The Watertown Weekly Leader

T. R. FOR DRASTIC ACTION.

Syracuse, N. Y., May 12.—Former President Roosevelt Tuesday night pleaded for prompt action by the United States on account of the Lusitania disaster, commenting on President Wilson’s speech in Philadelphia. Mr. Roosevelt was particularly interested in that part of the president’s speech in which the latter referred to “such a thing as a man being too proud to fight,” and “a nation being so right that it does not need to convince others by force that it is right.”

“The 150 babies drowned on the Lusitania, the hundreds of women drowned with them, and the American ship, the Gulflight, which was torpedoed, offer an eloquent commentary on the actual working of the theory that it is not necessary to assert rights and that a policy of blood and iron can with efficacy be met with a policy of blood and water.

“Germany now offers to stop the practice of murder on the high seas if we will now abandon further neutral rights, which by her treaty she has solemnly pledged to see that we exercise without molestation.

“Without twenty-four hours’ delay this country should and could take effective action by declaring that in view of Germany’s murderous offenses all commerce with Germany shall be forthwith forbidden and all commerce of every kind permitted and encouraged with France, England and the rest of the civilized world.”