ACTIVITIES IN ALL DIRECTIONS

Feilding Star, Volume XII, Issue 2857, 31 January 1916, Page 2

ACTIVITIES IN ALL DIRECTIONS

Even the Americans Become Bellicose

Some Good News from West and East

Report on Our Finances are Also Good

Lloyd George Still Strikingly Optimistic

BY ICmjCTIIHJ TKIJiGJUrn COPYH

THE AMERICANS.

PRESIDENT WILSON SPEAKS

SOME YES-NO SENTIMENTS. AND A SUPPOSED WARNING TO

GERMANY. Washington, January 29

President. Wilson, in an important speech, making a strong plea- for military preparedness in the United States, emphasises how he had struggled to keep peace, but. the liberty and honour of the nation were more important. lie admitted that his Message to Congress had said that the need for preparedness was -not pressing, but, he hud learned much in the meantime. Americans had a deepseated- passion for peace, but they were ready to light, any time for the vindication of their character and honour. They would at no time cravouly avoid a contest, ami would rather surrender territory than ideals. He desired to emphasise that circumstances in the world to-day wore not what they wore yesterday. "I cannot tell you what the international relations of the United States will bo to-morrow, and I use the word literally. I do not dare to keep silent and let the country suppose that to-mor-row will Ik l as bright as to-day. America will not be an aggressor, but America docs not control the circumstances of the world. We must bo sure that we are faithful servants. Those things we love wo will dearly defend." '

Washington correspondents regard tbe speech as a last warning to Count Bernstorff that Germany limit give satisfaction for tho sinking of tho Lusitania. MR LANSING WRITES. WILL THE GERMANS lUfiAD? Washington, January 29. Mr Lansing, in a Note to the belliijoreiils, notified the Powers that uidess they subscribe to the following principles armed merchantmen will bo denied entry to American ports, except on conditions applying to warships: First, belligerent merchantmen have a right to rely on tho rules oi' international law and humanity; second, merchantmen of any nationality are not subject to attack without warning; third, belligerent merchantmen should promptly obey the order to stop; fourth, merchantmen should not be fired on unless they try to resist, and even then the attack should cease directly the llight and resistance' cease; fifth, sinking is justified only if it is impossible to supply a prize crew, and in that case passengers and crew must be removed to safety. Mr Lansing adds: "hi view of the extensive uso of the .submarine which armed merchantmen arc able to attack, there is a grave (1/uibt if, legally, merchantmen should carry armament." Therefore, he asks the Powers to., make the above declaration, on condition that their enemies make similar declarations. (Received January 31, 9.45 a.m.) Mr Lansing denies the current story that President Wilson granted Germany until February 0 to comply with his Lusitania demands. Washington, January 30. Despite Mr Lansing's denial, it is believed that negotiations with Germany aro reaching a- crisis. It is regarded as significant that President Wilson is returning to Washington 'on February 1. (Received January 31, 8.20 a.m.) New York, January 30. President Wilson's latest speech caused a sensation in Furope, where there is much discussion as to his exact purpose. The general impression in New York is that President Wilson is anxious to erase from memory his phrase that America is "too proud to, fight," which is being continually thrown in the face of Americans in all parts of the world.

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