South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-01
Resolution Endorsing PreSi-
dents Views Will be Sub
mitted to Members For
Immediate Action.
NOW is NO TIME FOR
A SHOW OF WEAKNESS
European Nations Are of 0pin-
ion That Nation is Di-
Vided-Situation Said
to be Critical.
tinnnI Neus Service

international News Service.
WASHINGTON. March 1.-'Pres't
Wilson's hands win be supported by
congress. Even men who believe
that a resolution should pass con-
gress calling upon Americans TO stay
off armed ships during the present
stage of the European war VIII not
put themselves in position of repu-
dating the position assumed by
Pres't Wilson which he says is made
necessary to maintain the nations
honor.
The house foreign affairs COM
mittee viii prepare resolution to-
day endorsing the residents posi-
ton. 1t will be reported under a
special rule which will permit its
immediate consideration.
Il am certain that such a resolu-
ton will be passed.
Following conference at the
white house which lasted for more
than an hour Rep. Flood Of Nir-
ginia, chairman Of the house foreign
affairs committee. made the above
statement. The conference was par
ticipated in by Flood and Sens.
Stone and Kern.
Leaders Called In.
At the end of it, Speaker Clark
and House Leader Kitchin We're sent
for on suggestion Of the two senator's
and Flood. They were asked by the
president TO aid the program and
are expected TO do so. 1t is expect
ed that so soon as the house acts on
the proposition ii will be pushed
through the senate. Whether ac-
ton will be taken today was doubt
full Flood SAID. as this is calendar
Wednesday under the rules and a
single objection would prevent con-
sideration of anything but local
measures.
The conference today, like that Of
last Thursday, was sensational. Pres't
Wilson informed the leaders that
the policy OF the government was
most seriously menaced by a belief,
widely circulated abroad. that the
country was not behind the presl-
dent This belief was seriously ham
pering the diplomatic negotiations
between this country and the central
European powers. the president said.
Influenced by Actions.
In addition. it is understood that
the executive. in effect, intimated
that the German ambassador and
the Austrian charge have been in
fluenced by the agitation in congress
to such an extent that they have be
come convinced that their govern
ments could decline 10 meet the
views of the United States.
The president explained that the
slightest sign Of weakness on the
part Of the United States at present
would destroy the influence Of this
country abroad. rob the nation Of
the fruits Of its many months Of
strict neutrality and instead Of act
ing to keep up out of the war. would
be almost certain to involve us.
The discussion is understood 10
have been chara cterized by a solemn
earnestness that emphasized just how
critical the present submarine sit
uation really is There was not the
slightest doubt IN the minds OF
those who heard him that the pres
ident is absolutely convinced that II
he is not backed up by congress at
the present time the result viii be
very disastrous to the country.
Willing 60 Wait
The senators explained 10 the
president that there was no doubt
that the great majority OF members
OF the upper house We're willing 20
permit the exhaustion OF diplomatic
measures before taking any action
at all. II is understood that they
took the position that at no time
have there been more than % votes.
in sight for the Gore resolution and
that now, with the issue squarely
raised. that number would dwindle
materially If a record vote were or
dered. In consequence they sug-
gested that the initiative should be
taken ia the house. The presid, NJ
and Rep. Flood accepted this view
point. especially in view Of the all
legation that politics was playing a
big part in the agitation and the
speaker and the house leader i'm
mediately were telephoned for.
The speaker and Mr.. KItchin
agreed with the president that ac-
ton should be taken without neces-
sary delay and most Of their dis
cussion was on methods Of pro
ceedure. II was agreed that the
resolution should be framed by the
foreign affairs committee and so
soon as IT has been agreed on. the
rules committee viii be notified and
viii draft the special rule under
which action can be taken.
II also was agreed that none Of.