The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-03-03

would In all likelihood require an un-
usual length Of time to assemble and
organize the congress which is to sue
ceed 1t. 1 feel that ought, in view
OF that fact. to obtain from you full
and immediate assurance Of the au-
thority which I may need at any mo-
ment to exercise.
mo doubt I already possess that
authority without special warrant of
law, by the plain implication of my
constitutional duties and powers. but
i 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 1t may become necs-
sary for me to do. We are Jointly
the servants Of the people and must
act together and In their spirit, so
Tar as We can divine 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 circum-
stances, with discretion but with clear
and steadfast purpose. Only the
method and the extent remain to be
IL,
should indeed arise.
Since 1t has unhappily proved inn
possible TO safeguard our neutral
rights by diplomatic means against
the unwarranted infringements they
are SUFFERING at the hands of Ger
many there may be no recourse but
to armed neutrality. which We shall
Know how to maintain and for which
there Is abundant American prece-
TENT.
IL Is devoutly to be hoped that il
VIII not be necessary to put armed
force anywhere into action. The Amer
lean people do not desire it and our
desire Is not different from theirs l
am sure that they will understand the
spirit in which / am now acting. the
purpose i hold nearest my heart and
would wish to exhibit in everything
do.
Il am anxious that the people of
the nations at war also should under
stand and not mistrust US. hope
that need give no further proofs and
assurances than 1 have already given
throughout nearly three years Of anx-
lous patience that 1 am the friend of
peace and mean to preserve it for
america so long as l am able.
am not now proposing or con-
,empiating war or any steps that need
'cau 10 II. i merely request that you
VIII accord me by your own vote and
uemnite bestowal the means and the
"u'hority to safeguard in practice
the right OF great people who love
peace ana who are desirous of exer-
.ohs none but the rights of peace
10 loiiow the pursuit OF peace i'm quiet
ness and good will-rights recognized
unie OUT or mind by all the civilized
"a'ions or the world. No course of
my choosing or of theirs will lead
10 war. War can come only by the
"iiIui acts and aggressons of Others.
lou Will understand why can
Inake no definite proposals or fore
soS'S Oh actiOn now and must ask
Tor your supporting authority in the
most general terms L believe that |
the people viii be willing to trust me |
'o act win restraint, with prudence
anu IN the true spirit of amity and
sooa iaith that they have themselves
uispla?ed throughout these trying
Ihohths' ana 1t is in that belief that
request that you will authorize me
I'D supply our merchant ships with
nerehsiVe arms should that becomo
necessary, and with the means oe ne.
hs them, and to employ any otbcr
or methods that
may Dc necessary and adequate to