Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1916-02-24
Controversy Over
Unarmed Ships
Is Grave
CONGRESS- STIRRED
W WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.-
w Agitation in congress for
w action warning Ameri-

" action warning Ameri-
cans off armed ships of the Eu-
ropean belligerents, suddenly
grew to such proportions today
that Democrats of the foreign
affairs voted to canvass the sen:
timent of the house on several
pending resolutions of that ma
ture.
Sentiment in the senate in favor
of some such action also was
openly expressed, but at the end
Of a day Of surprises tension and
agitation such as has not been
seen in congress in some time,
the word came that President
Wilson still was unalterably op-
posed to any such action by con-
gress and believed that he would
only be embarrassed thereby in
the negotiations with Germany.
To widely circulated sugges-
tions that the situation had
reached a point where the pres
ident soon would lay it before
congress, that Secretary Lansing
might in some way define the at
titude of the government in q
communication to Senator Stone.
and that a time had been fixed
within which the United States
would expect Germany to signify
her intention to abandon the an
nounced intention to sink armed
merchant ships without warning,
the uniform statement was made
officially that nothing had been
determined upon, that the situa-
zion, though grave, still was
awaiting one and that no final
position would be announced un-
til Berlin was heard from.
The sudden developments at
the capital brought surprise and
apprehension to the administra-
tion leaders. While confronted
with the possibility of congress
s;onal interference with all its
grave aspects ranging from a de-
lection from the administration
policy to downright embarrass-
ment of the president and the
secretary of state, the leaders
were confident they would con-
troll the situation and leave the
executive branch Of the govern.
ment free to carry on diplomatic
negotiations with Germany.
At no time today did the question
come out openly on the floor. either
of the house of the senate. but about
q score Of congressman VINO an
nounced they were in favor or warn
ing Americans. even II IT involved
renudjation of the administration
policv. if thereby they thought the
war would be averted, kept both
houses in a state of tension that prac-
tically blocked business.
All the demonstration was in the
Democratic ranks and there was no
open show of sentiment among the
Republicans. 1t was indicated, now
ever. that Republican Leader Mann
SNmnat nlZeu WIFI IItSiutht w i'''', .
policy and that any outbreak would
have to reckon with his forces.
From apparently authentic sources
came statements tonight that the
president was determined that the dis
pute pending with Germany be set
tied without prolonged negotiations.
He is known to believe. however.
4 that the breaking off of diplomatic
relations with Germany Means war ana
there will be no undue haste in ham
ding the situation involving such a
possibility.
The administration view is that a
broad and important principle is IN
VOWED in The right of Americans to
travel on Delligerent merchantmen
and that this right must not be aban-
doned.
. Developments are expected momen-
tarily. Tomorrow may bring Ger
many's reply to the request of the
United States made last week through
Ambassa uor Won Bernstorff for as
surances that the notices to sink
armed merchantmen after February
80 docs not nullify previous pledges
given in the Arabic and Lusitania
negotiations. Official advices from
Berlin have indicated that Germany
will reply that previous assurances
will not be affected. but that they ap-
piled only to unarned ships and
probably will ask the American gov
ernment for .ts definition Of dcfen-
sive armament which may be car
riad nv "a tnercl n ntman without sac.