President Wilson has signed the war resolution passed by Congress. The President has also signed a proclamation formally declaring a state of war with Germany. The House of Representatives passed the war resolution by 373 votes to 50, nine not voting.
MESSAGE TO AMERICAN PEOPLE.
On behalf of the War Cabinet Mr. Lloyd George last evening sent the following message to the American people:-
America has at one bound become a world-power in a sense she never was before. She waited until she found a cause worthy of her traditions. The American people held back until they were fully convinced the fight was not a sordid scrimmage for power and possessions, but an unselfish struggle to overthrow a sinister conspiracy against human liberty and human right. Once that conviction was reached the great Republic of the West has leapt into the arena, and she now stands side by side with the European democracies who, bruised and bleeding after three years of grim conflict, are still fighting the most savage foe that ever menaced the freedom of the world.
The glowing phrases of the President╒s noble deliverance illumine the horizon, and make clearer than ever the goal we are striving to reach. There are three phrases which will stand out for ever in the story of the crusade. The first is that ╥the world must be safe for democracy╙; the next ╤ ╥The menace to that peace and freedom lies in the existence of autocratic Governments backed by organised force which is controlled wholly by their will and not by the will of their people,╙ and the crowning phrase is that in which he declares that ╥a steadfast concert for peace can never be maintained except by the partnership of democratic nations.╙ These words represent the faith which inspires and sustains our people in the tremendous sacrifices they have made and are still making.
They also believe that the unity and peace of mankind can only rest upon democracy, upon the right of those who submit to authority to have a voice in their own Government, upon respect for the rights and liberties of nations, both great and small, and upon the universal dominion of public right. To all of these the Prussian military autocracy is an implacable foe. The Imperial War Cabinet, representative of all the peoples and nationals of the British Empire, wish me on their behalf to recognise the chivalry and courage which calls the people of the United States to dedicate the whole of their resources to the service of the greatest cause that ever engaged human endeavour.
