Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-01-04
Congressmen Admit Situa-
tion is One of the Most
Critical
INCLINE TO CAUTION
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Expected to Take Up Inquiry Re-
solutions Early.

SUlullOHS EdIl.. -
Washington, Jan. 4-Congress reas-
sembled today in the midst OF an m
ternational situation which rival poll
teal leaders admit is one of the most
critical that has confronted the ma
ton. Returning members talked OF
little but consequences that might re-
suit from the sinking of the British
steamer Persia in the Mediterranean
with loss of American life, and the
strained diplomatic relations between
the. lifted States and Austria.
Although Administration leaders
are uniformly inclined to proceed
cautiously and to await positive in
formation, there is general feeling of
uneasiness among Senators and Rep-
resentatives over the gravity Of fore
ign affairs.
Senator Stone, chairman Of the SEN
ate Foreign Relations Committee.
conferred with Secretary Lansing at
the State Department and will seek
a conference with President Wilson
before a meeting of the committee is
held Wednesday to begin considera.
ton of matters pertaining to the DIP
lomatic affairs of the nation.
1t seems assured that the commit
tee will take up the resolution sub
mitted by Senator HokC Smith, calling
for an inquiry into Great Britain's in
references with neutral commerce
and amendment by Senator Lodge to
investigate destruction of the 1.usl-
tania and other acts by bel!igerents
resulting in destruction of Ameri-
can lives.
"Of course, we must consider those
resolutions" says Senator Stone.
"They are on the calendar and must be
disposed of. | do not know the senti-
ment of the committee. but | see no
objection to Congress having all in
formation called for in the resolu-
ton of Senator Smith or the amend
ment by Senator Lodge.
Il talked to Secretary Lansing
about the sinking of the Persia, but
we can do nothing with that until we
get all the facts"
Senator Stone also discussed with
Mr.. Lansing the long pending Mica
raguan and Columbian treaties. con-
cerning which there is still persistent
by some Senators, includ-
ing Republican members Of the Fore
ign Relations Committee. The Missouri
Senator wants these treaties disposed
of one way or another. If it apparent
that opposition is overwhelming, it is
proposed to discover this as soon as
possible, so that further time may
not he wasted in attempting to force
their ratification.
Another subject Of discussion was
the nomination of Henry P. Fletcher
to be Ambassador to Mexico, Sena-
tor Borah, member Of the commit
tee, will strenuously oppose Mr.. Flet-
cher's confirmation on the ground that
no Ambassador 70 Mexico should be
named by the United States until con-
ditions in the southern republic are
mere settled.
Although foreign affairs overshad-
dow everything else in interest for
the moment activity over national pre-
paredness viii! begin at once. Hearings
were held today before the House
Naval Affairs Committee on the an
nuai appropriation bill, the first sub.
ject taken up being that Of yards
and docks. including the project for
a big drydock at Norfolk. Va.
The Senate Naval Committee met
to consider Senator Tillman's bill for
the erection of a overnment armor
plate factory.
Thursday the House Committee on
Military Affairs will meet, and Secre-
tary Garrison will appear to explain
his plan for reorganization of the
army.
Other legislation. ready for consi-
deration include the Waterpower and
Mineral Lands Leasing bills and the
Loan Bank bill.
The Joint Committee on Rural