The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1917-03-17
ORDERS GUNS ON
MERCHANT SHIPS
President Directs That Vessels
be Immediately Armed
Against U-B0ats.
CONGRESS TO MEET APRIL is
Wilson Issues Call for Extra Session
to Consider important Matters
Up to Germany Now.

Washington, March. 10.-President
Wilson from sick bed today ordered
the arming OF American merchant
ships against Germany's ruthless sub
marine warfare and at the same time
issued proclamation calling an extra
session of Congress to meet April IT,
The Presidents decision came sud-
denly this afternoon, following the &C
ton of the, Senate yesterday in revis-
ing its rules to permit prompt action
on important questions and the sub
mission of formal opinions by Secre-
tary Lansing and Attorney General
Gregory that he has the power to arm
merchantmen without action by Con-
gress.
Details of the governments armed
neutrality plans for defending the mer-
chant marine were withheld to avoid
endangering Americans and their ships
by permitting the information to reach
Germany. The only statement at the
White House and the navy depart
ment was that the President was de-
termined to fully protect American
rights.
The Unavoidable Step.
The decision coming at the end of a
period of tense waiting, was generally
hailed as the natural and unavoidable
next step in the policy adopted by the
President when he broke off diplo-
matte relations with Germany and
gave warning that the United States
could not tolerate attacks on American
ships and citizens in violation of in
ternational law.
Fraught with the grave possibility
Of war with Germany, the action was
taken by President Wilson only after
he was convinced that Germany act
ually was proceeding with her cam
paigE of ruthlessness and made efforts
to plot with Mexico and Japan against
the territorial integrity of the United
States.
Long before the order given from
the White House all necessary prepa-
rations for the arming of merchant
men had been completed at the navy
department. Secretary Daniels, how
ever, issued an appeal to the press of
the nation to refrain from discussing
these preparations.
The Presidents action sent a thrill
through the Senate, meeting in special
session and through the government
departments. Still hoping that war
with Germany will be avoided, off,
Gals and senators declared that the is
sue rests entirely with Germany.
The Formal Announcement
Formal announcement of the gov
ernment's policy was given in the fol-
lowing announcement issued from the
White House:
Secretary Tumulty stated in con-
nection with the Presidents call for
an extra session Of Congress that the
President is convinced that he had
the power to arm American merchant
ships and is free to exercise it at once.
But so much necessary legislation is
pressing for consideration that he is
convinced that it is for the best in
terests Of the country to have an early
session of the Sixty-fifth Congress,
whose support he will also need in all
matters collateral to the defense of
our merchant marine"
ton calling the extra session of con-
gress and authorized the publication
of the explanatory statement with Sec
rotary Tumulty standing at his bed
side. A severe cold has kept him from
seeing callers for three days and he
was put to bed by his physician yes
terday