The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1917-02-26
America Must Defend
Commerce and Citizens,
Says President Wilson

essentially like the OF the Frye in which il will be
recalled the German government admitted its liability for
damages and the lives of the in the Of the
Frye safeguared with reasonable The Of
the Law which carrying emonboN slaves TO Palermo,
disclosed ruthessnes Of method which deserves grave
condemnation, but accompanied by circumstances
which might not have been expected at time in
ton with the of the submarine against merchantmen
as the German government has used IT,
In sum- therefore, the situation we find ourselves in
with regard to the actual conduct of the German submarine
warfare against commerce and its effects upon
ships and people is substantially the when ad
dressed the third Of February except for the tying
up OF our shipping In ports because Of the unw
ngness of ship risk their vessels with
out insurance or adequate protection and the serious
congestion of has resulted. congestion
which is growing rapidly and serious every day.
This in itself might presently accomplish. in effect what
the German submarine orders meant to
pish. far concerned We only say. there
fore that the overt which have ventured hope the
German commanders would in fact avoid has not occurred
But while this happily is true. il 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 it will be be-
of fortunate circumstances because the command
of the German submarines which they may happen 10
exercise unexpected discretion and restraint
rather than because instructions under which those
commanders acting II would be foolish to deny that
the situation is faught with the grayest possibilities and
dangers No thoughtful man can fail that
sity for definite action at time. If in
fact. and not in word merely to defend elementary
rights neutral nation. Ii would be most imprudent to
be unprepared
cannot in such circumstances be unmindful of the
fact that the expiration Of the Of the present
L
that would in all likelihood require unusual length Of
time assemble and organize the which is to sue
coed il.
feel that ought, in view of that fact TO obtain from
you full and immediate of the authority which
may need at any moment to exercise No doubt already
possess that authority without special warrant OF law, by
the plain implication of my constitutional duties and pow
but prefer in the present not to act
upon general implications wish 10 feel that the author
y and the power of the congress behind in what
may become necessary for TO do We Jointly
the servants OF the people and must act together and In
II
No doubts what il Is duty to do We must de-
fend and the lives of people in the midst
of the trying circumstances with discretion but
with and steadast purpose Only the method and the
extent remain to be chosen upon the occasion occasion
should indeed arise Since il has unhappy proved mpos
sibe to safeguard neutral rights by diplomatic
against the unwarranted nfrngemens they suffering
at the hands of Germany there may be but TO
armed neutrality which we shall know how TO maintain
and for which there is abundant American precedent
1t devouy to be hoped that it will not be necessary
to put armed force anywhere action. The American
people do not desire it and desire not different from
theirs. am that they will understand the spirit in
which acting the purpose hold nearest my heart
and would wish TO exhibit in everything do.
anxious that the people of the nations at war
also should understand and mistrust us hope that
need give further proofs and than have
already given thruout nearly three years of anxious
patience that am the friend of peace and mean to pre-
serve it for America as long as ! am able
/ am not proposing contemplating any
steps that need lead to it, merely request that will
accord by vote and definite bestowal the
and the authority to safeguard in practice the right of
great people who at and who DESTROYS of
ercSlng
of in quetness and good wrghts recognized time
out of mind BY all the civilized nations of the world No
of my choosing of theirs will lead to War
only by the wfu and aggresions Of others
You will understand why can make definite pro-
posa forecasts Of action and must ask for
porting authority in the general terms The form in
which action become necessary cannot yet be fore
believe that the people will be willing 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 il is that belief that
request that you will authorize to supply
chant ships with defensive if that becomes necessary
and with the of using them and 10 employ all other
instrumentates methods that may be necessary and
adequate protect ships and people their egt
mate and peaceful pursuits the
request also that you will grant 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.
1 nave spoken Of our commerce and OF the legitimate
erand Of people the but you viii not be misled
my main thought the thought that lies behind these
phrases and gives them dignity and weight il is not Of
material interests merely that thinking. II is
rather Of fundamental human rights chief Of all the right
OF life itself thinking not only Of the rights of Amer
leans go and about their proper business
r A. - 6 t..-~r l.