Evening star., 1918-01-09
PEOPLE IN ACCORD
WITH THE PRESIDENT
Address to Congress Expected
to Counteract Evil Effects of
German Propaganda.
WILL HEARTEN RUSSIANS

dress to Congress, setting forth Ameri-
cas- program for war and peace, was
heard on every side in Washington to-
day, and the opinion seemed universal
that the President had chosen the psy-
Geological moment to counteract any
evil affects of Germany's latest peace
propaganda.
Although some members profess to
believe that the Germans might find
the terms laid down acceptable as a
basis of negotiations, most officials saw
In the definite proposals of the address
only great war document clearing
the atmosphere for the allies, hearten-
ing the Russians and furnishing a light
for the German people If they chose to
see it.
Aimed at Russo-German Situation.
1t was authoritatively stated that the
President decided to address Congress
ut this time in an effort to prevent re-
sumption Of negotiations between the
Russians and Germans at Erest-Litovsk
and counteract the duplicity of the
Germans shown in their dealing with
the Russians. The President in max
ing his speech assumed that the Russo
German peace negotiations definitely
had been broken off.
Another reason for the President s
message was found in the necessity OF
making some reply to the request of
the bolsheviki that the United States
and the entente join in the peace ne
gotiations. Germany made it a condi-
tion of the negotiations that Russia
should bring in the allies. Since the
United States and the allies have not
recognized the bolsheviki government.
1t was deemed necessary that the
United States get forth its aims in a
public announcement, which might be
the example of British Premier Lloyd
George.
The Presidents address has been cabled
and sent by wireless to the principal
world capitals for telegraphic distribu-
ton.
Approved by Party Leaders.
Approval of the Presidents address
was voiced by the leaders OF both
parties in Congress.
THE Presidents message" said
Speaker Clark. was strong. clear and
the Presidents utterances. as clear as
crystal The man. who cannot UNDER
stand precisely what the President
means iB unusually dense.
FOfmef AOeaAef Sann0n SH1dss%lsWl0n
this address could be read to every
man, woman and child and thoroughly
explained In Germany and Austria"
senator Borah of Idaho said: II am
particularly pleased with the part of
the message which relates to Russia.
/ believe it will have a good effect
in Russia. I have thought from the
be ginning of the Russian revolution
that we should give more considera-
tion and greater encouragement and
- noV1A ~ hot
try. 1 think in this respect the mes
sage is admirable.
Favors Prosecution Of War.
."As to other portions of the message
want to say that l am in favor of
prosecuting the war to an honorable
and permanent peace: that is. as nearly
foresee now. Whatever readjustments
Of territory and other details are es-
sential to that will have to be made,
but the details cannot, in my opinion.
be known very far in advance of some
intimation of Germany's breaking down.
Perhaps he did not mean world free
trade in declaring against any eco
nomic impediment to trade. One can
only conjecture. But if he does mean
open, free trade like many of the Eu-
ropean socialists have urged, he will
encounter a flood of American OPPOSE
tion to any such policy. Otherwise it
is big message, covering a mighty
program. These are momentous days"
Comment by Others.
Senator ]. Hamilton Lewis, democratic
"whip"-'The message brings US nearer
to peace than we have ever been since
the declaration Of war. It puts the
peace UP to Germany and tests her sin
certify"
Senator Johnson of South Dakota said: /:
ut was an unusually strong message,
especially needed at this time It was
strong. clear and plain. No one should
misunderstand our position now"