Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1916-03-07
Division OF Debate

LeMOre resolution {lSSEI WILL ~
" divided between the administratioa
forces and those opposed 70 II, ano
viii be preceded by an hour ana
half Of debate OF the adoption OF .ne
special rule
The rules committees action tocaE
is d preliminary victory for the ad-
nairist-ation forces which have been
fighting for z week against delays
parliamentary tactics and straight OUT
and ont opposition 10 President WIZ
sons demand that the House take up
the resolution and defeat il as dem
onstration to Germany tina, he dis
sensions against his foreign policy
DO not represent 4 majority OF Con-
g-ess.
The special rule vii! provide that
after the four hours debate the Nc
Lemore resolution will be before the
HOUSE for action. TIE program : %
tabit il as vas done with the Gore
resolution in the Senate. thus express
Irg ire sentiment If L majority OF the
House that no legislation Whatever r.
-a-d.rg the ravaling Of Americans On
armed ships shall be enacted
Bryan Is Busy
William J. Bryan made his head
quarters today AZ hotel aimos, IN
Ger the shadow o. the Capitol and con-
ferred a q luncheon with Slany Con
gressa3en who are rated as Bryan men
All q them strongly favor reSclu-
cicn 10 warn Americans Of armed
ships which Mr. Bryan adrocated or
agains. preparedness. M. Bryan has
denied that he would taxi any active
part in the fight against the President
Administration supporters. however.
were counting on being ready to fgh.
his influence in the House
II The House itself. the adminis.ra-
ton forces 90, the NcLamore resolu-
ticn where they wanted il by getting
il on TO the calendar from which i.
car be called Up tomorrow.
Mr Bran insisted ,ha. the lunch
con was only a friendly gathering. -
Representative Bal!ey's lew at the
same tine vas that il was meet
ing q those opposed 10 preparedness
and favorable TO warning passengers
against taking passage on armed
ships. He was especially emphatic in
his declaration that no conspiracy
WAS on foot
can't say thing about the situa-
ton in Congress- Mr.. Bryan said. II
don't know what il is. What shall
say today is problematical Won :,
say that / shall not discuss warning
American citizens against taking pas
sage On armed ships, but viii say
that have said nothing about it thus
far
Tex: Of Rule
The t=Xt % the rule agreed upon bv
.he committee today, follows: "Reso.y-
&c, thai Immediately upon the adoutioa
Of this resolution the House shall pro
ceed 20 the consideration Of II. Res. I.7
the NcLemoEe Eesolution). thai there
shah BIZ four hours Of general debate.
one-halt to be controlled hy the gentle
man from Virginia. Mr.. Flood. and one
half BY the gentleman from Wisconsin.
Ir. Cooper; that at the conclusion of
said general debate. the said resolution
shall be considered under the general
rules of the House"
Republicans OF the rules committee
voted sol:cly against the rule while
Democrats unanimously supported it.
Republican Congo men. led BY Rep
resentative Gardner Of Massachusetts.
became aggressive today in advocating
speedy action 10 table the McLemore
warning resolution and all others per-
tanning to the subject. Representative
Gardner circulated petitions among Re
publican members urging the minority
members OF the rules committee no, 70
obstruct an early report from the com
mittee.
Gardner's Protest
Representative Gardner told Repre-
sentative Pou, acting chairman Of the
rules committee that the attitude Of
many Republican members toward the
warning issue had been misrepresented.
When the Senate convened, Senator
McCunber Of North Dakota author Of
pending resolution Of warning, again
took occasion TO discuss the subject. al
though the water power bill was up for
consideration.
The Country. while ever ready TO de-
fend the rights Of its citizens, does
not want the citizens 70 lead US heed
!essly into war" he said. NO Ameri-
can ever condoned the sinking Of a
helpless ship without warning, but the
controversy now has narrowed down e
this: Whether armed merchantmen or
submarines shall pc permitted TO shoot
first.
II leave that 70 the President for
settlement. and while Il Is being nego-
t!ated. true American patriotism de-
mands that no American should by any
needless act jeopardize a peaceful set
Element, nor precipitate grave crisis -
Mann AppIauded
When Representative Gardner declar-
ed in the House that there should be a
clear vote on the subject, Republican
Leader Mann announced that he was
against bringing the matter UP in the
House at all.
Il have believed" said Mr. Mann, 'fn
letting the House attend to its constitu-
tional duties and letting the President at
tend to his, constitutional duties
The House resounded with cheers when
Mr.. Mann took the floor and assailed
Americans who might involve the country
in war by travelling on armed ships.
Fool on Joy Ride"
Il hope our citizens never will be put
20 the test of having to fight because
some fool has involved Us by entering