Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-02-26
WILSON READY TO TEST
STRENGTH IN HOUSE

Continued from Page Ono
ment of its foreign relations with other
countries.
A canvass of the Senate based upon
public and private statements revealed an
anomalous condition of affairs, in that II
showed that there are more Republicans
ready to stand by the Democratic Presi-
dent than there are members of his own
party.
The same canvass developed the fact
that any attempt by the Presidents critics
to swerve him from his patriotic resolve
to prevent the humiliation OF American
rights will meet with defeat.
II is not probable that any such at
tempt will be made. Even IL 1t should.
the Presidents supporters are certain OF
enough votes to prevent the passage OF
either the Gore resolution in the Senate
or that offered by Mr. McLemore in the
House. From present indications the two
undertakings are dead.
BREACH STILL EXISTS.
At the same time it was apparent that
the differences between the President and
Congress have not been smoothed over.
The Presidents letter to Senator Stone
failed to placate the Senate and House.
There was a temporary truce but that
was all.
WHICH gave rise 10 l1e
feeling that a way out OF the difficulty
with Germany will be found were:
The receipt OF the apparently author
itative forecasts of the German reply in
dicating that Germany will suggest dis
cussions of the disputed question of Of
fensive armament.
"A direct statement by Secretary Lam
sing that the United States will discuss
this question, and the opinion given by
GnAnEAT NFiGi fha
dent, that Germany will postpone opera
tion of its new submarine warfare pend
ing such discussion"
From Teutonic diplomatic quarters
came the statement that once the United
States and Germany embark on a diplo-
matte discussion of defensive armament
the danger of war is over.
Nations can't go to war over a differ
ence OF an inch or two in the calibre of a
gun" one official said.
The most influential men in both
Houses expressed confidence that they had
curbed the movement to pass a resolution
warning American citizens not TO travel
upon the ships of belligerent nations car
rying guns.
In this achievement Speaker Clark, OF
the House, was easily the commanding
figure. Following an interview with the
President yesterday. the Speaker assumed
command of the Administration forces in
the Lower House with such gratifying
results that all danger OF another outbreak
seemed safely passed.
The titular leader of the House, Mr.
Kitchin, not only failed TO exercise the
junction Of his office in support OF the
PRESIDENT but was conspicuous in his en-
eouragement OF the opposition.
With Majority Leader Kern of the Sen.
ate Chairman Stone of the Foreign Rela.
tions Committee and more than a dozen
other Demoeratic Senators apparently ar.
rayed against the President the organ.
ization Of the forces supporting him In
that body fell 10 Senator Lodge The
Massachusetts Republican Senator was
outspoken In his condemnation OF the eff
forts OF members OF the Presidents own
party TO embarrass him by congressional
Interference with his conduct OF dlplo-
matte negotiations.
Postmaster General Burleson. during
the afternoon, assured the White House
that the Administration now controls the
situation and that a warning resolution
cannot be passed.
Similar assurances also came TO the
White House from congressional leaders
They were given after the House wealth
cred new threat OF hysteria that came
after a telegram from William Jennings
Bryan. urging Congress to immediate
Legislative action, Was passed about the
fioor.
Count Won Bernstorfr, the German Am
bassador, IS expected TO deliver the Ger
man reply 10 the State Department Mon
day. The Ambassador has refrained from
any communication with odicials while
the furry between the President and Con-
Erezs was In progress.
Il was apparent today that there are
two things that may delay the progress
II diplomatic negotiations. The reply OF
The Allies 10 Lansing's proposals for dis
armament have not been received
The Department Is also awaiting re-
eeipt q appendices 10 the German sub
marine decree which are satl a. nr -vs
81 ne text OF odacial orders that British
haninsn are armed deliberately 70
aeffF1F German submn rirez
Hh1f q side-ed ths aii-iHp 1rtanf
a1asfioa ipst how far GsruaHy wl 80
81 ~ tAeanins repiy n paFf - eay
Earlaer nrH2fa atieas coaniee H.th fAe
-.l.=.4ezatlar = taaf gueF.eH apecuia-