The Washington times., 1914-08-06
CAPITOL IS BUzz|NG
WITH WAR TALK NOW
Senators and congressman
Read All Bulletins and Show
Interest in News.

The war in Europe promises to cover
the proceedings Of Congress something
like a blanket. Since the outbreak of
the war. members of the House and
Senate have, to a large extent, lost in
terest in the legislative proceedings.
save as those proceedings relate to
some phase of the questions raised by
the European struggle.
Senators and Congressmen talk war
and the causes and result OF II, in the
cloak rooms and corridors. They de-
YOUR all the bulletins and read the
newspapers for every scrap Of informa-
ton appertaining to Armageddon.
Those who were in Washington when
the Russo-Japanese conflict occurred
recall the zest with which ii was fol-
lowed by members of Congress. But
nothing compared to the present one.
Coupled with the painful interest felt
in this struggle goes the apprehension
lest the effects of II be felt here to an
inconvenient extent
No Public Views.
Many conflicting views obtain In Con-
gress as to how the general war in
Europe will affect the United States.
While the prevailing theory is that 1t
will result in higher prices for Ameri-
can products, especially foodstuffs,
many think this will be more than
counterbaIanced by the cutting off of
certain countries from our markets and
the wholesale impoyerishment Of the
European nations.
Moreover, despite the steps being taken
to ship American goods abroad. there
is still apprehension about the possibil-
ity of anything like free shipment Of
American products The possibilities
of building UP trade with Latin Amer
lea and China, while most of the rest
of the civilized world is at war, are
pretty generally realized providing ships
can be had.
Though the man in the street is ex-
pressing his sympathies in the European
struggle freely, members of Congress
publicly. at least. The need for the
maintenance of a strict neutrality is
as a rule clearly realized.
When the war first broke out, there
was much talk of the session being con-
tinued while the war lasted This talk
has largely died away. IL there Is no
serious condition for this country to
face in September. II is likely Congress
will adjourn. 1t is only a matter of
few days to assemble an extra ses-
sion.
Fortunately or unfortunately some OF
the members of Congress are over in
Europe One of the Senators there Is
Senator Henry Cabot Lodge OF MASS
achusetts- lie Is III .LOHuOI anu iiolh
what can be learned is enjoying his
sojourn there.
A Student of History.
A profound student of history and
man intimately acquainted with world
diplomacy. II is the feeling OF the col
leagues of Senator Lodge that he is
finding an immense satisfaction at this
time In being in London, just at one
of the great crises of its history.
1t may be expected that when he re-
turns Senator Lodge will bring with
him a good deal Of the inwardness OF
European affairs in recent weeks.
Senator Fletcher Of Florida, with a
body Of Americans who are studying
municipal questions, is in Paris. A lot
more members of Senate and House
would be abroad now had Congress not
remained in session. The number OF
sailing engagements Cancelled by mem
bers Of Congress this year. because of
the protracting of the session, was un-
usually large.