Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-08
VOTE TO "SAVE HIS
FACE" EXPLAIN THE
HOUSE DFrs = rs
cSGN SASNs - :"
"PresideG IeSNS.id it." Assert
MemberNsvOS rarty After Nc
Lemofe Resolution Goes
in Basket.
NEBRAsKANs IN THE NEGATIVE
Delegations from This State, Iowa
and Minnesota Vote Solidly
Against Tablng.
REAvIs DECLARES HIS POSITION

tf rom n starr Correspondent
WASHINGTON, March 7.-(Spe-
cial Telegram THE one big up-
standing thought that stands out in
the several votes taken today. on
the previous question, on the rule
and on the McLemore resolution
itself warning Americans to stay off
armed merchantmen ships is that
President Wilson said it," Said
what?,' asks the searcher after
knowledge.
That the president said in SUBJ
stance. as charged by Senator Gore
of Oklahoma, that war with Ger
many at this time might not be un-
desirable in the interest of the
United States and in the course OF
civilization" or words to that effect.
The party whip never cracked so
loudly nor bit as keenly as today
and in many instances livid marks
appeared that will take months to
heal, IL ever. 1t was the pressure of
the administration that brought vic
tory, aided by the seaboard repub-
licans, who, for very obvious reasons
voted with the presidents forces to-
day.
To Save His Face.
The form of the McLemore resolution
was not satisfactory and thereby weak
ened the oposition. but it presented a
most remarkable parliamentary situation.
in that it denied what the president asked
for and at the same time is claimed as
complete vindication by the followers of
Mr.. Wilson The "old man said It, but
We are going to save his face" that
about outlines the situation i'm explana
tion of the vote to table the McLemore
resolution. H6 for to 143 against. and
voting In the negative was the solid dele
cation from Nebraska. the solid delega-
ton from Iowa and the solid delegation
from Minnesota, as predicted in former
dispatches.
The vote on the previous question
rather surprised the republicans from
Nebraska to find Shallenberger aye
with them, while Lobeck and Stephen
vetod mo, this vote in4the final analysts
indicating that the administration forces
were thoroughly well intrenched and with
accessions from the ranks of the repub-
licans could easily defeat any affirmative
action on the part of the house SO far IS
warning to Americana went.
Reavis Explains Vote.
In explaining his vote against tabllng
the McLemore resolution, Congressman
Reavis made a really splendid speech in
a day of oratory. He told the house he
was compelled to do so, not because he
favored the measure, but if the motion to
table was defeated it would give him an
opportunity to present an amendment, the
substance of which was;
THAT in the opinion of the house of
Representatives citizens of the United
States. under existing conditions and
irrespective of their legal rights. ought to
refrain from taking passage on armed
case of imperative necessity, and the con-
sideration of the resolution and amend
ments thereto shall proceed under the
five-minute rule to a final vote on
passage"
He said the amendment would violate
no principle of international law and pre-
serve the right of Americans to travel
on belligerent ships armed for defensive
purposes, would caution them to refrain
from exercising that right
II would not put anguish and despair
into American homes" said Mr.. Reavis,
lin order that some irresponsible crazy
man shall have the right to travel on the
armed ship of belligerent nation"