Speech #650086845

The joint resolution (S. J. Res. 83) looking to the enlistment of certain alien residents in the Army of the United States was read the first time by its title and the second time at length. as follows: whereas there are in the United States a vast: number of subjects and citizens of the several European nations now waging war against the allied central powers of Europe. and Whereas nearly all of said subjects and citizens have emigrated to this country either for the purpose of becoming citizens thereof or for the purpose of securing the benefits of the greater wages and better opportunities afforded In this country. which opportunities have been created. defended. and maintained by the energies and sacrifices of the American people . and Whereas it is the moral and patriotic duty of said subjects and citizens to support the several governments to which they owe allegiance in the desperate warfare in which such governments are engaged . and Whereas the United States is also engaged in war against the said central powers for the protection of the rights of the several nations so waging war against the said central powers. as well as its own sacred rights. and Whereas it is most unjust to ask or require the American people to sacrifice their sons. their brothers. and their treasure In battling for the muual rights and welfare of all the other nations prosecuting this war against the said central powers. while their own subjects and citizens In vast numbers ecjoying In this country the special and wondkrful industrial opportunities which this war affords them are wholly relieved from service or sacrifice: Now. therefore. be it Reolved. etc.. That the President of the United States be. and he is hereby. empowered and requested to immediately propose to all European nations engaged in war against the said central powers. and. if possible. secure from them an agreement authorizing and empowering the .United States to apply the provisions of the act entitled "An act to authorize the President to increase temporarily the Military Establishment of the United States." approved May 18. 1917. to all such subjects and citizens domiciled in this country in the same manner and to the same effect as such provisions are applied to the citizens of the United States in selecting and raising an army or navy for service in the present war.