"I went to Washington, in the first place," he said, "to reiterate my admiration for the President's message asking for a declaration of war, and to say that I would do everything in my power to aid in making that declaration good by getting the most efficient and aggressive action by the United States in this war.
"I most earnestly and heartily thank the legislation pressed by the administration for raising an army in accordance with the principle of obligatory universal training and service. This is not only a measure that we need now, but it is of the most vital importance as inaugurating a permanent national policy. All far-sighted patriots should stand behind the administration in its efforts to secure this legislation." 