New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-02-08

Southern Democrats, and he at hrst
nlarnod 20 make q second trip In an
ofrort 10 bring pressure from tho rear
on the recalcitrants.
Southern Legislators Anxious.
Congressional leaders are not anxious
% have the President do this. They Cd
iect on principle TO having their con-
s,ituents stirred UP, and they argue
,hs, be could do more good by staying
in Washington and applying tnc very
considerable direct power which ne mas
Also unoficially, they fear that he ma,
become so strong for preparedness, II
he makes a few more speeches. INA.
hi, programme will grow TO SIZE tnat
will positively alarm them. They shudoer
when they recall his declaration LOT
navy "incompsrably the largest, when
has ruined all hope OF attacking hoose
velt AZ an extremist, and do not wish
70 take any chances OF having the fresl-
dent inspired to similar sentiments
about the army. 49,,
Mr. Wilson hs. not yet yielded TO
tho lenders appeals, but Il was SAID ~
tho White House to-day that he prop
sblv would do so. His trip had demon
strated the sentiment Of the country
for preparedness, il was explained, and
be had said practically all that ne
wished. The President believes that the
reading of the speeches he then de-
livcred will have all the effect that a
nersonal visit would, and so he is
iikely TO .tay on the job here.
II Is not wholly the pressure the
President already has applied when
caused the change noted In the attitude
of Democrats in Congress to-day. One
powerful motive is the desire 10 get
Tho marty into working order 10 fore.
stall any "usurpstion" OF Congressional!
nrcrogatives. The utter disorganiza-
ton has made II extremely likely that
the President would attempt 10 push
his bill through by dealing with the
various factions and using direct IN
fuence, which, the Legislators feel IS
not in keeping with the spirit OF the
Constitution and their own Importance.
Getting Behind Wilson.
The political danger referred TO also
Is having q powerful erect. In SPITE
of the talk of another nominee and the
revolt against Wilson. which has made
40 much noise. the politicians mostly
win the election with any other candl-
date. This being the case. 1t IL gradl-
ally sceping into their minds that 1t is
hardly wise TO prepare for the cam,
paign by showing that the party VIII
not follow its leader. Several OF the
u.isest politicians therefore are busiiy
irving 10 build up the fences they
spent the early weeks Of the session In
destroying, so that the party can pre-
sent something that will 81 least look
like a united front.
The fact that the opponents OF the
minor defence bills which were IN IN
the House would not 20 on record
against them Is considerable triumph
for the President and these leaders.
That they hase in 20 short time made
the ants even hesitate shows how pow
crful is the pressure they are using.
II demonstrates, also. the wisdom OF
the President in holding back the de-
fence measures while he was gathering
his forces. But so many Of the Demo
Gratis have already gone on record
against defence that the leaders admit
il is unlikely that he will be able 10
summon enough OF them TO give his
party any real share in framing or
passing the preparedness bills.