The Twin Falls times. [volume] (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1905-1916, 1916-02-29
WILSON TAXES
A FIRM STAND
President Opposes Any Abfidg-
ment of Rights of NeutraIS.
DESIRES PEACE But HONOR AND
PRINCIPLE FIRST.
Americans Should Have the Right to
Travel on Merchantmen Armed For
Defense Situation Critical Again.

WASHINGTON aggitation for
action warning Americans of belliger-
ent ships is oversnadowing all other
questions now before congress. Pres
ident Wilson's supporters, apprehen-
sive that the smOuldering sentiment
might suddenly blaze up to embarrass
the diplomatic negotiations with Ger
MANY. are working to hold the admin
istradOn forces in line and keep the
question from the floor of both house
and senate.
The legislative situation in both
houses favored the administration
forces. The senate has been in legis-
lation yesterday prevented the subject
from coming up without unanimous
consent The situation in the house
is similar but not so secure
Word went to the capitol again that
President Wilson'S opposition to any
action by congress was mistaken and
that Chairman Flood and Chairman
Stone of the committees dealing with
foreign affairs could explain his posi-
ton fully. Administration officials
outside of congress expressed confid
ence that the presidents position
would be supported
The Republicans generally are OPP
posed to action by congress and aside
from the score of Democrats who yes
terday showed signs of breaking over
the administration restraint, the ma
iority forces today apparently were
being held by the appeal stand by the
president" Statements that the agi-
tation had attained the proportions of
revolt against the presidents policy
were denied on all sides.
t,I.
among all the others was that the
whole situation might be reduced to
a proposal that Congress express the
sentiment that Americans should not
bring their country into danger of
war by travelling on ships which Ger
many has announced she will sink
without warning.
1t was pointed out that such action
would be quite different from lsgisla-
ton prohibiting Americans from tax
ing passage on such ships and could
not be viewed as a surrender Of rights.
The extent to which the political
element enters into the present situa-
ton has not been disclosed. Admins
tration supporters, however, recall
former Secretary of State Bryan broke
with the president and left the cabinet
over the question of warning Ameri-
cans off belligerent ships. Among
those who now are supporting the agi-
tation to put Mr.. Bryan's proposal into
legislative action are some senator's
and representatives who have been
numbered among Mr.. Bryans admir-
ers, but it is true that some Of them
also are classed as supporters of the
president.
Germany has not yet replied to the
latest request from Washington that
previous assurances for the safety of
unresisting liners apply to the con-
duct of the new submarine campaign
She has indicated she wants to dis
cuss what properly may be defensive
armament There are indications that
in Germany the consequences of des-
truction of more American lives is
fully realized.
Private advices from Germany tell
how the civilian element at court
headed by the chancellor, Won Both
manu- ollweg, which has contended
for preserving friendly relations with
the United States, has been overshad-
owed by newly risen political force
headed by Gen. Won Falkenhayn, chief
of staff of the army, who has Emperor
Williams fullest confidence. Won Fal-