10 MARCH 1917, Page 2

Independently of the Address, Mr. Wilson previously issued a statement

pointing out that without authority from Congress he might he unable to arm merchantmen or take other necessary steps. He therefore proposed a special Session of Congress " to (axe the nation from disaster," and to revise the rules of the Senate which enabled a few wilful men representing no one but themselves to render the Government helpless and contemptible. In other **Ws, the President proposed to get the Closure system introduced into the Senate, and then to secure the passage of the Armed Neu- trality Bill. Mr. Wilson also authorized the statement that the authority of Congress seemed to be specially needed, as his power to act might be nullified ley certain old statutes.