The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-03-03

this government what our attitude would be. If no American citizens were on board we would have no cause to inter- fere unless we proceedrc on the altruiStic theory of obligations of humanity
 ''To my mind this emergency is of high importance. The President, senators and representatives should speak with each other, and with the country free from political bias. We should wear our hearts on our sleeves, so we may know our posi- tions exactly
 PRESIDENTS ATTITUDE
 'The Presidents attitude is this: He supports the contention that belligerent merchantmen have the right to bear arms for defensive purposes, put he does not say, nor do I, and doubt if anyone does, what constitutes defensive purposes.
 Furthermore, if a German submarine without warning should attack and sink a merchantman, the President proposes to consider the attack lawless act. He will be disposed to hold the German gov ernment to strict accountability and if the German government persisted, he would be tempted to sever diplomatic relations and submit the matter to Con- gress' Which, under the constitution, is the war-making body
 If it must come to this. I must dis agree with the Presidene, and if I must disagree with my colleagues. I must not race this as politics. question. My duty Is clear. I cannot but believe that II belligerent merchantmen is armed, whether Tor defensive or offensive pur- poses, IT IL IS transporting war material, It IS the equivalent of 8 war vessel.
 cannot discuss the question now, but will merely state that in duty-bound to myself, to my constituents and to my country l will discuss it here at length in the near future. Ts1e President is op- posed to the Gore resolution He is not only opposed to laws on the subject, but to any form of official warning keeping people off belligerent vessels.
 If l could have my way, would take some step to save this country from becoming embroiled in the Euro pean war through the recklessness of some thoughtless citizen.
 SOURCE OF EMBARRASSMENT
 "The President has written to Rep- resentative Pou that the resolution has been source of embarrassment to him in the diplomatic negotiations with the belligerents. I am sure that is so. I have diligently sought to prevent resolutions on this subject being adopted and sought to allay agitation on this subject. Now we are informed that the resolution must be defeated. ?
 q thoroughly appreciate the gravity
 
 from Missouri has called attention, " said Senator Lodge, in answer II agree entirely with the gentleman from Missouri that this is not party ques- tion
 T think the President hammered, as he tells us in the letter to Represen- tative Pou. in the diplomatic negotia- tions has the right to ask for vote on the precise proposition in order that he may know whether he can go on with his negotiations with Congress behind him or whether Congress takes the view of the belligerent power with which he is negotiating. I hope the Senate will take an early vote on the precise question as to whether Ameri- can citizens can travel on armed mer- chant ships, right which has not been questioned for centuries past
 "One mistake I think the senator from Missouri has made. When he says that this question is confined to an issue between Great Britain and Ger many, I wish to say that every Italian ship that comes into our port of New York is armed; every French merchant man is carrying a defensive arma- ment if am correctly informed"
 T did not say exactly what he has stated. Senator Stone interrupted.