davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
American Liners
Will Sail as Soon
AS They Get Guns
Shipping Men Say They Expect
ed Roar" from Wilson and
Got Only a "Bleat'

II President Wilson is authorized by
Congress to arm commerce ships the
American Line steamships tied up here
will resume sailings as soon as guns
can be provided, it was stated yester-
day by officials of the line.
The st. Louis, st. Paul, Philadelphia,
New York and Kroonlsnd are at their
New York docks. The Finland, of the
same line, is on her way from Europe
to this port.
All the ships are passenger vessels,
but the Kroonland is to be turned into
a freighter.
Neutral shipping men resented the
word "timidly" in the Presidents
statement, that many OF our ships are
keeping to their own ports"
when President Wilson went before
Congress TO ask for power to arm mer-
chant vessels, shipping men expected
roar and got only bleat,'' one said.
THE unjustness of the situation,
when all other vessels are sailing and
only American passenger vessels are
afraid TO venture on the high seas,
makes il only natural that We should
feel rather downcast,' was the way an
other official put it.
American merchantmen have not
been deferred by the Kaiser's threats,
but it is entirely another question for
an American company to jeopardize the
lives of their compatriots in permit
ting American passenger vessels 70 sail
into the prohibited area without suf-
ficient protection from their common
government" this same official con-
tinued.
ave all hoped, when merchantmen
flying the Stars and Stripes continued
on their regular trade, that Germany
would realize that America had not been
frightened into clinging to Uncle Sans
coattails.
THE arrival of the Dochra, the first
American vessel to sail, on February Z
at Gibraltar, and the news to-day OF
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Civilization at Stake
In Attack on Human Rights

Ii is not of material interest merely
that We are thinking. II is, rather, OF
fundamental human rights, chief of
all the right Of life itself. | am
thinking not only Of the rights of Amer
leans TO go and come about their proper
business by way OF the sea, but also
Of something much deeper, much more
fundamental than that. | am thinking
of those rights Of humanity without
which there is no civilization. Ny
theme is of those great principles Of
compassion and of protection which
mankind mas sought 10 throw about
human lives-the lives Of non-combat-
ants, the lives of men who are peace
fully at work keeping the industrial
processes of the world quick and vital,
the lives of women and children. and
of those who supply the labor which
ministers TO their sustenance.
We are speaking Of no selfish mate
rial rights, but of rights which our
hearts support, and whose foundation
is that righteous passion for justice
upon which all law, all structures
alike Of family, of state and Of man
kind must rest, and upon the ultimate
base Of our existence and our liberty.
| cannot imagine any man with Ameri-
can principles at his heart hesitating
TO defend these things.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Asks Power to Arm Ships
And to Use Other Means

You will understand why | can make
no definite proposals or forecasts OF
action now and must ask Tor your sup
porting authority in the most general
terms. The form in which action may
become necessary cannot yet be lore
seen. | believe that the people viii be
willing to trust me TO act with re-
straint, with prudence, and IN the true
spirit of amity and good faith that
thew have themselves displayed
throughout these trying months; ana
il is in that belief that ! request that
you will authorize me to supply our
merchant ships with defensive arms
should that become necessary, ard
with the means of using them, and TO
employ any other instrumentalities or
methods that may be necessary. and
adequate to protect our ships and our
people in their legitimate and peace
full pursuits of the seas.
request also that you will grant
me at the same time, along with the
powers | ask. sufficient credit to en-
able me 70 provide adequate means OF
protection where they are lacking, IN
GLIDING ADEQUATE insurance against the
present war risks.
have spoken of our commerce and
of the legitimate errands of our peo-
pie on the seas, but you will not be
misled as to my main thought, the
thought that lies beneath these phrases
and gives them dignity and weight.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

