Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-02-27
CONTINUED INVASION
8 OF AMERICAN RIGHTS
! TAKEN TO CONGRESS
(cOn.taued from Page onsJ

The president has made no unreasonable
request.
To ask for authority to use the forces
% the United States TO protect Ameri-
-ean rights is not in any sense to ask
for a declaration Of war. nor is il an
act OF war. 1t is to prepare the United
States for what may be war-like acts
BY any other nation
The presidents decided that before cen
Il gress was adjourned for the session il
was necessary that he be given addition
al authority TO protect American rights
There have been reports that such a
move would be opposed in congress. but
he decided TO take the step. regardless
of that
In his address the president pointed
out that Germany's acts since the break
in diplomatic relations Indicate her de-
Termination to so forward with her cam
lafgn OF ruthleSsness, despite the pro-
tests of neLtrals whose rights are in
volYed- The president is represented as
confident that congress will rise TO the
occasion and promptly give him the de-
sired authority.
The president IS still as anxious IS
ever. it. was said. to avoid war with
Germany. bit is determined 10 protect
American rights. He has made full and
detailed plans for protecting American
ships desiring to enter the German war
sone.
The president pointed out that while
he desires peace there is something
greater than peace-the protection OF
the sovereign rights of America and that
the untrammeled right OF American ships
TO sail the seas unmOlested by any for
eign nation must be upheld
Mr.. Wilson'S decision TO so before
.-.A hi 10 aRT
that Germauy's campaign IS keeping
American ships tied up in American
ports. Such a condition, the president
points out. is unbearable-
Democratic leaders of the senate and
house we're notified and arrangements
were made for his appearance before L
j0int session in the hall OF the house.
Aiming American merchantmen or con-
voying them through the war zone are
two methods of protecting American
commerce being considered Exactly
what steps will be taken has not been
revealed
LOOKS UP PRECEDENT.S
President Wilson is still confident that
an extra session will be unnecessary
THE situation outlined in his address,
ne believes is such that congress Will
give him the desired authority ungrudg-
fnRIy. He has carefully looked up the
Precedent and found that on previous
occasions the United States has taken
the position of armed neutrality with
out bringing about war.
This condition existed once in rela-
ton to France. when American vessels
were attacked by French ships interfer-
ing. with American commerce
steps leading up to the announcement
that the president would go before con-
gress this afternoon came is quick sue
cessfon early this morning At o'clock
the president summoned Secretary Tu-
muIty to the White House and soon att
erward called for Senator Stone. At
$40 the deputy public printer was
called to the executive offices and given
the presidents manuscript of his ad-
gress this afternoon came ii quick sue
multy made the announcement
The president concluded that IL migAt
not be wise TO wait for an overt act
n before asking additional authority OF
n congress.
: The accumulation OF violations of
American rights and the cond1tlsns
brought about by the failure Of Ameri-
can merchantmen TO leave port brought
him 10 the decision to act before con-
gress adjourned
When President Wilson announced to
congress the severance of diplomatic re-
IatiOns with Germany he said he was
Enable TO believe that Germany would
sacrifice American rights in the cam
paIgn OF ruthlessness which she had pro-
claimed. but added:
IF this inveterate confidence on my
part in the sobriety and prudent fore
sight OF their purpose should uuhappi-
~ prove unfounded; IL American ships
and American lives should, in fact. be
sacrfacsd by their Germany naval COM
manders in needless contraventiOn OF
the just and reasonable understandings
Of international law and the obvious
dictates of humanity. L shall take the
liberty OF coming again before congress
20 ask that authority be given me to
use any means that may be necessary
Tor the protection OF our seamen and
pur people in the prosecution OF their
peaceful and legitimate errands on the
high seas. I can do nothing less"
ARMED NEUTRALITY"
Armed neutrality was described by
authorities on international law as mill
fary measures for the purpose OF de-
lending rights of neutrals against threat
sning infringments on the part of a
oelligerent II has generally concerned
more than one power and 'the most striK-
ing historical instances Of armed neu-
tralitfes were those OF the northern
European powers in 1850 and 1900 made
TO defend the principle OF free ships and
free goods adopted By treaty between
@ae --aftic powers anu opposed Oy Eng
e:Iand.
IF the commercial interests Of sew
eral nations" says one authority. ARE
.-threateaed by unjust or unlawful meas
ures. on the part of a belligerent. which
they deem unjust or dangerous. there
can be no questions Of their right to Sc
cure their menaced interests by such
combinations as seem best calculated
TO accomplish that purpose
IAN armed neutrality is in fact an al
1iance OF several powers usually OF a