The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1916-02-25
Threatened in Congress by
the White Feather
Brigade
AFFAIR A WAVE OF
POLITICAL HYSTERIA
Senator Gore Wants Con.
gress to Stop Americans
Sailing on Armed Ships

Washington, Feb 25.-With the presi
dent standing firm in his determination
to force the submarine issue with Ger
many, sentiment in the House of Rep
resentatives for legislation to keep Amer
leans off armed merchant ships wa
steadily making Roadway yesterday.
The situation with regard to Germany
appears even more critical in view of thI
latest information as to the position
Germany is bound to take on armed
merchantmen.
In Congress, where less talking was
done in the open yesterday than Wednes-
day, the belief still prevailed that the
presidents intention is leading on to
war. There are definite indications that
a break between the administration and
Democrats in the House is to be expect
ed.
The situation is now within the con
troll of the administration only to the
extent that it seems likely action will be
averted for a day or two. Discussion
may come at any time.
Trouble that threatened yesterday
when Senator Gore asked permission to
introduce resolution and bill dealing
with travelling on armed liners was avert
ed more easily than had been antcipat-
ed. Senator Brandegee objected, block
ing the introduction Senator Gore APP
pealed to Vice President Marshall, but
the latter ruled the resolution and bill
could not be admitted after Brandegee's
objection.
Had Gore been determined to push his
measures he had the parliamentary right
to read and to speak on them, even with
out their introduction
One of the most reliable leaders in the
House who has only lately been diverg-
ing from administration views, after siz-
ing up the situation yesterday morning
said that action on the proposed legisla-
ton is bound to come within few days
and that when it does the House Demo
Gratis will be for it three to one.
The gravity OF the outlook for a split |
between Congress and the president over
the issue of legislation to keep Amer
leans from armed ships cannot be over
estimated in view OF the mornings de-
velopments yesterday.
About the only thing that can pre-
vent demonstration against the presi-
dents policy would be the offer by Ger
many to postpone putting the March
orders" into effect.
If the president during that postpone
ment began negotiations over the mean
ing and use OF defensive armament there
is the probability that the House leaders
would drop the matter of legislation for
the time being in order not to weaken
the party's position before the nation
and to avoid charges that they are deter
mined to "scuttle" the presidents chances
of settlement with Germany.
What has happened in Congress al
ready is secretly admitted by advisers Of
the administration to have had a dis
effect on the negotiations with
Germany. The German government and
the German ambassador, ii is
will be led to the conclusion
that though the president may mean
business he will not dare the ultimate ,
with a refractory party on his hands.
In German circles there is the natural ,
belief now that on the issue of armed i
merchant ships the country is not with G
he president. If
To enhance the gravity of the situa II
ion as precipitated by Congress it was h
earned yesterday that before the Berlin J
government can give such assurances as o
he president wants not only must a def
ition of defensive armament be reached a