Washington, Feb. 26.-Fotto'c'n9
is the tert Of the address delivered
bv President Wilson to Congress to-
day:
Gentlemen Of the Congress: ] nave
again asked the privilege of addressing
YOU because we are moving through
critical times, during which, 1t seems
TO me, to be my duty 10 keep in close
touch with the houses Of Congress so
that neither counsel nor action shall
run at cross-purposes between US.
On the third of February | officially
informed you of the sudden and un-
expected action of the imperial Ger
man government in declaring its inten-
ton to disregard the promises it had
made to this government in April last
and undertake immediate Submarine
operations against all commerce, wheth-
or of belligerents or of neutrals, that
should seek to approach Great Britain
and Ireland, the Atlantic coasts OF hu-
rope or the harbors Of the Eastern Medi-
terranean, and to conduct those opera
tons without regard 20 the established
restrictions of international practice'
without regard TO any considerations
of humanity even which might inter
fere with their object.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Not Contemplating War,
But Wants To Be Ready

II is deyoutly to be hoped that IT viii
not be necessary to put armed forces
anywhere il to action. The american
people do not desire it, and our desire
Is not different from theirs. | am sure
that they will understand the spirit
In which | am now acting, the purpose
| hold nearest my heart, ana wouiu
wish to exhibit in everything ! 90
I am anxious that the people, OF the
nations at war also should understand
and not mistrust US.
| hope that ] need give no further
nroofs and assurances than l nave al
ready given throughout nearly three
wears of anxious patience that am
the friend of peace, and mean TO pre-
serve it for America so long as l am
able.
am not now proposing or contem-
Mating war. or any steps that lead 70
II. I merely request that you VIII ac-
cord me by your own vote ana denhi.e
bestowal the means and the authorl'y
70 safeguard in practice the rlght OF
a great people, who are at peace anu
who are DESTROYS of exercising none
but the rights Of peace, to follow the
pursuit of peace in quietness and goon
will-rights recognized time out OF
mind bv ali the civilized nations Of the
world.
No course Of my choosing or OF theirs
will lead TO war. War can come only
by the wilful acts and aggressions oil
others
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
May Need the Authority
To Act at Any Moment

feel that / ought, in view OF mat
fact. TO obtain from you full ana I'M
mediate assurance of the authority
which | may need at any monet to
exercise. No doubt | already possess
that authority without special war.
rant of law by the plain implication OF
NV constitutional duties and powers
hut I prefer in the present circuit
stances not TO act upon general lmpl
cation. wish 20 feel that the authority
and the power of the Congress are be-
hind 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 lar as
we can divine and interpret it.
No one doubts what il IS our duty 70
do. We must defend our commerce
and the lives of our people in the MIDST
of the present trying circumstances
with discretion, but with clear and
steadfast purpose. Only the method ana
the extent remain TO be chosen upon
the occasion. if occasion should indeed
arise.
Since il has unhappily proved lmpos-
sible to safeguard our neutral rights
by Diplomatic means against the IN
warranted infringements they are SUI
fering at the hands of Germany there
NAV be no recourse but to armed neu-
traiity, which we shall know how 10
maintain and for which there Is aouh-
dant American precedent.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

70 declare war. II that were asked l
would oppose H.
Rep. Flood, Va. Cd, chairman FOR
eign Affairs Committee think the
suggestion made by the PresidehJ
should be promptly enacted into law
The chief purpose is 10 protect Amen-
can shipping. Republicans as well as
Democrats arc committed TO this
policy.
Rep. O'Shaunessy, z. I. DBL be-
lieve we are slipping gracefully into the
European wGT.
Rep. Longyorth, Ohio R. -Presi-
dent Wilson wants US to make cut a
power Of attorney and sign blank
check on the Treasury and 90 home.
He wants 20 be appointed dictator FOR
nine months with Congress away.
Rep. Britten, III. ri will back
up the President in the protection OF
American life and all cargo not contra
band Of war.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
US. an Armed Neutral in 1913;
Measures Taken to Halt F rench
President Adams Obtained Laws from Congress to Protect
American Ships - Russia First Nation to
Invent Armed Neutrality

to increase the naval armament, to au-
thorize a provisional army. TO arrest
and expel aliens, to authorize the de-
fence OF merchant ships against French
war vessels, and to enable the President
10 borrow money.
On July 7, 1898, President Adams ap-
proved an act reciting that since treat
les repeatedly had been violated by
France, just claims for reparation re-
fused and a system of predatory vio-
lence" had been pursued by the French
government, the United States were
"of right freed and eXOnerated from the
stipulatons of the treaties"
Thirty years later France agreed to
pay S6,250,0OO to satisfy American
claims.
The acts Of Congress in 1898 were in
the aggregate somewhat like the bill in
troduced in the Senate Saturday by SEN
ator Fall.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

