Evening star., 1914-04-22

but it gives formal, adequate grounds,
the great naval and military power Of
this government. 1t gives the justifi-
cation that is needed"
Fight at Vera Cruz Discussed.
Reports of the engagement at Vera
Cruz had reached the Capitol when the
Senate resumed its session at 8 o'clock
and became the text of the talk, men
a solemn silence throughout the Senate
chamber packed to suffocatiop.
AS the shuttle of debate was thrown
back and forth a full quorum of the
House of Representatives crowded the
rear of the Senate hall
Secretary Of State Bryan, himself often
referred to in debate; Secretary of War
Garrison, Secretary of the Navy Daniels,
Postmaster General Burleson. Secretary
Of the Treasury McAdoo and Secretary to
the President Tumulty sat about the
chamber. They listened eagerly and held
whispered conferences as the discussion
progressed. The diplomatic gallery was
filed with members of the foreign corps,
with Ambassador Spring-Rice Of Great
Britain at their head.
Senators Reed and James vigorously
defended the committee resolution, de-
claring that the insult of the flag at Tam
pico justified all that the resolution pro-
vided for.
Would Invade Whole Country.
Senator Fall made a lengthy plea for a
campaign that would cover the length
and breadth Of Mexico
He reviewed list Of alleged outrages
by Villa, military chief of the constitu-
tionalists. against American property
holders In Mexico. He declared that the
United States stood as fence for the
burglars Of northern Mexico" and that
we stood indicted as receivers of stolen
goods" He declared action against
Huerta would not relieve conditions in
northern Mexico.
Senator Norris of Nebraska sought to
bring out whether there had been any de-
account of refusal to salute the flag. Sen
ator Hitchcock said he deprecated the
narrowing down of the question in any
such way. and that the Senate should
not present the spectacle of refusing to
stand by the President acting within his
constitutional authority.
Senator Bristow of Kansas. republi-
can. followed. He said he had never
been a special apostle of peace. but he
hesitated when it came to joining in
country into war. He said he should
vote for the Lodge resolution and
against the committee resolution. He
declared the administration had crlnged
before and supplicated Great Britain,
had avoided a controversy with Japan
and then. with lionlike boldness had
rushed to attack Mexico
II am against plunging into war with
Mexico" he said. No man can tell
what 1t will lead to-" He criticised
in assailing Mexico, in attacking a
harbor in taking city and sacrificing
lives of Mexicans and Americans 'in
the name of peace"
Disputes Senator Hitchcock.
Senator Bristow disputed what he said
was an assertion of Senator Hitchcock
that the President had acted within his
constitutional authority My under
standing" said Mr.. Bristow. 'is that the
Constitution prescribes that Congress
shall declare war"
War has begun" interrupted Senator
Clapp Of Minnesota. The situation
twenty-four hours ago and tonight are
two different propositions. The things the
President has done since the scene in the
House yesterday have gone into history.
It's new viewpoint We must face to
consider the presentation of the appear
ance of a divided Senate
Would the fact that a battle is now
on and that American sailors are now
being attacked" interrupted Senator
Reed, would that make any difference
5e ject!'! The senator's position on this sub
THE senator misstates the situation" :"
said Senator Bristow. II know that
Mextcans are now defending their coun-
try from attacks by our forces"
Yes, an attack forced by the very
facts set forth in the Lodge substitute.
which the senator says he will vote
for" replied Senator Reed.
oF
deavored to interrupt Senator Bristow.
and both floor and galleries relaxed
from the tension of the hour to laugh
at his persistent efforts to obtain the
Lewis in the chair. He finally secured
the floor in his own right. and made a
reply to Mr.. Bristow.
Galleries Called to Order.
AS Senator Williams proceeded the gal
leries were frequently admonished by
Senator Lewis.
'"The chair would advise the galleries." ="
he said, that the Senate is delibera-
tive body. and not an amusement affair. -
Senator Williams continued at length,
pressing series of questions relating
to the Vera Cruz incident. which he di-
rected at Senator Bristow. The latter
finally interrupted to reply:
Record cannot show everything Is go
ing on here tonight. so I will not reply
to the senator" he said.
Senator Williams was finally interrupted
by a point of no quorum which forced
a roll call.
Senator Norris supported the Lodge
substitute
Another effort by Democratic Leader
Kern to fix a time for a vote failed at
30 o'clock Senator Poindexter of
Washington objected.
Opposes Hour for Voting.
THE senator from Indiana" said Mr..
Poindexter. has undertaken to say that