The Detroit times., 1917-02-26
America Must Defend
Commerce and Citizens,
Says President Wilson
tCsstis-eS fre@ Pase osep


Frye were safegusrded with reasonable care The case OF
the Law which carrying lemonb slaves to Palermo
but was accompanied by no circumstances
which might not have been expected ut time In
ton with the Of the submarine against merchantmen
as the German government has used it,
In sum. therefore, the situation find ourselves in
with regard to the actual conduct of the German submarine
warfare against and its effects upon
ships and people is substantially the when ad-
dressed you the third of February except for the tying
up of shipping in ports because of the unw
ngness of ship risk their vessels with
out insurance adequate protection and the serious
congestion of our commerce has resulted congestion
which growing rapidly and serious every day.
This in itself might presently accomplish. in effect what
the new German submarine orders were meant to accom-
pish. far concerned. We only there
fore that the overt act which have ventured TO hope the
German commanders would fact avoid has not occurred
But while this happily is il must be admitted
there certain indications OF expressions OF purpose on
the part Of the German and the German authorities
which have increased rather than essened the impression
that if ships and people spared II VIII be be-
of fortunate circumstances or because the command
of the German submarines which they may happen TO
encounter exercise unexpected discretion and restraint
rather than because of the instructions under which those
commanders acting II would be foolish to deny that
the situation il faught with the gravest possibilities and
dangers No thoughtful fail to see that the nece
sity for definite action come a any time We are IN
fact. and in word merely to defend elementary
rights neutral nation. II would be most mprudent to
be unprepared
| cannot in such circumstances be unmindful of the
fact expiration of the of the
is Immediately al hand By constitutional limitations and
that would in all likelihood require unusual length Of
feel that ought. in view of that fact to obtain from
you full and immediate assurance OF the authority when
need moment 10 exercise No doubt already
possess that authority without special warrant OF law, by
the plain implication of constitutional duties and pow
but prefer in the present circumstances not to act
upon general Implications wish 10 feel that the author
y and the power of the congress behind in what
ii may become necessary for to do We Jointly
the of the people and must act together and in
their spirit far 5 divine and interpret it.
No one doubts what it is duty to do We must de-
and live of i'm
of the present trying circumstances with discretion but
with clear and steadfast Only the method and the
extent remain TO be chosen. the OCCASION occasion
should indeed arise Since it has unhappy proved impos
sble to safeguard neutral rights by diplomatic
at the hands of Germany there may be but to
armed neutrality. which shall know how to maintain
and for which there is abundant American precedent
1t is devouy to be hoped that will not be necessary
TO put armed force anywhere into action The American
people do desire il and desire different from
theirs am sure that they VIII understand the spirit IN
which acting the purpose hold nearest my heart
and would wish to exhibit in everything do.
/ am anxious that the people of the nations at way
ALREADY given turnout nearly three years of anxious
patience that the friend of peace and pre-
serve it for America as long as am able.
am not proposing contemplating any
steps that need lead TO IT, merely request that you will
by your definite bestowal
and the authority to safeguard in practice the right Of
ecsing none but the rights of peace to follow the pursuits
Of peace quietness and good w-rghs recognized time
out OF mind by all the civilized nations OF the world No
of choosing Of theirs will lead to War
only by the wful acts and aggressons of others
You will understand why can make definite pro-
posas forecasts of action and must ask for
porting authority in the most general terms The form in
which action may become necessary cannot yet be fore
seen.
believe that the people will be willing 10 trust me TO
act with restraint with prudence and in the true spirit Of
amty and good faith that they have themselves displayed
turnout these trying months and is in that belief that
/ request that you will authorize supply our mer.
chant ships with defensive arms if that becomes necessary
and with the of using them and to employ all other
instrumentates methods that be necessary and
adequate protect ships and people in their egti
mate and peaceful pursuits on the seas.
request also that you will grant at the same time
along with the powers ask, sufficient credit 10 enable
provide adequate of protection where they
lacking including adequate insurance against the present
risks.
have spoken Of commerce and Of the legitimate
eands of people the but you will not be msed
my main thought the thought that lies behind these
phrases and gives them dignity and weight IL not of
material interests merely that thinking. 1t is
rather of fundamental human rights chief OF all the right
of life itself thinking. not only Of the rights Of Amer
go and about their proper business by way
Of the but also of something much deeper much more
fundamental than that thinking Of those rights Of
humanity without which there civilization NV theme