Washington, Feb 26.-Armed neu-
trality is described by authorities on
international law as military measures
for defending rights of neutrals
against threatening infringemcnts by
a bellgerent. 1t has generally con-
cerned more than one power, and the
most striking historical instances of
armed neutralities we're those of the
northern European powers in 1880 and
1900, made TO defend the principle Of
free ships and free goods adopted by
treaty between the Baltic powers and
opposed by England.
The leading English speaking author
ity. Oppenheim, says:
'In 1880, during war with Great
Britain. her American colonies, France
and Spain, Russia sent a circular to
England, France and Spain, in which
she proclaimed the following five prin-
ciples: That neutral vessels should be
allowed to navigate from port to port
OF belligerents and along the coast;
that enemy goods on neutral vessels,
contraband excepted, should not be
seized by belligerents; that a port
should be considered blockaded only
If the blockading belligerent had sta
toned vessels there, so as to create
an obvious danger for neutral vessels
entering the port.
First Armed Neutrality
"ln July and August, 1880. Russia
entered into a treaty, first with Den
mark and then with Sweden, for the
purpose Of enforcing those principles
by equipping u number of men-of-war.
Thus the armed neutrality made its
appearance"
The second armed neutrality was also
called into existence by Russia in 1900.
and was due to England's refusal to
conccde immunity from visit and search
90 neutral vessels under convoy. This
led TO a compromise in the Maritime
Conventions" concluded by Russia and
England in 1901.
The last time the United States was
in state Of armed neutrality was dur
ing the war between France and Eng
land, which ended with the downfall
OF Napoleon. After many acts against
American commerce bound for Eng
land, France, on January IL, 1898, de
creed that every vessel found at sea
loaded with merchandise produced in
England or her possessions could be
made prize.
Many American vessels were seized,
and in June, 1893. President Adams
began TO obtain from Congress broad
authority TO protect American COM
merce and to put the United States in
u better position to make war II IL be-
came necessary.
In rapid succession laws were made
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
American Commerce Suffers,
But Other Neutrals Fare Worse

That policy was forthwith put into
practice. II has now been iii active
exhibition for nearly four weeks. Its
practical results are not fully dis
closed. The commerce of other neutral
nations is suffering severely, but not,
perhaps, very much more severely than
it was already suffering before the first
of February. when the new policy OF
the imperial government was put into
operation.
We have asked the cooperation OF
the other neutral governments to pre-
vent these depredations, but | fear none
of them has thought it wise to JOIN US
in any common course of action. Our
own commerce has suffered, IS SUI
fering. rather in apprehension than IN
fact. rather because so many OF our
ships are timidly keeping to their home
ports than because American ships
have been sunk.
Two American vessels have been
sunk. the Housatonic and the Lyman
NJ. Law. The case of the Housatonlc,
which was carrying foodstuffs con-
signed TO O London firm, was essen
tally like the case of the Frye, in
which, it will be recalled. the Ger
man government admitted its liability
for damages, and the lives Of the crew.
as in the case Of the Frye, were safe
onarded with reasonable care.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

