Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 19??-1918, 1917-02-26

|
people are spared, II will be because
OF fortunate circumstances, or be-
cause the commanders of the German
| submarines which they may happen
to encounter may exercise an unex-
pected discretion and restraint. rath-
er than because of the instructions
under which those commanders are
acting. 1t would be foolish to deny
that the situation is fraught with the
gravest possibilities and dangers. No
/, thoughtful man can fail to see that
the necessity for definite action may
come at any time. II we are to de-
mand our rights as neutral nation.
It would be most imprudent TO be
unprepared.
II cannot in such circumstances be
unmindful of the fact that the ex-
piration OF the term of the present
congress is nearly at hand by consti-
tutional limitation; and that it would.
in all likelihood. required an unusual
length Of time to assemble and or
ganize the congress which Is to sue
ceed II.
Authority Is Requested
al feel that I ought in view OF
that fact. to obtain from you full and
| immediate assurance OF the author
ity which l may need at any moment
20 exercise.
No doubt I already possess that
authority without special warrant Of
law, by the plain implication OF my
constitutional duties and powers, but
prefer in the present case not to
act upon general impressions. I
wish to feel that the authority and
power Of the congress are behind me
in whatever II 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 divine and interpret 1t.
mo one doubts what II 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 and steadfast purpose
Only the method and the extent re-
main to be chosen, upon the occasion
II occasion should, indeed, arise
Since II has unhappily proved impos
sible to safeguard our neutral rights
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
neutrality, which we shall know how
to maintain. and for which there Il
abundant American precedent.
"It is devoutly to be hoped that II
will not be necessary to put armed
force anywhere into action. The
American people do not desire II an
oar desire is not different from theirs
I am sure that they will understand
the spirit in which ! am now acting
the purpose I hold nearest my hear
and would wish to exhibit in every
thing do.
Would Preserve Peace
II am anxious that the people o
the nations at war also should un
derstand and not mistrust us.
hope that need give no furthe
proofs and assurances than hay'
already given throughout nearl,
three years OF anxious patience tina
I am the friend OF peace and meal
to preserve II for America as lonJ
as I am able.
II am not now proposing or con
templating war or any steps tina
need lead to II. merely request tina
you will accord me by your own vot,
and definite bestowal the means ant
the authority to safeguard In prac
tice the right Of great people VIII
are at peace and who are dcsirou
Of exercising none but their rights o
ppoce to follow the pursuits OF peac,
In quletness and good will--righti
recognized time out OF mind BY al
the civilized nations OF the world
No course Of my choosing will