The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-02-24
Leaders in House and
Senate Not Likely To
Force Break With Will
sOn-Legislative Pro-
gram Puts Ad1ninistra-
ton in Control.
President Stands Firm.
Despite Reports of OPP
position Among Ger
tain Members = Re
ports of "UItirnatuTn''
to White House Denied

W w 1kIG0 house OGn1GO
Washington, Feb. 24-Con-
gress assembled today with the
agitation for action warning
Americans off belligerent ships
over-shadowing all other ques-
tions.
President Wilson'S support
ers, apprehensive that the
Ismouldering sentiment mighr.
suddenly blaze up to embarrass
the diplomatic negotiations
with Germany, were working
to hold the administration
forces in line and keep the
Question from the floor Of both
House and Senate.
The legislative situation in
both houses favored the ad-
ministration forces. The Sen
ate was in the legislative day
of yesterday which prevented
the subject from coming up
without unanimous consent.
The situation in the House was
similar, but not so secure.
Word went to the capitol
again early today that Presi-
dent Wilson'S opposition to any
action by Congress was un-E
shaken and that Chairmen
Stone and Flood, of the com
mittees dealing with foreign
affairs, could explain his posi-t
ton fully.
It was apparent that much of the
chafng in Congress was due to a, lack
of information of the Presidents atti->
tude. The foreign affairs committee.
in accordance with its action of last
night began a canvass of sentiment I
in the House to develop the extent to /
which resolutions Of warning would /
be. supported and at the same time /
disclose the opposition to such pro- /
posals.
The Republicans generally were
opposed to such action and aside [
from the score of Democrats who yes /
Nterday showed signs or breaking over /
administration restraint, the majority ,
forces today apparently we've being /
President -
Statements that the agitation had
attained the proportions of a n ArevoIt
against the Presidents policy were
fatty denied on all hands and there
was no outward evidence to support
the statement. Likewise, statements f,
that the Democrats had given the
President certain time, 48 hours. it |
was stated, to change his policy, also /
were denied by everyone to whom
they were attributed.
that the whole situation might be re-
duced to proposal that Congress ex-
press the sentiment that AmerieansI
should not bring their country into
danger of war by travelling on ships
which Germany has announced sha
will sink without warning.
It was pointed out that such action
would be quite different than 1egisla-
ton prohibiting Americans from taxi
ing passage on such ships as some oRi
the pending bills and resolutions pros
pose, and could not be viewed as a
surrender of rights. VI
The extent to which the political
element enters into, the present situa- 4
ton has not been disclosed. Admin
istration supporters, however, recall
that former Secretary of State Bryan
broke relations and left the cabinet
over the question 81 warning Ameri-5
cans off belligerent ships. Among
those VINO now are supporting tu6 e1B4-
tation are some senator's and repre-
sentatives who have been numbered
among Mr. Bryan's adherents.
The President is represented as hav-
ing come to the conclusion that sub
marine negotiations should be settled
without more delay. Germany has
not vet replied to the latest request
from washington for a declaration
that her previous assurance of safety
Of unresisting liners apply to the con-
duct of the new submarine campaign.
Under these circumstances, admins
tration supporters. do not see how a
breach can be immediately imminent.
Private advices from Germany tell
how the civilian element at court,
headed by the chancellor, Won Beth
mann HolIweg, which has contended
for preserving friendly relations with
the United States, has been, overshod-
owed by a newly risen political force
headed by General Won Fal6enhayn,
which is said to include the elements
which We're led by Admiral Terpitz, a .
few months ago.
The advices are understood to have
been communicated to President VIII
A