President Wilson has made some very . remarkable speeches which seem
to show a change of conviction as to the possibility of avoiding war. The speeches are, however, extremely puzzling. One reads like the declarations of a man on the very brink of war ; another says that theist is no immediate danger. On Thursday week Mr. Wilson, hi speaking to the Railway Business Association, pleaded for military preparedness. He had sought to maintain peace against very great odds, but though he had said in his last Message that the need for preparedness was not pressing, he had learnt much in the meantime. Americans loved something even better than peace, and that was the principles on which their political life was founded. " We cannot surrender our convictions." Mr. Wilion then electrified his audience with these words : " I cannot tell you what the inter- national relations of this country will be to-morrow, and I use the ivord literally. And -I would not dare to keep -silent and
let the country suppose that to-morrow was as certain to be as bright as to-day."
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