The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1917-02-28
NOT TO BE FEARED.
No Positive Act on the PArt OF MT
Misunderstanding Poliey
II Real Danger.


ST. Louis Globe-DemocTat: me
r,ss;dent asks an expiring congress
tn do that which he admits he al
roady has the right to do. Il wish
IN feel he says, In explanation Oh
the renues,. That the authority and
the power of the congress are BE-
hind me in whatever II may become
necessary for me TO do. We are,
ininslY the servants OF the people
and must act together and in their
spirit 20 far as we can divine and
interpret it," Within q week the
congress to which he appeals will
have neither authority nor power.
On the 4th of March it passes out OF
existence, and the things he asks for
specific statutory power to do VIII be
done. II done at all. when it has
ceased to be ''the servant OF the
peopIe." when he and IL can no
longer "act together" in the spirit OIL
the people or in any spirit whatso-
ever. The new congress was elected
with the thought OF the people upoL
the conditions that now exist and
may be presumed to be truly repre-
sentative Of the views and desires OF
the people in relation to the situa
ton the president discusses, but un-
less be chooses TO call it into specia'
session it will be forced to remain
silent and inactive until next Decem.
Der, while the president, under the
authority no doubt to be granted by
dead congress, and given 10 him by
the constitution, conducts the affairs
OF the government absolutely alone,
in one of the most critical PERIODS or
its history
The presidents requeot is for
authority to supply merchSrt ships
with defensive arms, "souli that be-
come necessary" and with the means
of using them, land to employ any
other instrumentalities or methods
that may be necessary and adequate
to protect our ships and our people
In their legitimate and peaceful pur-
suits on the sea" He also asks for
sufficient credit ito enable me to
provide adequate means of protection
where they are lacking" AL this
would indicate purpose to do some
thing for our protection were it not
virtually nullified by his assurances
of inaction. / want to be fully en-
powered to do what I think best, he
says in effect. but ami not going to
do anything at all IL I can avoid IL.
He speaks of an armed neutrality as
a dire possibility. but there seems
nothing in the term but buckiing
on of sword for stesta in rock.
! ing chair. 1t suggests gold-laced
warriors gazing calmly out of club
windows. and even that is. spoken or
as q dernier resort, the ultimate OF
our intentions.
| There is nothing in the address
/ that Indicates a firm and unfaltering
! purpose TO uphold the rights OF
American citizenship, nothing that
| promises certain action for the ma;u-
tenanee OF American honor. acthfns
to impress the German government
with the strength of American spirit
and American determination We co
not fear the positive acts OF Mr.. VII
son when congress adiou-rs and he
lis left the single solitary power upon
which we must depend. We are
quite sure that he will not rush us
into war. Our fear is tha.. in the
absence of any advisers whom the
people can trust, he viii do things
&c delay or prevent positive action
ttat might prove disastrous TO OIL
! seifrespect, to our place in the ranks
Of nations. and to the preservation Of
our International rights.