PRESIDENT WILSON IN A NEW ROLE.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13998, 31 January 1916, Page 5

PRESIDENT WILSON IN A NEW ROLE.

NOT TOO PROUD TO FIGHT.

A REMARKABLE SPEECH

THE NECESSITY FOR PRE-

PAREDNESS

OVERT WARNING TO GERMANY.

(Received Jan. 30, 5.0 jf.-n.)

Washington, Jan. 29

President Wilson, in •an important speech making a istrong plea for the military preparedness of the United States, emphasised how he had struggled to keep the peace, but the liberty and honour of the nation were more important. He admitted that in his Message to Congress he said the need for preparedness was not pressing, but he had learned much in the meantime. Americans had a deep-seated passion for peace, but they were ready to fight at any timo for the vindication of their character and honour. They would at no time cravenly avoid the contest, and they would rather surrender territory than their ideals. Ho desired to emphasise that the circumstances of the world to-day were not what they were yesterday.

President Wilson added: "I cannot tell you what the international relations of the United States will be to-morrow. I use the word literally, and I do not dare to keen, silent and let the country

suppose that to-morrow" is certain to be as bright as to-day. America will not be the aggressor, but America does not control the circumstances of the world. We mtast be faithful servants to those things we love, and be ready to defend

them."'

Washington correspondents -regard the speech as the last warning to Count BernstoE-ftVthat Germany must give sat-' isf action- for the Lusitania outrage.