New Britain herald., 1916-02-26
CONGRESS BENDS T(
 WILL OF PRESIDEN|
Overwhelming Majority in Send
 and House Supporting Him
FEW PESTS BUZZING AR0UN
senators and Representatives Oppo| Any Action That Might Embarra
 Chief Executive in His DipIomad Negotiations With Foreign Powcx

Shlei ENccutiNe in His Diploma
 Negotiations With Foreign Powcz
 Washington, Feb. 26-The que tion of congressional action warni1H Americans off armed merchant shlN continued in abeyance today, pen} ing further developments in the su marine controversy between "A United States and Germany wiz President Wilson, backed by his eN tire cabinet, still unshaken in his b p& sition that there should be no abridg ment of the rights of Americans fn the high seas, an overwhelming ma jority in both house and senate a K parently were determined that x action should be taken for the prel ent that might embarrass the execd tive branch of the government in il diplomatic negotiations
 A few of the more ardent advd cates of legislation that would wa1I Americans off armed merchantmel however, continued their activitiel but even most of them admitted theI was no prospect of action unless dd Velopments occur to make a ruptuf
 
 Senator Lewis, of Illinois, democr ic whip of the senate, today notifie Senator Gore that the supporters ( the president were ready for the Cor resolution to warn Americans again: sailing on armed merchantmen t come to a vote at any time.
 I've have made thorough car vass of the senate,' Senator Lew said, and are convinced that. tL CT will be a safe majority against tn resolution"
 Waiting for Germany.
 The state department today sti was awaiting a response from Ger many of it's request for assurance that her announced intention to sin armed merchant ships of the enem without warning would not affee previous pledges regarding the con duct of submarines warfare. It ha been rumored that the Central Power would postpone inauguration of the, new policy from Feb. 29 until Apr. or May.
 The state department had expectel joint reply by all the allies and tn receipt from only one was a surpris to officials
 Secretary Lansing made it clear however, that he did not conside there was any difference of opiniol between any of the governments ill Volved in the submarine negotiation regarding the principle involved.
 New Conditions, New Laws.
 The department considers that tn German and Austrian governments Il their memorandum clearly inferred that their intended action was a de of international law, which thn1 deemed necessary because of changes conditions.
 Secretary Lansing considers tha had the German and Austrian govern ments been of the opinion that theil action was not a departure from in ternational law they would have is sued no memorandum, but would have proceeded to carry out their intention. and attempted to justify them later
 Secretary Lansing said he was um able to announce at this time whether the United States would enter into 2 discussion of what might properly Dc considered defensive armament. Ht indicated, however, that such dis cussion would properly be entered into, adding that the question had not been raised by Germany at this time and that the state department com siders an announcement on the sub- ject would be premature