Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-10-26
HOPING FOR UNITY
ON DEFENSE PLANS
President Wilson to Have Con-
ference November 16 With
Representative Kitchin.
HOUSE LEADER IS SAID
TO OPPOSE PROGRAM
MIR. Wilson Seeks a Definite Under
Observation-Disclosures Officials
Predict Complete Lineup.

a conference which President Wilson
today arranged to have November 16
with Representative kitchin of North
Carolina, next chairman of the ways
ana means committee of the House
and democratic leader of that body in
the next Congress, may settle whether
the president is to engage i'll a clash
| with the young North Carolinian over
national preparedness and other mat
ters that will have the support of the
administration. Mr.. Kitchin has been
quoted in the last few months as
making statements indicating that he
may join the ranks of those who will!
stano out against the program which
the President has definitely adopted
ana Whlch he hopes to have go through
Congress with comparatively little op-
position.
AS democratic leader of the House
IT is recognized that an awkward sit
Gation would be created for Mr.
kitchln to oppose the biggest feature
of the administration legislative pro-
gram.
Mr.. kitchin is admittedly a strong
man In his own state. but a clash with
PRESIDENT Wilson would do neither man
any good, and of the two Mr. kitchin
would be more seriously hurt, it is
pointed out AS leader of the House
the expectation is that Mr. Kitchin will
work in harmony with the President
with a view TO democratic prospects
next year.
Definite Understanding Desired.
The President will be able to ascer-
tain definitely at the conference wheth-
er reports of Mr.. kitchin's opposition
are accurate. so that he can map the
course he hopes preparedness legisla-
ton will follow in that body
The President is understood to be
hopeful that the reports are erroneous
and that Mr.. Kitchin, like Mr. Hay
and others who were--represented as
ready to head the opposition, will join
hands with what is now believed to be
a sure majority in both branches for
administration plans.
One of the objects of the Presidents
request that Mr.. kitchin call upon him
is that the machinery of the House
may be placed in readiness to put
through defense legislation in a COM
paratively rapid manner. so that the
world will get the impression that this
country means business and is solid in
its purpose to prepare itself against at
tack from any direction.
Officials Optimistic.
Administration officials were enthu-
thidStlc To-Day over prospects Tor the
enactment of national defense Iegisla-
tion at the coming session of Congress-
This optimism was based upon ap-
proval by Representative Hay and Sen
ator Chamberlain, chairmen, respective
ly, of the House and Senate military
committees. of plans for strengthening
the army. Representative Hays ap-
proVal was announced following a con-
ference with President Wilson, and
Senator Chamberlain already had SINH
larly expressed himself.
Approval by these two leaders of the
army plans and the approval already
of the navy plans by congressional
leaders is believed by officials to insure
the full support of administration
forces for the entire program.
Secretary Garrison Elated.
Secretary of War Garrison voiced his
delight over the situation. saying that
approval of the army plans by Chair
men Hay and Chamberlain insured the
best possible results. He declared that
this meant united support in both
houses of Congress. This situation"
said the Secretary. should hearten and
enthuse all those who are interested
in seeing this vital subject properly
considered and properly settled"
Methods of raising additional revenue
on account of the proposed defense
Legislation will form the subject of a
President Wilson and Representative
Kitchin. democratic leader of the
House and chairman of the ways and
means committee. An effort will be
made to bring Mr. kitchin into line for
the entire program.