The Watertown weekly leader. [volume] (Watertown, Jefferson County, Wis.) 1912-1917, 1917-03-21
Wilson Orders Navy Prepared.

rotary Daniels. More than that
would not like to say at this time"
Wilson Orders Navy Prepared.
In the national emergency which
has been precipitated by ruthless Ger
man destruction of American ships,
President Wilson is making intensive
preparations for the defense of the
country and its rights.
No longer in official circles is there
any thought that the German gov
eminent has any intention of even
specifically respecting American life
and American property. That gov
eminent has thrown off all pretense
and openly and avOwedly is commit
ting acts of war against the United
States. That these acts are of the
covert" character which the president
declared this nation would not tolerate
Is admitted by the authorities.
Days Emergency Acts.
Because of the national emergency
which the president holds now exists
these things were done:
1. The president made a personal
visit to the secretary of the navy in
the latter's office to discuss the naval
measures to be adopted to protect
American trade and American ship
ping.
2. The president authorized the ex-
penditure of $115,OOO,000 in expediting
the construction of men of war and
the purchase of additional torpedoes-
boat deStrOyerS, submarine chaSerS and
other small craft, including airships.
3. The secretary of the navy will
Immediately place contracts for 25O
submarine chasers and has directed
the New York navy yard to turn out
without delay 60 vessels of this type.
4. The president authorized the
graduation of the two higher classes of
the naval academy, in order to provide
the navy with a sufficient number of
officers.
5. Instructions have been given to
expedite the examination of applicants
for appointment in reserve corps; and
officers of these corps have been di-
rected to purchase their uniforms and
be ready for service.
6. A conference took place at the
army war college with reference to CO.
operation in connection with and con-
troll of the telephone and telegraph
wires, cables and wireless in time of
war.
Z. Plans are being perfected by the
war department under which the land
forces can be promptly increased.
8. The war and navy departments
have taken urgent measures to equip
the coasts with defense guns and NUM-
tons and the fleet with ample supplies.
9. Plans are being devised for the
better distribution of naval vessels,
including the commissioning of those
IL reserve and of the troops.
10. Strategic plans are under consid-
Grafton for the most effective use Of
ships and troops.
IL. Arrangements have been made
for joint action by the army, navy and
marine corps.
u. Consideration was taken of the
ACCESSIBILITY of replacing American
ships destroyed by German vessels In
termed in American ports.
May Hasten Extra Session.
The president also has considered
the ACCESSIBILITY Of advancing the date
for the converting of congress in extra
session. No action looking to that end
was taken. 1t is expected that this
subject will be discussed at the meet
ing Of the cabinet.
The president has no authority to
declare war or the existence Of a state
of war. This is the view of Secretary
Of State Lansing, with whom he had
an hours conference.
It frequently has happened in the
history of all nations, including that
Of the United States, that a state of
war has existed for some time before
the declaration has been made. In the
present situation the authorities say
that Germany has committed "acts of
war" and Germany may consider that
state of war exists