Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-02-26
FIRM STAND
Continued from Page One)

ably will be many more conferences and
possibly some speeches. the generally &C.
cepted position is that no further serious
effort to bring about action will be made
unless developments occur to make a rup-
ture Of relations with Germany imminent.
The cabinet discussed the matter at
length today and one Of the secretaries
said afterward that the members stood
behind the President ito a man."
There was no change in the diplomatic
status of the situation. The state depart
mept still is awaiting response from
Germany to its request for assurances
that the announced policy of sinking arm
ed merchantmen without warning will
not affect previous pledges given regard
ing the conduct of submarine warfare
Members OF Congress heard during the
day of limitations that the Teutonic pow
ers would postpone inauguration of their
new policy from Feb. % until April or
May. No information of this kind had
reached the state department, however.
Concern Apparent
In spite of the prospect of inaction,
there really was more evidence of con-
SeiH apparent Ill tle senate To-Day man
before.
Many senators conferred with House
leaders. and Senator Stone held open
house in his committee room for con-
sultation with his colleagues Some told
him that they were opposed to the Presi-
dents policy, while others insisted that
Congress should stand firmly behind the
administration and asserted that they did
not believe any of the proposed measures
could get the approval OF the Senate.
One Democratic senator said he Gid not
believe action in the House could be long
forestalied unless the President changed
his views or there should come some de-
veiopment to alter the situation, and eX-
pressed the opinion that Congress would
not support the administration in a poll.
cy that would lead to a severance of dip
lomatiC relations.
Senator Stone himself said he saw no
cause for immediate excitement and no
reason why anyone should get the Jim
jams Staunch support OF the Presiden,
from the Republican side of the Senate
came from Senator Lodge, ranking minor
ity member OF the foreign relations COM
mttee, who announced that he stood
firmly by the executive on his declaration
of policy.
Interest in the Senate conferred chiefly
or the introduction by Senator Gore Of
his resolution to express the sense Of
Congress that Americans should forego
their right to travel on armed belliseren,
vessels, and of another by Senator Jones.
Republican, Of Washington to declare the
sense of the Senate that no ultimatum
should be sent to foreign power on an
issue of national honor or severance of
diplomatic relations be permitted by ac-
ton OF the executive without reference
of the matter to Congress.
Late in the day when Democratic
leaders saw that general debate might
be precipitated on these resolutions to-
morrow, Senator Kern moved that the
Senate recess instead of adjourning.
That was done and will operate to pre-
vent any action whatever. Senator
Gore said afterward that he had no
disposition to discuss the merits O.
the issue Immediately
Save for few flurries, the House
was calm after the delegation return
ed from the White House.
Representative McLemore made Der
sistent but unsuccessful efforts to in
duce the foreign affairs committee to
grant him a hearing on his warning
resolution tomorrow. Chairman Flood
explained that he believed it would be
as well to throw the subject on the
floor of the House as to have an open
hearing. Later, he added, when the
situation was less grave, he doubtless
would give hearing to all who want
ed it.
Twice during the day the subject
came up on the floor of the House, but
1t never reached the stage of extended
discussion. When Rep. Hulburt Of New
York proposed the printing of 5000 ad-
ditional copies of the McLemore reso-
nent. Speaker Clark shut off remarks
with few words about settling the
matter with the chairman of the print
ing committee. The Speaker failed to
hear demands for recognition by Rev.
Bailey Of Pennsylvania, who a short
time later made public a telegram he
had received from William Jennings
Bryan indorsing the resolution.
Representative Sims, Democrat, Of
Tennessee, had two editorials on the
situation read into the record. They
were listened to in silence, and Mr..
Sims had time left for discussion >of
the subject which he did not utilize.
Many kilograms reached the White
House today congratulating the Presi-
dent on his attitude. One Of them came
from Jacob M. Dickinson. secretary of
war under President Taft. Members Of
the House also had messages, some de-
manding action to keep Americans of
belligerent ships and other counselling
support Of the President.