Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-03-04

Indeed 1t had and their bill was as good
as completed. But it had not been re-
ported to the Senate TOR fear during the
long ship bill filibuster. some wicked
Republican might move to take it up in
place OF the ship BILL The Democratic
National Convention, be it remembered,
had voted at Baltimore In favor OF rural
credits but the Wilson administration
has been minded to disregard this plank
on the plea that the currency law should
first be allowed full opportunity TOT
test and the Federal Reserve Board and
their member banks get well settled and
accustomed to new operations
OF course Senator McCumber did not
care a whit for these Democratic plans.
He knew Western sentiment Is very
much for rural credits and that either
the House or the Senate would De very
strong on vote Cor such legislation II
chance came for a vote. The launching
OF the McCumber amendment conse-
quently afforded the opportunity. But
President Wilson and Democrats Of the
Banking and Currency Committees OF
Senate and House have had to move IN
q hurry to arrange for a rural credits
has been much lively maneuvering to get
the McCumher amendment sidetracked
for an amendment Of Democratic make
Democrats. however, have the votes and
are expected to put the rural credit leg
islation through in the terms they pre-
fer. Nevertheless il was Senator Nc
Cumher who drove them to il and he and
MS party VII grab of much Of the cred
il for Whatever IS accomplished in that
direction
AS Senator'S and Representatives de-
part for their homes or for pleasure
t-ips, President Wilson is left With per-
picking problems Diplomatic notes
have been dispatched TO Great Britain
and Germany on various phases affect
ing neutral shipping. The exchange OF
notes will continue Tor some time and
the President is in position TO accom-
p!ish much for his country by insisting
tactfully and effectively that full rights
OF Hel.tra.s be accorded the United
States. 1t seems that Great Britain has
spared the State Department consider
able embarrassment by declaring d
blockade Of all German ports and under
taking 10 stop all neutral ships from
raking German ports.
While this may give relief in the con-
troversy about British merchantmen fly
n9 the Stars and Stripes to escape from
German submarines ana may free tho
President and the Secretary OF State
from. Wearisome contentious as to
whether Germany has any right 10
threaten neutral vessels, the whole sit
ua,ion regarding our shipping to Europe
bulges With problems investigations are
now under way to determine whether
there would be validity in claims for
damages on account Of the Evelyn and
the Carib, American vessels that were
sunk by German mines or German sub
marines. Incidents, serious in character,
have been multiplying. The German peo-
pie, it has been harmed from numerous
sources. have come to hate the Ameri-
cans cordially during the last two or
three months. chiefly for sending arms
ard munitions o. war to Great Britain
France and Russia. The British people
have begun TO cuss US out for are We
not objecting TO the use OF our flag upon
their merchantmen and are we not in
sistins upon shipments Of cotton ana
other American products to German
ports.
The japanese attitude toward China
where there seems to be a determined
effort to gain particular advantage, is
matter of concern at the. State Depart
ment. This will not clear up in few
weeks or in a few months. The United
States has been committed to the open
door policy in China since the days when
John Hav vas Secretary OF State. 1t
would be disaereeabe TO put the case
mildly. to allow Japan just now to slam
the door in our faces as she seems dis
posed to 90.
Ex-Presdent Taft has set an example
for other Republicans by his recent ad-
dress calling upon everybody without
regard to politics, to stand by President
Wilson during this crisis in our foreign
relations The President needs the solid
support Of his countrymen at such a
juncture and apparently is to have it as
ne grapples with these great problems
during the coming spring and summer.