Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-27

go abroad, as on previous occasions, that the united force of congress does not stand behind him.
 Historical Precedent for Action. The armed neutrality which the president proposes does not look to war; whether it shall become war de- bends upon those who infringe upon | the rights it seeks to protect. There | is ample historical precedent for it; northern Europe under the leadership l of Russia formed a league and used it | to protect it's commerce in the wars | between England and France and l France and Spain.
 | Although the president when he sev- cred diplomatic relations with Ger 1 many, invited other neutrals to fol- | low his lead, he has not, so far as is 1 known, suggested that nSutralS join the 1 United States in the armed neutrality | he proposes. All foreign governments, l however, have been officially advised ! of his address to congress today and | official copies have been delivered to | their diplomats here. By wireless the | text was sent to Berlin.
 Parallel Case in American History. The precedents set by John Adams to protect the comrue<ce of the United States against the predatory violence" of France during the Ma poieonic wars draw a striking parallel to the situation which confronts Presi- dent Wilson Congress authorized
 President Adams to protect American ships and lives at sea by armed force
 and to raise an army
 Now. as then, congrfFs is asked to empower the president ito act as may become necessary. Fiery confidence is expressed at the Wlite House that congress ultimately will act as the president asks, taking into account 1 his efforts of more than two years to preserve peace as sufficient evidence that he does not desire to plunge the country into war
 No Steps Till Congress Acts.
 No steps toward the arming of mer- chant ships are to be taken until con-
 gress acts. The conveying of mer- chantmen is not approved by naval 1 authorities as an effective or desirable strategic policy.
 One collateral feature has not been wholly cleared up. Efforts to have President Wilson call conference of neutrals to formulate uniform dec laration of the rights of the nations 1 not at war are going steadily forward and there are indications that they are favored in administration quarters.
 Suggestions to this effect have come from more than one of the European ne eutralS since diplomatic relations with Germany were severed.
 Introduction of the bill in the house embodying the presidents suggestions followed numerous conferences on the subject between senate and house leaders.
 Republicans Will Seek to Modify
 Action.
 Republican members of the foreign relations committee let it be known that when the committee meets tomor- row they will seek to modify the meas ure in several particulars. They want
 to eliminate from the first clause the
 qualification to the authorization to
 the president for arming merchant
 ships, reading should it in his judg- ment become necessary for him to do
 so." and to direct as well as empower the arming. The second clause which would empower the president ito em-
 ploy such other instrumentalities as may in his judgment and discretion
 seem necessary" they will seek to modify and make more specific.