We have written in a leading article about the political
aspects of America's intervention, but must record here briefly the chief points of Mr. Wilson's address. Let us say first that the address was great in manner and in substance. It will take its place in succession to the unforgettable utterances of Lincoln, who never shrank from bitter contest when right had to be asserted against wrong. Mr. Wilson asked for an immediate declaration that a state of war existed, and that the United States should accept the position of a belligerent. He asked for the utmost practicable co-operation with the Allies, and proposed (1) liberal financial credits ; (2) the organization of American resources to supply materials of war ; (3) the full equipment of the Navy to deal with submarines ; (4) the immediate raising of an Army of at least five hundred thousand men, chosen on the principle of universal liability to service ; (5) the authorization to raise another five hundred thousand men.
