The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-01-10
Foreign Relations of United States Not Likely to Be Further Embarrassed by Fervid Speeches
ST "OR SMITH OF
 \ lkGIA TO SPEAK $ COTTON EMBARGO 
 S S t3H ]: avenue Legislation Not to
 Be Considered-National
 Defense Programme in
 Preparation

Washington, January 9.-After a week of open discussion in the Senate and House, congressional excitement over the foreign relations of the Uni ted States has been considerably al- layed. Administration leaders ap- pear to have succeeded in prevailing upon most of their colleagues to adopt policy of patient waiting for complete investigation of recent war zone incidents in which American lives were lost.
 It is certain, however, that there will be almost daily discussion at the capi- tions affecting the United States, as a result of the European war, now that the bonds of restraint which kept members so long silent, have been broken.
 Senator Hoke Smith of Georgia, au- thor of the resolution which would di- rect inquiry into the British treatment of trade, has given notice that he will address the Senate this week on phases of the cotton situation as affected by Great Britain's attitude. Senator Smith and other members of Congress today received cablegrams from the American Association of Commerce and Trade in Berlin praying for action to assist American firms there declared to be facing ruin because of the British blockade.
 SMITH MUST TALK
 q did not pay much attention to the cablegram, said Senator Smith sI ar not interested in Americans in Berlin want something done for the Amer jeans who stay at home I want Amer Iican citizens in the United States to have their rights
 Eventually the foreign relations com mittee of the Senate will undertake deliberation of all matters pertaining to the European conflict which have come before it, including proposed in- veStigation into British -interferences with neutral shipping and belligerent attacks upon neutral vessels in which American lives have been lost or inn periled. The committee planned to be- gin the talk last week, but deferred action pending further diplomatic ne- gotiations by the state department with foreign powers.
 Deliberation on the subject of na- tional preparedness is fairly under way in both houses of Congress. The lead CTS agree that it will be many weeks before any definite idea can be formu- lated as to the naval and army bills. This week the Senate committee on military affairs will begin hearings on army reorganization, the House com mittee having begun hearings last week.
 ~ USELESS TO DISCUSS IT
 Revenue legislation, in the meantime, will not be considered. Representative Kitchin, chairman of the ways and means committee, and Senator Simmons, chairman of the finance committee, agree that it would be useless to dis cuss means of raising revenue until the programme is far enough advanced to indicate how much money will be needed.
 Before the House military committee this week Major General Scott, chief of staff of the army, and Major General Bliss. assistant chief will make state ments regarding the military army re- organization bill. Rear Admiral Stan ford will continue his testimony before the naval committee regarding condi :
 (Continued on Page Eight