Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1918-01-31
PRESIDENT LOOKS
FOR ALLIED VICTORY
IN WAR THIS YEAR
Tells Farmers of Nation They Are
Struggling for Liberty as Much
as Their Forebears in '76.
MUST MAINTAIN CROPS
BY Associated Press to Every Evening
W.ap,.xor,,f I.N n

=
WASHINGTON. JAN. 81.
To the farmers of the United States
President Wilson today sent a message
in which he called attention to the coun-
try's need of their assistance during the
coming year IN winning the war. Inc
message was sent through the Farmers
Conference, being held at the University
of Illinois Mt Urbana.
The message was delivered by Presi-
dent James of the University Illinois,
in the absence of Secretary of Agriculture
Houston, who was to have represented
the President The President had ex-
pected TO attend in person, but indisposi-
tion made II impossible and he delegated
MIR. Houston. who was prevented from
participating by the tie-up IN transporta-
tion facilities.
The Presidents message said
II am very sorry indeed that ! cannot
be present in person at tho rbana con
ference. should like To enjoy the benefit
of the inspiration and exchange oi conn-
sci which ] know should Obtain, but IN
the circumstances II has seemed inpos-
, siblc for me 10 be present end therefore
can only send you very earnest message
expressing my interest and the thoughts
which such n conference must nrihe
prominently into every mind
II need not tell YOU. for ! am sure YOU
realize AS kcenly as do that we are IS 3
nation in the presence Of a great task
which demands supreme sacrifice and en-
deavor of everyone Of us We can give
everything that is needed with the greater
willingness and even satisfaction because
the object Of the war in which we are en-
gagged is the greatest that free men have
ever undertaken II is TO prevent the ME
Of the world from being determined and
the fortunes of men everywhere Affected
by small groups of military masters who
seek their own interest and the selfish
dominion throughout the world Of the
governments they unhappiiy for the mo-
mcnt control.
FIGHT Is FOR WORLD FREEDOM.
You will not need TO be convinced that
it was necessary for us as \ free people to
take part in this war Ii had raised its
evil hand against us The rulers of Ger
many had sought to exercise their power
IN such a wav as to shut of our economic
life so far as our intercourse with Europe
was concerned and to eontine our people
within the western hemisphere, while they
accomplished purposes which would have
permanently impaired and irnpeded every
process Of our national life and have put
the fortunes OF America at the merc, Of
the imperial government of Germany.
This was no threat. II had become q
reality Their hand Of violence had been
laid upon our own people and our own
properly in nagrant violation not only
Of lustlcc tut Of the well recognized and
long-standing covenants Of international
Law and treaty.
we are lighting, therefore. as truly
for the liberty and seIf-government of
the United States rs if the war of our
own revolution had 10 be fought over
again. md every man IN every business
in the United States must know by this
time that his whole future fortune hes IN the
balance Our national! life and our whole
economic development wlll pass under
the sinister influences OF foreign CON
troll if we do not win.
I'VE must win. therefore. and we shall
win. | need not ASK you 10 pledge your
lives and fortunes with those of the rest
of the nation 10 the accomplishment
of that great end
STRUGGLE NEAR TO CRISIS,
You will realize, as | think statesmen
on both sides Of the water realize, that
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