The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-04-04

OOSO 2lUU ,UZl
Mexico and Japan to join in warfare
against us How -nuch further must !
she go in order to satisfy some of our |
hesitating citizens that she is direct
ing warfare against us? Do we need
further insults, affronts and injuries to
move our indignation?
Can a greater injury be done
against nation than wanton attack
upon its flag?
Has FoulIy Murdered 219 Americans.
Germany has heaped upon us every
insult conspired against our internal
and external peace, shot and trampled
upon our flag, foully murdered 219 of
our citizens and perpetrated Wanton
acts of war upon US. She has in
flicted every injury upon US except an
actual invasion of our territory
Are there any among us so cow
ardly or so foolish to desire to be
quiescent until this is done?
Does any one doubt that if the
German fleet was released from block
ade by the British fleet and free to
do so, it would not already be upon
our shores, endeavoring to do its work
of devastation and ruin?
rs anyone foolish enough to imag-
inc, that if Germany was free from
European troubles and had a large
army that she could safely land here,
she would not do so, and endeavor to
conquer us and obtain lodgment and
territory in the western hemisphere
Not Against German People.
! The senator read excerpts from the
| various notes to and from Germany
and went over the negotiations in
detail.
I'VE cannot avoid it, he said.
I'VE are not waging war against
the German people, but against it's
military and autocratic government
which we believe contrary to the
wishes of the German people, has in
| fHcted these many injustices upon us
and severed the ties of friendship
which have more than a century
| bound us to the German people.
| I'VE believe that when the war
| mad and military autocracy which
rules Germany has been chastened
| or OVerthrown the ties of friendship
now severed, will be reunited and be-
| come firmer and stronger. In wag-
| ing this war we will be aiding the
free, liberal and democratic nations
| to overthrow in Germany the last re-
| fuge of autocracy and militarism.''
| About to Declare War.
NO one is more Conscientious than
| for this is a moment for action and
for debate" said Senator Henry Cabot
Lodge, beginning after Swanson, but
as member of the committee on for
eign relations and having taken part
in the framing of this resolution, [
wish briefly to state why 1 support
| this measure with the greatest earn
estnesS of which l am capable
| THE most mOmentouS power en-
| trusted to congress by the constitu-
ton is the authority to declare war
and never has congress been called to
a greater function than at this mo-
! ment.
1--WE have submitted to wrongs and
outrages from the central powers of
Europe-wrongS which involve not
only injury to property but the de-
struction of American lives-with a
| long patience. We have borne and
foreborne to the very limit of endur-
ance. Now the inevitable end is here
and We are about to declare war
against Germany"
Should Abolish Party Lines.
Abolition of party lines lin the
presence of the common danger was
! counselled by Senator Lodge and he
! asked both Republicans and Demo-
Gratis to forego parties.
| I'VE have only a very small army
and we must proceed at once as rapid
! ly as possible to build up a large one
, tit to defend the country in any emer-
| gency, he said. I'VE must provide
for the supply of the men for the
army by a system of universal mill
tary training. l agree with the presi-
dent that this new army should be
chosen upon the principle of universal
liability to service"
An expeditionary force of 10000 of
OuT regular lTOOpS SnOulO lie sent 10
France for the moral effect, Lodge de-
clared.
I'VE cannot send a great army now"
he said, but 1 believe the mere sight
of that flag would stimulate the cour-
age and help the success of those who
have the same aim"
He advocated Selling informed Ger
| man ships to replace our losses
Senator Stone said:
WAR, National BIunder.'-Stone.
81 fear congress will involve the
United States in war; when you do
you will commit the greatest national
blunder of history. shall vote
| against committing this mistake to
prevent which, ! would gladly lay
down my life.
But if the constituted powers of
my government shall decide we must
go into the war, then I shall cast all
doubts and forebodings to the wind,
and my eyes will be blind to every
thing but the flag of my country.
borne by American boys thru the
storm of war and my ears will be deaf
to every call except the call of my
country in this hour of peril
Kenyon Backs Wilson.
Announcement was made by Ken
neutrality bill and was among the
''willfu1 men" mentioned by the pres
ident that he would vote for the ad-
ministration if for no other reason
thnn for national unity.
!
London Applauds Washington.
London AOriI Storr1 of m