South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1916-03-06
President viii Let BeIIiger-
entS Know Definitely Atti-
tude on Armament of
Merchant Ships.
HOUSE IS BACK FROM
EUROPE FOR CONFERENCE.
Executives Confidential En-
iSSary Arrives Monday
Morning But Keeps
Lips Sealed.
InternatIOnal News Service .

international News Service:
WASHINGTON, March 6.-Pres't
Wilson plans 10 make the position Of
the United States on defensive arma-
ment for merchant ships. plain TO all
OF the belligerents. Such action,
however. will not be taken until af-
ter congress has disposed OF the pro-
posed legislation warning American
citizens not 70 ride on armed mer-
chantmen II is hoped by the ad-
ministration that congress will final
ly dispose OF this question within
the neN few days.
The appendices TO the German an
nOuncement Of the new submarine
war are now in the hands OF Sec'y
Lansing They arrived on the steam
er Rotterdam yesterday. In addi-
ton the secretary has received by
cable from Ambassador Page in
London, the official copy of the Brit
ish admiralty announcement showing
just what instructions British mer-
chant captains are now working
under. II is expected that as soon
as he has had opportunity carefully
10 examine these documents, the sec
rotary will notify Count Won Bern
storff exactly what constitutes de-
fensive armament.
To Confer with House.
Meanwhile Prest Wilson will con
fer at length this week with Col.
r. NJ. House. who returned yesterday
from his trip 10 England. France
and GERMANY. IL was stated that
the colonel viii be house guest OF
the president at the white house for
two or three days and will present a
complete report OF his observations
abroad. The colonel is known to
have sounded out the diplomatic
heads OF the belligerent nations on
the questions that are so vital to the
United States, as we'll as to have
sought their views on whether IL
would be possible TO initiate a peace
movement at this time. II was
stated at the white house that IL was
unlikely that any announcement
would be made concerning the
coloners trip.
Col. House came to Washington
on the midnight train and was met
AT the station by one OF the white
house automobiles. He refused to
say anything whatever about his
European trip.
MY lips are sealed" he said. IF
anything is TO be said the president
must say IT,"
The president returned this morn
ing from a trip down the Potomac
on the Mayfiower. He and Col.
House had breakfast together After
the meal the president conferred
with Reps. LenroOt and Bennett, re-
publican members Of the rules com
rnittee. The president explained to
them his desire for speedy action by
congress.
Both Bennett and Lenroot gave
out the impression when they left
the white house that they had
pledged their support to Pres't VIII
son. Rep. Lenroot stated that they
assured the president that they did
not intend 10 make a partisan mat
ter OF the international situation.
still Seek Agreement.
House leaders today were stin en-
deavoring 10 reach an agreement as
10 Nlal ACTON lnttl ROuN VIII take
on the McLemOre resolution. The
leaders. headed by Rep. Kitchin.
would like a vote on the merits OF
the proposition. Chairman Flood OF
the foreign affairs committee. how
ever. today declared that he will op-
pose this.
"Our committee has commended
that the McLemore resolution he
tabled and has asked that the rules
committee report resolution that
will permit this" he said. we will
insist that this be done"
Reports that William Jennings
Bryan intended TO take a hand in the
night against the president were de-
MED on his behalf today by Rep.
stephens OF Nebraska. The latter
stated that while Bryan believes
that congress should warn Americans
not 20 travel on armed ships he will
not try to influence congress one way
or the other at the present time.
The administration leaders insist
ed today that the presidents posi-
ton had gained material strength
over Sunday and they will endeavor
20 get action tomorrow il possible.
but surely this week