The courier-index., 1918-12-06
PRESIDENT DELIVERS
 HIS ANNUAL MESSAGE
GIVES VIEWS ON THE NATIONS SHARE IN RECONSTRUCTION SAYS DUTY DEMANDS HE GO TO PEACE CONFERENCE.

Washington. Dec. 2-Congress in joint session today heard President Wilson announce formally his pur- pose to attend the peace conferences and give his views on the part the government should play in dealing with after the war problems.
 Democrats of the house received the announcement with cheers la which some senators joined; the Re- publicans were silent throughout the address except when the president referred to the valor and efficiency of Americas soldiers and mentioned the names of Pershing and Sims. Threat ened Interruptions by members who disapproved of the trip and of the presidents failure to include a sen- ator among the peace delegates, how ever. did not materialize.
 During the first hour of the new session Senator Cummins of Iowa, Republican, introduced a resolution to send a committee of eight sen ators to Paris to keep the senate ad- vised of the progress of the peace conference, and in the house Repre- sentative Rodenburg of Illinois, Re- publican, had offered a resolution pro posing that the vice president take over the executive functions upon the departure of MT. Wilson from the country.
 Senator Sherman of Illinois Repub- lican, announced later that he wouiu submit tomorrow a resolution similar to that of Representative Rodenburg except that 1t would declare the office of president vacant. 4
 The presidents ani-dai address was read before a crowd that filled floors and galleries He reviewed at length the country's accomplishments in the war, paying tribute to the armed fore es and to loyal workers at home. Among other things he disclosed that he thinks the problem of readjust- ment is taking care of itself without governmental aid.
 N"It is surprising" he said how fast the process of return to peace footing has, moved in the three weeks since the fighting stopped. It prom ises to outrun any inquiry that may be instituted and any aid that may be offered It will not be easy to di- rect it any better than it will direct itself. The American business man is of quick initiative.''
 On the railroad question MT. Will son said he had no solution to offer. He said he was ready to return the lines to private control whenever satisfactory arrangement was offered to prevent return to the old system under private management without modification. and asked congress to study the subject.
 Recommendations included a re- newed appeal for woman suffrage in recognition of woman's work in the war: request for early and favor- able action on the unratified Colum- bian treaty, and a suggestion that authority should be given the War Trade Board or some other body to continue control for a time over ex- ports.
 The president concluded with the announcement of his trip overseas. He said since the associated govern ments had accepted principles enun. ciated by him as the basis for peace and therefore reasonably desired his personal counsel in their interpreta- tion, he regarded it as his paramount duty to go. Through cable and wire less. he said. he would keep in close touch with all that goes on on this side. "and you will know all that do." He appealed for the encourage ment and added strength of united support from congress.