Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1916-02-25
GERMAN SITUATION
OVERSHADOWS ALL
ISSUES IN CONGRESS
Leaders Work to Subdue Re-
volt Against Presidents
Decision Not to Warn Amer
leans to Keep Off Ships
sv AssOeiatsd Press

WASHINGTON feo-
assembled today with the agitation for
action warning Americans OF belliserent
shfps ove-shadowinE all other questions.
President wilson's supporters. apprehen-
sfvs that the smouldering sentiment
might Suddenly blaze up 10 embarrass
the diplomatic negotiations with Ger
rrany. were working 10 hold the admin
istrzrfou 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 was in the legisla-
tive day OF yesterday. which prevented
the subject from coming up without
unanimous consent
The situation in the house was sim
Lar b,lt not so secure. If an outburst
came the leaders expected it would be
there
Word went 10 the capitol again early
today that President Wilson's opposition
10 any action by congress was unshaken
and that Chairmen Stone and Flood, OF
the committees dealing with foreign al
fairs. could explain his position fully.
Administration officials outside or con-
zress profesSed TO be undisturbed by the
agitation at the capitol and expressed
confidence that the presidents position
would be supported
STAND BY CHIEF"
II was apparent that much OF the
cuafnE in congress was due TO lack Of
information OF the presidents attitude.
The foreign affairs committee, in &C
cordance with its action last night. be-
gan a canvass OF sentiment in the house
to develop the extent 10 which resolu-
.rtoHs- Of warning would be supported
ard at the same time disclose the oppo-
sition TO such proposals The Republic
ans generally we're opposed 10 such ac-
ton and aside from the score OF Demo-
Gratis who yesterday showed signs OF
breaking over the administration re-
straint, the majority forces today ap-
parentIy were being held by the appeal,
stand by the president"
statements that the agitation had at
tanned the proportions OF a revolt
against the presidents policy was flat
IL denied on all hands and there was no
outward evidence 10 support them Like
wise statements that the Democrats
had given the president certain time
forty-eight hOurs-it was stated TO
change his policy also were denied by
every one TO whom they were attributed.
one possibility which stood out among
All the others was that the whole situa-
tiou might be reduced to a prOsposal
that congress express the sentiment that
Americans should not bring their coun-
try into danger OF war by travelling on
ships. which Germany has announced
she will sink without warning.
NOT WORTH RISK
n was pointed out that such action
would De quite different than legisla-
ton prohibiting Americans from taking
passage on such ships. as some OF the
pending bills and resolutions propose,
and could not be viewed a a surrender
OF rights The Democrats Of the house
foreign affairs committee have agreed
il is their consensus OF opinion that
technical question Of the right Of Amer
cans TO travel on armed ships is not
worth risking war
The extent 20 which the political ele-
uent enters into the present situation
has not been disclosed
Administration supporters, kOwevef.
recall that former Secretary Bryan broke
with tire president and left the cabinet
7-cr tire question Of warning Americans
-ff beIIigerent ships Among those who
now are supporting the agitation to put
Jfr Brvsn's proposal into legislative &C
Ton are some senators and representa-
lives Who have been numbered among
ar Bryan's admirers. but II is true
s1at some OF them also are classed IS
supporters or the president
These who are cOntending for tie
support OF the administration say that
while congress has not so far been taken
wholly into the presidents confidence
N the submarine negotiations, they have
10 doubt il will be il the situation
reaches 2 point where the question OF
continuing friendly relations with Ger
lauy has TO be considered