This book presents in convenient form the memorable messages to the
Congress read by President Wilson in January, February, and April,
1917. They should be read together, for only in this way is it
possible to appreciate both the forbearance and the logic of events
reflected in these consecutive chapters of history. While the great
war message of April 2d is obviously the most momentous, its full
significance is not made clear unless it is read as the climax of the
preceding messages and also in connection with the President's
proclamation of a state of war on April 6th and his message to the
American people of April 15th. While the approval of President Wilson
was very naturally requested and obtained for the publication of these
messages in collected form, the Publishers are responsible for the
title and for captions. They have felt that they are rendering a
service of permanent value by collecting and presenting these historic
documents in the same form in which they have published President
Wilson's When a Man Comes to Himself, On Being Human, and
The President of the United States.
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