U.S.A. AND THE WAR.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 262, 9 December 1914, Page 10

U.S.A. AND THE WAR.

DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY. PRESIDENT WILSON'S ATTITUDE. By Gable. —Press Association. —Copyright. (Received December 8, 1 p.m.) WASHINGTON, December 8. President Wilson has opened Congress. 'He asserted that the United States ■ would never, in time of peace, be ready to put in the field a nation of men trained to arms. . President Wilson said lie objected entirely to compulsory military service, declaring that it was unnecessary. •; The Democrats cheered, j > Proceeding, President Wilson also referred to how the United States had .stunted and hindered the growth of the mercantile marine and Government services in Central and South America. * - He declared in conclusion that when half the world was afire, the United ■States would be careful to make moral , insurance against the spread of the conflagration and defined certain adequate , measures. " Although- some Americans were nervous and excited, there was no need to turn the country into a military camp. OFFICERS WANTED. IMPERIAL OFFER EXTENDED. Press Association. ' WELLINGTON, December 9. I The Imperial Government has extended the offer to give return fares to . Europe and provide an ; outfit, grant, s. and kit allowance to all retired officers of the special reserve and ex-militia officers who are medically fit for service during the period of the war, as well as all ex-Imperial and. Territorial officers.