New-York tribune., 1917-12-05
Favor Declarations of War
on Turkey and Bulgaria
as Well
Warm Applause
For the President
American Troops May Be
Sent to Bulwark the
Italian Line

WASHINGTON. Dec. 4.-"Our pres
ent and immediate task is 70 win the
war. and nothing shall turn us aside
| from il until it is accomplished" Presi-
dent Wilson to-day told Congress as it
began its second war session.
In furtherance of this aim he called
for declaration of war against Aus.
tria.
The President sharply dismissed the
possibility Of premature peace, which
he declared was sought BY German in
trigue and debated here by men who
understood neither its nature nor the
way it may be attained.
"With victory an accomplished fact"
he said. peace will be evolved based
upon mercy and justice'-to enemy
and friend with hope of a partnership
of nations to guarantee future world
peace"
In emphasizing the purpose OF tho
United States not TO interfere in the
: internal affairs Of any nation the Presi-
dent declared that no wrong against
the German Empire was intended. and
that there was likewise no desire 70 re-
arrange the Austro- Hungarian Empire.
When the German people shall say
to America. through properly accred-
tied representatives, that they are
ready TO agree TO a settlement based
upon justice and reparation, then, tho
President said, the war will be deemed
won.
Americas Terms
Terms of peace, he added, would not
include dismemberment, robbery or
punishment Of the enemy; but would
be based on justice. defined briefly Rs
| follows:
! Freedom of nations and their peoples
from autocratic domination, reparation
/ 10 Belgium, REIMBURSEMENT Of German
power over the peoples Of Austria, Tur-
: key and the free Balkan states, AS well
as evacuation Of prussian territorial
conquests in Belgium and Northern
/ France.
The President urged immediate dec.
laration OF state of war between the
/ United States and Austria Hungary
Germsny's vassal and tool. As TO Tur-
| key and Bulgaria also tools Of the
/ enemy he counselled delay because
"they do not yet stand in the direct
path OF our necessary action"
Received Warm Greeting
Appearing before Congress in joint
session for the first time since he asked
| for the war declaration against Ger
many last April, the President was
more than usually warmly greeted. and
his speech was received with enthusiast
tic applause, which grew tumultuous
when he reached the recommendation
as TO Austria. Diplomats. justices Of
the Supreme Court and other high off,
cials assembled on the floor joined in
the demonstration.
The recommendation for war with
Austria was generally received Is
meaning that the President has at last
reInquished hope that peace might bo
forwarded through alienation Of Aus
tria from her dominating ally. II also
recognizes the extension of the West
ern front. on which American forces
are operating, TO Italy. and will serve
to hearten the Italians.
II was learned tonight that. in con-
versation with Congressional leaders
before leaving the Capitol. the Presi-
dent said that the Austrian declaration
was advised largely because II might be
necessary at any time TO have American
soldiers aid Italy.
Prompt Action Likely
The request for declaration Of war
with Austria met with virtually unani-
nous approval, and Congress tonight
was prepared TO give prompt response.
Passage by the House on Thursday
and by the Senate on Friday Of the nee
essary resolution was planned by tho
leaders. who began drafting the for
nal document soon after the Presi-
dent finished speaking.
The Senate will be ready 10 pass a
resolution Friday declaring war
against Austria, Senator Martin, ma
jori,y leader. announced to-day. Some
debate, but no considerable opposition,
is expected
"The recommendation for q deels-
ration Of war against Austria said
Senator Martin. 'is in sympathy with
the wishes OF a great majority of the