The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-03-21

the most important and strategic
army buildings, railroad br-dges ana
tunnels, etc, unless each state IS called
upon to furnish state troops for pro-
lection of such property within their
respective borders.
While navy department heads were
uncommunicative Immediately follow
ing the extra session call, as were
army officials, it was believed here
that call for the mobilization of the
naval militia is not far off-in fact,
that such a call might ~precede any
similar call for state land troops.
State of War Since March II.
The presidents decision was reached
only after he had been convinced that
the sinking by Germany OF three
American freighters on the high seas
had brought about a demand from
the country for more aggressive action
than has at any time been taken
against the imperial German govern
ment.
The president will demand from
congress drastic measures to protect
American commerce on the seas.
He is expected to announce that a
state of war has existed between the
United States and Germany since
March 1 4, when the American steamer
Algonquin was sunk.
Speeds Naval Defense.
Up to last night the presidents de-
cision in the matter had not been
reached. He had strongly leaned to-
ward taking no further aggressive step
than the rapid preparation for naval
defense. The original date set for the
extra congress session was April To-
The president is expected when he
addresses congress to ask that some
form of universal service be inaugur-
ated at once to prepare the youns
men of America for the proper and ell
ficient service should they be called
upon to perform in behalf of then
country in case of war.
The president determined his drastic
course of action after arising this
morning. He Immediately prepared
the proclamation advancing the date
of the extra session and at $50 left for
a game of golf in spite of the fact that
the day was damp and dreary.
Text of Proclamation.
The proclamation follows:
Whereas. public interest requires
that the congress of the United States
should be convened in extra session
at twelve O'Clock noon on the second
dav of April, 1917, to consider grave
questions of national policy which
should be taken Immediately under
consideration.
..Now, therefore. 1, Woodrow Will
son, President of the United States OF
America do hereby proclaim and DC
clare that an extraordinary occasion
requires the congress of the United
States to convene in extra session al
the capitol i'll the city of Washington
on the second day of April. 1917, al
twelve O'Clock noon. of which all per-
sons who shall at that time be enti-
tied to act as members thereof, are
hereby required to take notice"
There is an overwhelming senti-
ment not only in the cabinet, but in
the congress, that a state of war now
exists between the United States and
Germany.
Differ on War Declaration.
There is a difference of opinion as
to whether the occasion demands that
the president shall ask congress for an
actual declaration of war. There are
those of the presidents advisers who
believe this unnecessary now.
A final decision on this question
however, depends largely, it was stat
ed today, on what fate befalls the
first armed American liner that ven
lures into the danger zone laid ou
by Germany.