Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1916-03-02
Opposition Seeks to Delay in Effort to Effect a
 Compromise.
CAN'T AGREE ON
 RESOLUTION FORM
Opponents of President Reluctant to Give Endorsement Demanded, Yet Afraid to Openly Refuse to Ap-
 prove His Attitude.

Washington, March 1.-Congress to- day met President Wilson's demand for an early endorsement of his at- titllde in the submarine controversy, with arrangements for delay. Lead CTS at the capitol declared tonight it would be several days before the con- gressional action demanded by the president would be taken, if they were taken at all.
 The day brought forth the follow ing developments in the unparalleled situation which confronts the govern ment:
 President Wilson could not be as- sured by congressional leaders that the mousse would unqualifedly en- dorse his position.
 Supporters of the president in con. sress declined to force test in the matter.
 No agreement could be reached as to what form resolution endorsing the president should take.
 House leaders declare that the pres ident's demand for test had sol1di- fled the sentiment against him and that the opposition to the president was on the increase.
 Senate leaders decided to await ac- ton by the house before precipitat- ing the struggle in the upper body, although convinced that the upper body would sustain the president.
 Politics Enter Discussion.
 Politics entered into the excited 'lfscussionJ when reports were circu- lated that if congress failed stp supp port President Wilson, he would de- cline renornfnatiOn. On the other hand, political opponents of the pres ilent intimated he was "ruinine the party for his personal advantage. ,si The state department was surpr1s- ed to learn that Great Britain assertes the right of merchantmen to "reslst capture" This may divert the entire congressional crisis by forcing the administration to make immediate and vigorous protest to Great Britain in the submarine crisis. HtiTli Throughout the session secret con- ferenccs and hurried telephone com yersations which marked the days events. President Wilson maintained his attitude expreesed in, the letter which yesterday precipitated con gressional confusion; that the reaoin- tions reflecting on his foreign poA-, cy must be voted down. 1s
 It became apparent that agreement on any sort of a program wac mpos-s sible and at o'clock this afternoOn the foreign affairs coInmittee reluct- antly went into session. MeAHwhtle, Representative Cantrill of Kentucky had framed a resolution which ne would meet the situation. It avoided the submarine controversy and simply. endorsed the presidents foreign policy. Over the telephone he laid the resolution before the white house and was informed the president would not approve 1t. '.'a s \
 In the meeting of the foreign affairs committee, the weakness of the presi- ! dents forces became apparent. The members ct once refused , to act without more time for consid- eration and further information.
 Compromise.
 The attitude of the anti-adminis- tration Democrats was made clear by Representative Shackleford. of Mis- souri, who suggested action on 2 resolution. which read:
 Resolved, that 1t Is the sense of this house that all citizens of the. United States should be warned that ! controversy has arisen in relation 70 the arming of merchant vessels and he method of waging submarine war are by the nations engaged in the European war, that the president is negotiations with the bel igerents for the purpose of procur- ng an understanding concerning the disputed principles of international law involved; that to the end that he honor of the United States may be lpheld and the rights of her citizens pending such negotia- ions, no citizens of the United States should take passage on an armed ship # any of the belligerents.
 This resolution evoked an 0utburst # opposition from the administration supporters and with the others 1t vas put to one side.
 The committee decided to ask the president and state department for and intormaltion on the present. status of the submarine con- roversy. The request will be made " Chairman Flood hefore the com nittee meets again at noon tomorrow
 Confusing scenex meTked tho open- ng of congress tQAay. Aopg eesore
 fCont1npoa n pa8o Usl