Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-04-26
They Think He Delayed
Far Too Lon G but
That Present Course
Is Right
DEMOCRATS OF SOUTH
CRITICIZE HARSHLy
Senator Burleigh Gets Addition
al Carrier Appointed at Els
worth, Also Presents More
Prohibition Petitions Dog
Fish Bill Passes Senate

Washington. d. c.. April 25.-(speciaD.-
Maine men in Congress have generally
ahstained from comment on President
Wilson'S ultimatum to Germany. Ihls
is in line with the action of most sena-
,ors and representatives, since the Pres1-
dent anpeared before the joint session to
road his message of review and declara-
ton. But fact remains that the Maine
senator's and representatives are in very
large measure in accord with the Presi-
dents policy Senator Burleigh and the
three Republican members of the House
are supporting, in the main. views ad-
vanced nv Senator Lodge of Massachu-
se,ts He. as leading authority on for
e,rn relations, is the recognized spokes-
man Of eastern Republicans in Congress
as to such questions.
OF course this does not mean that Sen
ator Lodge or the Maine Republicans or
Eastern Republicans. approve in its en-
trety. the Presidents policy toward Ger
many They think he should have deliv-
cred his ultmatum before this and should
not have delayed so long. But the delay
has 10 be overlooked in the present crisis
and for the time being Republicans in
this category applaud the President for
having finally reached a decision. These
Maine Republicans and other eastern Re-
publicans are in the main more cor
daily for the President than are many
Southern Democrats. The latter are not
opening their mouths, save in private
conversations. when they can find
no words harsh enough to apply to
the President Of their own party
II is an open secret that Senator Stone
Of Missouri is in the doldrums because
the President has decided Germany must
stop short on pain Of break in friendly
relations Although Senator Stone is
chairman of the important and infiuen-
tal committee on foreign relations. 1t is
well known that he treats the President
with scant respect. There are good
many Germans in Missouri and Demo-
Gratis expect to have their hands full
keeping that state, which came into the
Union the same year az the State of
Maine. in line for the President next
November. Senator Hoke Smith of Geor-
gia. who thinks the Southern cotton
planters have not been well treated by
Great Britain, is also hanging off but
saying nothing. Senator Underwood of
Alabama who used to be House majority
leader. is understood to share the view
that the President made too sweeping
demand and that this error. which some
Southern Democrats in the Senate are
calling 'impulsve.' may return to cause
the United States a lot of trouble, should
the country ever get into a foreign war
Somehow or other the idea grove at
Washington that there will be no serious
break any way. Perhaps Germany may
climb down" and. if she does not come
entirely down, may climb down. suff1-
GENTLY far to assuage the administra-
uon at Washington. Certainly the posi-
hliities of war with Germany are not
speeding Congress to the enactment of
military legislation. While the army
oll has passed the House and another
army bill has passed the Senate. the real
legislation is vet to be written by con-
'erees of the Senate and by conferees
VI me House sitting in Joint session. 1t
WI" be weeks and, perhaps a couple Of
Morths before the final text is prepared.
nen there may be extended discussion
y" inc House and there will almost GER
fanny he long talk over it in the Senate
New Carrier at Ellsworth
senator Burleigh recently suggested to
NontInued on Page 3-CoIumn s.