Norwich bulletin., 1917-03-22

Washington, March q. - President
 Wilson today met the constantly in creasfng probability of war with Ger many by Summoning congress to as- semble in extraordinary session Mon- day, April 2-two weeks earlier than the date he had chosen before the lat est assaults upon American rights or the seas.
 When the president addresses con- sress he is expected to show how 8 state of war actually has existed for some time because of the unlawful aggressions of German submarines.
 What Congress is Expected to Do.
 Congress is expected formally to de- clare a state of war existing, vote a large sum, probably half a billion dol lars, for national defense, and clothe the armed forces of the United States. as it empowered President Mckinley to deal with the menace of Spain in 1898.
 Such action would not be a declara- tion of war except in a technical sense, and whether the United States and Germany actually go to war in the fullest acceptation of the term will depend on what the imperial govern ment does before congress is assem- bIed or after it acts.
 Germany Expects War Within 4a
 Hours.
 Despatches from abroad tonight de- claring that the German government expected a state of war within the next forty eight hours, placed an omi- nous aspect on tine situation
 Much to change the presidents pres ent intentions or the course of the government in the crisis may develop before April 2. The first American reached the war zone The ruthless destruction Of one of them unquestion- ably would be an act of war.
 On the other hand sinking of a sub- -ar-i.1 <1z men probably would be met as an act of war by Germany Even the arm ing of American ships. with the avow- ed purpose of defending them against U-boats may be declared such an act.
 In any Of these events practically nothing would remain except for con- gress to acknowledge stata of war existing from a certain specified date probably last Sunday when three American ships were sunk with loss of life.
 Days of Tense Anxiety.
 The next ten days, until congress meets. will be days of tense anxiety fraught with possibilities of tremen- dous consequences to the United States.
 President Wilson and his advisors in intention that war shall be declared by the Uuited States. By the hostile acts of German submarines they be- lieve the imperial German government is actually making war on the United States, and that it shall be recog- nized as such a state. To meet such a condition the armed forces of the country and all the national resources are to be put in a state of readiness.
 In every sense, war, if 1t actually comes, will be a defensive war free from ambitions of spoils or territory in which the United States, the pres ident has publicly declared; shall want nothing for itself and shall seek only to preserve the rights of civilization and humanity.
 Probable Course of United States.
 In such situation the United States might become an actual participant in the hostilities on the European conti- nent without becoming a political ally | casting it's weight of men, money and l moral influence into the battle against | he common enemy.
 The ports of the United States prob l ably would be opened to warships of | he entente navies: credits from the | vast stocks of gold, food. munitions | md other materials might be extended l 10 all the entente powers. The Amer with the British and French navies in clearing submarines from the seas.
 Political Differences Fade Away.
 Hurry calls for all parties in con- yress went out today as soon as the | president announced advancement of he day of the extra session. The menace of war looming close ahead, political differences began to fade way.
 Tn laying the whole situation before ongress, the president is expected ito etaiI fully the warlike acts of Ger many against the United States and 0 pay particular attention to the fu- ure of the American government as he great conflict draws to a close. It is not improbable that he will ask onzress to declare a state of war OK 3ting. although there is some indica- ion that he may only outline the sit atioTl fully and leave to congress the ctfon which is accepted as unavoid- bIe. So much can develop. however, efore congress assemblies. that the resident is keeping his plans in a ,ntatfve form. Germany. by her acts. l the interim may throw all the plans wry and accept the onus of having breed the war.
 interest Centers in Navy. Meanwhile every preparation foEi atting the nations defences in condf- {
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