Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-14
WILSON MESSAGE
TO BE MILITANT
Universal Military Training
to Be Subject Urged
for Discussion
DEFENSE THE KEYNOTE
WASHINGTON. March H..

WASHINGTON. March II.
President wilson's message to the Sixty
fifth Congress, called In extraordinary ses-
sion April 16, will be sharply militant.
Defense measures such as the country
has not been called upon to furnish since
the Spanish war will be urged by the
President for immediate consideration and
prompt action.
These are expected TO include:
Legislation covering all matters col
lateral with the defense Of the American
merchant marine.
Suggestion for action on some form Of
universal service or training to prepare the
American youth for service on land and
sea II called upon.
Appropriations for the army and con-
ssrvation measures which will release for
the immediate use the mineral and oil re-
sources now locked up in public lands.
Universal training promises 10 be the
biggest question facing Congress Pres-
dent Wilson and Secretary Of War Baker
have sent out an appeal 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--above five to one
tho adoption Of some universal training
plan.
But, according to the military authori-
ties here. the newspapers are FAR ahead
OF the people" on the question.
Telegrams and letters from "the folks
back home show strong aversion to any
compulsory universal service or training.
This registration Of public opinion is
being carefully compiled and will he con-
suited by the President before he addresses
q l.. IL L..
will not recommend the adoption Of any
specific plan. but will strongly urge "some
training measure"
Senator Chamberlain said today he
planned TO rentroduce his own universal
service bill and TRY to get it through in
some form"
The President will also urge immediate
action on a measure to extend the powers
OF the Shipping Board to meet the special
needs Of the new situation into which our
commerce has been forced"
Developments between now and April l6,
Of course, may entirely change and increase
the scope of the Presidents preparedness
program. 1t is entirely possible for in
stance, that the situation between the
United States and Germany will be such
that the President will be formed TO an
nounce state Of war actually existing
when Congress reassembes.
In addition to the outstanding prepared
ness measures the President will ask the
new Congress to act on the following:
Increase Of the gold reserve Of the ma
tional banking system to NEE. "the un.
usual circumstances of the existing fnan-
Cial situation:
Appropriations Of funds for West Point
and action upon the general deficiency bill (;
Increase Of the membership Of the Inter
state Commerce Commission;
Action upon the Water-pOwer bill and
Enaction of legislation permitting such
combinations of capital and Of Organiza-
ton I'm the export and import trade of the
country "as circumstances of internal COM
petition have made imperative"
Little doubt is expressed here that Com
gress will remain in session throughout the
summer. If it is to enact this program.
II appears inevitable now that the whole
railroad legislative program will have to
be threshed out by the new Congress.