Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1917-03-02

ur elementary rights as a neu-
raj nation. 1t would be most
to be unprepared.
/ cannot in such circumstances
,e unmindful Of the fact the ex-l
,iration of the term of the pres-l
mt Congress is Immediately att
hand. by constitutional limita-
ton; and that it would in all
likelihood require an unusual
length of time to assemble and
the Congress which is
to succeed it. feel that ought,
in view Of that fact. to obtain
from you full and immediate as
surance of the authority which |
may need at any moment to ex-
ercise.
No doubt I already possess that
authority without special war
rant of law, by the plain impli-
cation of my constitutional du-
ties and powers, but prefer, in
the present circumstances, not
to act upon general implication.
I wish to feel that the authority
and power of the Congress are
behind me in whatever it may
become necessary for me to do.
We are jointly the servants of
the people and must act together
and in their spirit, so far as we
can divine and interpret it.
No one doubts what it is our
duty to do. We must defend our
commerce and the lives of our
people in the midst of the pres
ent trying circumstances. with
discretion, but with clear and
steadfast purpose. Only the
method and the extent remain to
be chosen, when the occasion
should indeed arise.
Since it has unnappily proved
impossible to safeguard our neu-
trail rights by diplomatic means
against the unwarranted in
Engagements they are suffering
at the hands of Germany, there
may be no recourse but to armed
neutrality, which we shall know
how to maintain and for which
there is abundant American
precedent.
1t is deyoutly to be hoped that
it will not be necessary TO put
ar med force anywhere into ac'
ton. The American people dc
not desire it, and our desire is
not different from theirs. / am
sure that they will understand
the purpose l hold nearest my
heart and would wish to exhibit
in ever ything l do. l am anx-
ious that the people of the ma.
tons at war also should under.
stand and not mistrust us.
hope that / need give no further
proofs and assurance than l have
already given throughout nearly
three years of anxious patience
that l am the friend of peace ano
mean to preserve it for America
as long as am able.
l am not now proposing or con-
templatlng war or any steps that
need lead to it. I merely request
that you will accord me by your
own vote and definite bestowal
the means ard the authority to
safeguard in practice the right
of a great people who are at
peace and who are DESTROYS Of
exercising none but the rights
of peace to follow the pursuits
of peace in quietness and good
will-rights recognized time out
of mind by all the civilized ma
tions of the world, No course
of my choosing or of their will
lead to war. War can come only
by the willful acts and aggress-
ions OF others.
You will understand why l can
make no definite proposals or
forecasts of action now and must
ask for your supporting author
ity in the most general terms.
The form in which action may
become necessary cannot yet be
foreseen. l believe that the peo-
pie will be willing to trust me to
act with restraint. with prudence
md in the-true spirit Of amity |
ind good faith that they have
themselves displayed ghout
:hese trying months; and it is in
he belief that l request that
1ou will authorize me to supply |
,ur merchant ships with defen-
i've arms, should that become
necessary, and with the means
# using them, and to employ +
my other Instruments ities or
Methods that may be. necessary
md adequate to protect our ships
md our people in their legiti-