Hickory Editor Endorses Arming of American Merchant Ships, 1917

From the editorial page of the Hickory Daily Record, March 10, 1917; S.H. Farabee, editor.

President Wilson’s decision to arm American merchant ships come as welcome news, as does also his announcement that congress is called into extra session April 16.

American ships have been tied up in home ports for more than a month and in the meantime congestion has become burdensome at our seaports. This condition is intolerable.

We imagine that congress will assemble at the proper time. Two or three American ships will have been sunk by the middle of April and the United States will demand further protection. Congress can give it.