The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1916-03-03

in the senate and their effect in the
senate.
Conferences Held.
Conferences of administration lead
ers in the senate were held as soon
as the last WORD in the long pent up
discussion had been uttered on the
floor. Senator Stone closeted himself
to work out a plan for a substitute
resolution. Meanwhile other Demo
Gratis. among them Senators Kern,
James, Martin. Swanson, Pomerene,
Clarke. Williams. Hughes. Simmons
and Osterman. retired to a committee
room. Their first impulse was to dis
cuss the declarations Of Senator Gore
regarding the reports of President
Wilson's statements to congressional
leaders. Deep regret over the utter
ances was voiced by nearly every SEN
ator present.
But this was passed over quickly and
h conclusion was unanimous that de-
cisive action be taken without further
delay. Within less than an hour, the
plan for disposing OF the issue with
out debate had been agreed upon.
Then a statement OF the attitude of
Senator Gore and the Republican sen
ators was sought.
Senator Stone submitted suggestions
for a substitute resolution which he
thought might meet with general ap-
proval OF the senate. The Republi-
cans who were seen stated frankly
that they would vote for no resolu-
ton which in any way would serve
to embarrass the president or smack
or opposition to his course in the con
duct of foreign affairs. Democrats ar
gued that to submit a substitute nee
essarily would open the flood gates
OF oratory again and Senator Stone
finally was prevailed upon to give up
his effort.
Motion to Table.
The administration senators then
agreed that a motion to table the Gore
resolution should be made as soon as
Senator Gore concluded whatever re.
marks he might choose to make in
ealing II up. With this decision reach.
ed. Senators Lodge. Smoot. Curtis and
other Republicans were informed of
the plan. They at once agreed 10 its
wisdom, but thought that some Repub-
hcans might, upon principle, object
to shutting OF debate by voting 70
table another senator's proposal. When
they a made a canvass OF their col.
leagues. however. they reported that
all but a few had consented TO abide
by the decision.
Then the senate was adjourned un-
til eleven o'clock tomorrow. When
the usual morning business is conclud.
ed. Senator Gore will call up his reso-
luton. and the motion to take will be
offered. This will bring the issue at
once to a vote. II was agreed to adopt
the same course with reference to the
! pending resolution by Senator Jones
OF Washington. expressing the sense
of the senate that no ultimatum be
sent to a foreign power without con
sent OF the senate. should the Wash
ington senator call 1t up.
The storm broke in the senate
promptly at noon today when Senator
Stone arose to make a statement of
his position IN the warning contro-
yersy. When the senator had frankly
stated that he differed with the Presi.
dent, but that he hoped a way could
be found TO bring the executive and
congress in closer accord. he urged
that prompt action was necessary 10
rid the President OF the embarrass-
ment he had complained OF because of
congressional agitation.
Senator stone Disaarees.
Distressing as ~ Is to me TO be
obligated to disagree with the Presi.
dent az well Is with many Of my col.
leagues" said Senator Stone. my
opinions have been matured aner
grsst delibcratiog md my sense OF
duty IL Imperative. I cannot but be.
lieye that a belligerent merchantmen.
heavily armed. no matter whether N
be called defensive or Offensive arma-
ment. il In all essential respects the
equivalent Of a duly commissioned
war vessel"
Senator Lodge rose on the Repubn.
can side TO defend the Presidents
position. He agreed with senator
Stone In bis conclusion that the issue
was by far the most important one
before congress and that IL should he
squarely met and urged that the
President has a right to ash congress
for a vote on the precise question OF
warning embodied in the Gore resoIu-
ton. IN emphatic language he Upheld
the determination Of the President
nat nothing should be done 70 All
ridse the right Of Americans TO me
freedom OF the seas, a right thar had
not been challenged for centuries.
A. the Republican leader took his
seat. Senator Williams. almost too I'M
TO stand. began 20 speak. RE aid
there came n time for the parting Of
the ways among all peoples an ad.
m"intstratiOus and All parffea anN ~