Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1916-06-23
REPUBLICANS PLAY
POLITICS IN CONGRESS
Do Not Want To Be Blamed
for Sending Troops
to Mexico

Washington. June 23--With rcpubh.
cans, led by Representative Mann, de-
manding explicit expression from the
president as to his reasons FOR sending
the militia to the border with power to
order them into Mexico, Chairman Hay
of the house military affairs commit
tee, this afternoon began his fight to
make the national guard actually fed
eral force.
Opposition to the resolution, because
| President Wilson has not appeared be-
fore congress in person to explain the
Mexican situation, seemed to grow rap
idly.
Representative Gardner of Massachus
etts, asked that the whole matter be
! postponed for consideration until tomor-
row. Hay pressed for immediate con-
sideration,
Declaring the action would not con.
stitute declaration of war nor adj
mission that state of war exists, Hay
brought the matter up Immediately up
on the convening of the house. He ask
tu lut uOu5t ~ tOhStul " NudAkto Ii
the resolution in effect placing on con-
gress the responsibility for drafting the
militia. Hay asked that the language
of the draft empowering the president
to draft militia be made to read:
"That in the opinion Of the congress
Of the United States, whereas an emerg-
ency now exists which demands the use
Of troops in addition to the regular
army the president hereby authorized
to draft into the United States army
any or all the members Of the national
guard"
Leader Mann Objects
Republican Leader Mann objected to
having placed on congress the respon'
siblity Of declaring that an emergency
exists, unless President Wilson should
directly or indirectly assure the house
that such is the case.
81 am authorized" replied Chair
man Hay, "to say that the president
believes an emergency is present and II
is absolutely necessary to command the
services Of the militia"
Continuing Mann said;
"I do not know whether the troops
should be kept in Mexico or not 1t is
evident that the troops cannot remain
in the heart of the country without
there being certain amount Of fric-
tion with Mexicans. 1 cannot see why
they are being kept in Mexico, when
they have not accomplished what they
set out to do"
An amendment by Walsh shifting the
responsibility to President Wilson for
calling the militia was defeated by
vote of 1g2 to a.
The Hay amendment declaring that
congress considers an emergency pres
ent, requiring the use of the military
was carried.
An amendment was carried limiting
the service of the militiamen to "the
period of the emergency, not to exceed
three years"
Blames the President.
1.-THE troops are not on Mexican soil
today at our command" said Repre-
sentative Walsh, republican Of Massa
chusetts. "The responsibility for send
ing more troops into Mexico ought not
be shifted now to us. We ought to have
Il message in writing from tho presi-
dent,
He was loudly Opplauded in the re-
publican side of the chamber.
The house after much wrangling de-
cided to limit the debate on the resolu
tion to two hours. There was great
demand for time by republicans, indi-
eating that the resolution will be siren.
uously fought.
Representative Walsh proposed an
amendment to the Hay resolution plac-
ing upon President Wilson instead of
congress the responsibility for calling
the militia.
"Unclc Joe" Cannon launched into a
general attack of the administration 3
policy in iolicy.
elf we are to defend against Mex
lean anarchy we must 80 act that either
they or we will establish a responsible
government in Mexico"