rather than to their representatives
TO them the speech seemed consist
mt with the whole course of the
President during the present crisis
and before il, to drug the fears OF
the people, TO convince them that 1t
is possible to escape war, to lead
them to continue their easygoing
outlook upon the world calamity.
Just what the President means by
AIMED neutrality, in the light Of his
address, it is impossible to say
There is only gossip to support the
orinion that he means TO take any
action beyond the arming OF the
merchantmen. 1t is not at all likely
that naval conveys will be used TO
protect transatlantic commerce.
But If the ships themselves are
adequately armed, as officials OF the
Navy Department say is immediate
" possible. the result may be that
the submarine blockade of American
shipping in American ports VIII be
broken. Up to this moment, and un-
less something unexpected happens
that is all that is contemplated by
the Administration.
Hope for Neutral League
One collateral feature has not been
wholly cleared VI. Efforts 10 have
President Wilson call a conference OF
reutrals 10 formulate a uniform decia-
ration of the rights Of the nations no'
Mt war are going steadily forward ana
there are indications that they are
favored in Administration quarters
Suggestions to this effect have come
from more than one Of the European
neutrals since diplomatic relations win
Germany were severed
Secretary Lansing, who has oeeh
away for q three-day stay at "hiUe
Sulphur Springs. w. Va, is to return
to-morrow. and it is possible that some
Developments may follow. There is no
official ground for a statement that ne
has been at work on something Tor tne
President, but the impression prevails
that he has.
Address Prepared Last Friday
President Wilson prepared MS au-
dress 70 Congress before the Secretary
Of State. Mr.. Lansing. left Washington
last Friday. SO, certainly as long ago
as that he had made up his mind 70 al
dress Congress. Republican Senators
were puzzled to-day to account for the
authoritative statements that were
made TO them on Saturday midnight
that the chances were all against the
President coming at all
The Presidents friends all say tha'
his only motive in now appearing De-
fore Congress was his realization OF the
fact that something must be done
ouickly to get American commerce
The situation cannot be said to be
clarified by to-day's address. He could
6nd practically unanimous support II
he defined his stand. As it is, even the
Administration leaders do not appear
70 know what he desires or intends. his
hands continue to be tied by his own
words. ~, u,
There is no doubt that Mr., Wilson
thoroughly believes that he has th'
country, IL not Congress, oehlho MN
course up to this time. He is OF the
belief that the country is willing 70
trust him to act with restraint.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Hungarian Papers Must Suspend

Copenhagen, Feb. 27.-All the news.
papers in Hungary, says a Budapest
dispatch to the "Frankfurter Zeitung,'
must cease publication within few
days. This IS the result Of lack Of
paper.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
GERARD AT C0RUNNA
Ambassador and Party Will Sail from
That Port for Home

Madrid, Feb. 26.-Ambassador Gerard
and party have arrived at Corunna, ac-
cording to a message received here
from the Governor Of Corunna this
evening. The Ambassador will sail from
Comma for the United States.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

the docking of the American freightes
Orleans, of the Oriental Steamship
Company. at Bordeaux, shows clearly
that Germany never intended to carry
out her threats against the United
States"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Senators and Representa-
tives Declare Request tor
Power Is Too Broad
ASK HIM TO MAKE
SPECIFIC STATEMENT
Congress Would Arm or
Convoy Ships, but Retain
War-Making Function
From Tie Tribune Bueaul

Washington, Feb. ga canvass for
the opinions of Senators and Repre-
sentatives as 20 the Presidents ad-
dress was taken following the joint
session to-day. Striking unanimity was
manifested on the idea that the powers
asked by the President were entirely
too broad. Many Democrats as well as
Republicans expressed this view.
With few exceptions, most Of the
members who are neither pacifsts nor
pro- Germans favored giving the Presi-
dent the power to arm merchant ships,
or even to convoy ships, but they OBJ
jected to comforting blanket authority
Representative Campbell, Of Kansas
ranking Republican member OF the
Rules Committee, was one Of the rev
members inclined TO oppose the whole
PROPOSAL. on the ground that the Presl-
Dent could permit the arming of ships,
and could even convoy ships, without
action by Congress.
80. if we accept the powers he asks
which he already has" Mr.. Campbell
declared, what the President really
asks is permission 70 declare war when
ever he thinks !: necessary. | think II
would be much better for Congress to
come back here and give up its summer
vacation than to grant any such broad
poWers"
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
President Wilson's Address

cannot in such circumstances De
unmindful of the fact that the expira-
ton of the term Of the present Con
gress is Immediately at hand by con,
stitutional limitation and that 1t Would
in all likelihood require an unusuai
length Of time to assemble and organ
ire the Congress which is 10 succeed IT,
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
in taking prompt and effective action to
UPHOLD AMERICAN RIGHTS
and
DEFEND THE NATIONAL HONOR

