Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1917-03-16
WILSON'S MESSAGE
MAY Be MILITANT
INTERN SITUATION MAY
REQUIRE EXTRAORDINARY
DEFENSE PROGRAM.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., March IT,
President Wilson's message to the
Sixty-frst congress, which he has
called in extraordinary session begin
ming April 16, may be sharply mill
tant because of the international stu
alton.
Defense measures such as the
country has not been called upon to
furnish since the Spanish-American
war. will be urged by the president
for immediate consideration and
prompt action, according to present
expectations. Among these, it is be-
leved there will be:
Legislation covering all matters
collateral with the defense of the
American merchant marine.
Universal Training.
Suggestion for action on some form
of universal service or training to
prepare the American youth for SER
vice on land and sea, If called upon.
Appropriations for the army. and,
conservative measures which will re-
lease for immediate use the mineral
and oil resources now locked up in
public lands.
Universal training promises to be
the biggest question facing congress,
and President Wilson and Secretary
of War Baker have sent out an ap-
peal for "thoughtful public opinion
upon the needs and wishes of the
country" on this radical departure
from the military traditions of the
country" In answer to the plea.
newspapers are found thus far to
favor-about five to one-the adop-
ton of some universal training plan.
According to military authorities
here, the newspapers are "far ahead
of the people" on the question. Tele-
grams and letters from the folks
back home" show strong aversion to
any compulsory universal service or
training.
Compile. Public Opinion.
This registration Of public opinion
is being carefully compiled and will
be consulted by the president before
he addresses congress next month. 1t
is probable he will not recommend
the adoption Of any specific plan. but
will strongly urge some training
measure"
The president will also urge imme-
date action on q measure to extend
the powers of the shipping board Ito
meet the special needs OF the new
situation into which our commerce
has been forced"
Developments between now and
April 1e. Of course. may entirely
change and increase the scope Of the
presidents preparedness program.
In addition to the outstanding pre-
paredness measures. the president
will ask the new congress to act ON
the following:
Increase Of the gold reserve Of the
national banking system to meet the
unusual circumstances of the exist
ing financial situation"
Appropriation of funds for West
Point and action upon the general de-
ficiency bill. ri
Increase of the membership of the
Interstate Commerce Commission.
Little doubt is expressed here that
congress will remain in session
throughout the summer If it is to en-
act this program.
1t appears inevitable now that the
whole railroad legislative program
will have to be threshed out by the
new congress, for, II railroad strike
is called, as is threatened, or il the
United States supreme court declares
the Adamson eight-hour law uncon-
stitutional. new legislation may have
to be substituted. This would pro-
woke q long and bitter fight.