pected at any time in connection with
the use of the submarine against
merchantmen as the German govern
ment has used it.
I'm sum. therefore, the situation we
find ourselves in with regard to the
actual conduct of the German SUBJ
marine warfare against commerce and
its effects upon our own ships and
people is substantially the same that
1t was when l addressed you on the
|
up of our shipping in our own ports
because Of the unwillingness of our
ship owners to risk their vessels at
sea without insurance or adequate
protection and the very serious con-
gestion of our commerce which has
resulted, a congestion which is grow
ing rapidly more and more serious
every day.
"This in itself might presently ac-
complish In effect, what new Ger
man submarine orders were meant to
accomplish, so far as we are con.
cerned. We can only say, therefore,
that the overt act which l have ven
tured to hope the German comman-
CURED.
But while this is happily true. it
must be admitted that there have been
certain additional indications and eX-
pressions Of purpose on the part of the
German press and the German author
tiles which have increased rather than
lessened the impression that, if our
ships and our people are spared, it
will be because of fortunate circum-
stances or because the commanders Of
the German submarines which they
may happen to encounter exercise an
unexpected discretion and restrainst
rather than because of the instruc-
tons under which those commanders
are acting.
1T would be foolish to deny that the
situation Is fraught with the gravest
possibilities and dangers. No thought
full man can fail to see, that the
necessity for definite action may come
at any time. if we are in fact, and no.
in word merely to defend our
elementary rights as neutral nation.
It would be most imprudent to be un-
prepared.
II cannot in such circumstances be
unmindful Of the fact that the expira-
ton of the term of the present con-
gress is Immediately at hand, by con-
stitutional limitations and that 1t
would in all likelihood require an un-
usual length of time to assemble and
organize the congress which is to sue
coed it.
II feel that I ought in view of that
fact. to obtain from you full and i'm.
mediate assurance Of the authority
which may need at any moment to
exercise. No doubt I already possess
that power speciflcial warrant of law
but the plain implication of my con-
stitutional duties and powers; but
prefer, In the present circumstances
not to act upon general implication.
wish to feel that the authority and the
power of the Congress are behind me
in whatever it may become necessary
for me to do We are jointly the
servants Of the people and must act
together and in their spirit, so far as
We can indivine and interpret it.
mo one doubts what it is our duty
to do We must defend our commerce
and the lives Of our people in the midst
Of the present trying circumstances
with discretion but with clear ant
steadfast purpose. Only the method
and the extent remain to be chosen
upon occasion. if occasion should in
deed arise.
"Since It has unhappily proved i'm
possible to safeguard our neutral righ'
by diplomatic means against the un
warranted infringements they are suf
fering at the hands OF Germany, there
may be no recourse but to armed neu
trality, which we shall know how t.
maintain and for which there is album
dant American precedent
|, 1T is devoutly to be hoped that II
will not be necessary to put armed
, force anywhere into action. The Amer
lean people do not desire it, and ou1
desire is not different from theirs.
am sure that they will understand tn.
spirit in which am now acting. the
purpose / hold nearest my heart an,
, would wish to exhibit in everything
do. I am anxious that the people o
the nations at war also should under
i, stand and not mistrust us. hope tina
,, need give no further proofs and as
, surances than I have already giver
throughout nearly three years of anxi
GUS patience that l am the friend O
peace and mean to preserve it fol
America so long as am able. am no
; now proposing or contemplating wal
or any steps that need lead to it.
merely request that you will accord me
|, nv your own vote and definite bestOwa