Woodrow Wilson: “I am profoundly conscious of the responsibility which is mine.”

We have been vigorously building up a great merchant marine and providing for improvement of marketing in foreign countries by the passage of an export trade law.

In recommending to you that Congress take appropriate action with regard to this agreement, certain facts should be brought to your attention.

I herewith call your attention to an agreement with Belgium made by the British and French Premiers and myself.

Very little reflection would lead any one to conclude that the measure would not furnish in any substantial degree the relief sought by the producers of most of the staple commodities which it covers.