Many who intensely convinced that the present
state submarine question demands prompt ana VIZ
orous action defense of American rights hesitate to press e
views for fear of embarrassing the President No such cOn'dea
ton hand those who seek paraze effort ne may
make to carry into practical effect his pledge omit act nece
sary for the protection Of American ships and American cu
engaged upon lawful errands the high The camo Of "
trcmc pacsts and of those who from other motives are opp
to this patriotic makes itself nsstenty heard within WV
gress and without longer permissible therefore tor tho"
remain who , support the President in the protecu
Of our national rights and the defense Of national honor
Our ships and flag being excluded from the " 0y
the threat Of death and destruction conveyed Germany
ion of neutral shipping The need of the hour TO w
eectual measures to safeguard shipping and citizens
for Americans be murdered and then 60
war to punish the offender To refuse too long delay SUCH
protection would be in the subugahon OF
rights to German domination The time has to assure inc
President that he will have the overwhelming support OF his "
ow-counymen in taking effective to meet the n
able situation with which the country confronted
All those who desire join in expressing these views arc
quested to send their
Nathan A. Smyth Secretary,
80 Broadway New York City
Joseph Choa. William H. Taft George 5 NJ Mo B~n
John B. S,aneh6cld Henry [. simson Albert Kerr White
JANA &i.n EVE Weir frederick G Tanner s;h;
Martin w. Li,leton Cs,s Gilbert W% ray Iy SeSi
Henry Philip MecoOk Lewis e. S S"%i
fss Gaef f1ia '''"''" e sS Ss@d. S:.s
w J. Curtis Charles B. De John '"
Walter w. Henry n. Curran BENJAMIN
" e. Alfred Jaretski
! p Wheeler Bertra G.. Goodhue Geo r. franc
A. Perry Osborn Robert X Need Wheeler
I. Barnard VIM ~ Cohen
The names sent in will be communicated to the President anu
the members of Congress Responses already pouring m
uons to extend this advertising may be sent by check " "
Secretary.
Make lhe demonstration more
impressive by sending In your Ma".s
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Condemns Ruthless Sinking
OF Schooner Lyman NJ. Law

The case of the Law, which was
carrying lemon box slaves to Palermo
disclosed a ruthlessness Of method
which deserves grave condemnation,
but was accompanied by no circum-
stances which might not have been
expected at any time in connection
with the use of the submarine against
merchantmen as the German govern
ment has used it.
In sum. therefore, the situation we
find ourselves in with regard to the
actual conduct Of the German subma-
rine warfare against commerce and its
effects upon our own ships and people
is substantially the same that it was
when | addressed you on the third OF
February. except for the tying up Of
our shipping in our own ports because
of the unwillingness of our ship own
ers to risk their vessels at sea with
out insurance or adequate protection,
and the very serious congestion of our
commerce which has resulted. con-
gestion which is growing rapidly more
and more serious every day.
This in itself might presently &C
complish, in effect, what the new Ger
man submarine orders were meant to
accomplish, so far as we are concerned.
We can only say. therefore, that the
overt act which have ventured to hope
the German commanders would in fact
avoid has not occurred.
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
%. Altntatt & On.

Balta Shoes for Men and Boys
are constructed ON lasts that insure
combination Of comfort with style.
The new models Tor Spring include Shoes
for every occasion.
Boys Shoes are fitted by statesmen who
are familiar with the special require
mems of the growing foot.
(Men's and Boys Shoes, Sixth FlOor)
Fifth Aurnllr Mahsm A,rnllr
34t! ann 3jtl strrrts Nsm uurk
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

Joseph II. Choate
Alton Is. Parker
John B. Stanchhcld
James Byrne
J. Alden Weir
Martin w. Li,tleton
Joseph Nj. Prise
Henry de Forest Baldwin
Arnold w. Drummer
r. Underwood Johnson
Fabian Franklin
w. J. Curtis
Walter w. Price
Edward Delavan Perry
}. r. Wheeler
A. Perry Osborn
Otto I. Barnard
New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27

impressive by sending I'm your nams