The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-02-25
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 vass of the Senate disclosed sentiment in favor of President Wilson's posi- ton dominating. In the House the ad- ministration position was less certain, but the leaders were confident that a vote would show an overwhelming ma jority for upholding the President.
 LETTER TO WILSON
 Senator Stones letter to the Presi- dent follows:
 Dear Mir President:
 Since Senator Kern, MT. Flood and [ talked with you on Monday evening I am more troubled than I have been for many a day. I have not felt au- thorized to repeat our conversation, put I have attempted, in response to num- erous inquiries from my colleagues, to state to them. within the confidence that they should observe, my general understanding of your attitude. 1 have stated my understanding of your att titude to be substantially as follows' That while you wouk deeply regret the rejection by Great tain Of MT. Lansings proposal for se disarmament of merchant vessels cig the allies with the understanding that Germany and her allies would not fire upon merchant ship if she hauled to when summoned not attempting to escape, and that the German warships would only exercise the admitted right of visitation and capture, and would not destroy the captured shlp except in circumstances that reasonably assured the safety of passengers and crew. you were of the opinion that if Great Britain and her allies rejected the proposal and insisted upon arming her merchant ships she would be within her right under international law. Also that you would feel disposed to allow armed vessels to be cleared from our ports; also that you are not favorably disposed to the idea of this government taking any definite steps toward DrevenI -lg American citizens from embarking upon armed merchant vessels. Furthermore, that you would consider it your duty, if a German warship should fire upon an armed merchant vessel of the enemy upon which American citizens were pas sengers, to hold Germany to strict ac- count.
 COUNSELLED GOODNESS
 Numerous members of the Senate and House have called to discuss this subject with me I have felt that the members of the two houses who are to deal with this grave question were entitled to know the situation We are confronting as I understand it to be. l think should say to you that the members of both houses feel deeply concerned and disturbed by what they read and hear have heard of some talk to the effect that some are saying that after all it may be possible that the programme of preparedness, so called, has some rela- ton to such a situation as we are now called upon to meet. l have counselleo all who have talked with me to keep cool that this whole business is still the sub feet of diplomacy and that you are striv' ing to the utmost to bring about some peaceable adjustment and that in tho meantime Congress should be careful noi to ball up a diplomatic situation by any kind of nasty and ill-considered action However the situation in Congress f' such as to excite a sense of deep concerr in the minds of careful and thoughtfu men. I have felt that it is due to vol to say this much.
 q think you understand my persona attitude with respect to this subject. A: much and as deeply as I would hate tt radically disagree with you, ] find I difficult for my sense of duty and re sponsibility to consent to plunge this ma ton into the vortex of this world wa because of the unreasonable obstinacN of any of the powers upon the one hand or. on the other hand, of foolhardiness amounting to sort of moral treason against the republic, of our people reck lessly rislxing their lives on armed bel Iigerent ships I cannot escape the con viction that such would be so monstrou as to be indefensible.
 T want to be with you and to stant by you, and I mean to do so up to th' last limit and I want to talk with vol and Secretary Lansing with the utmos frankness-to confer with you and hav' your judgment and eounsel-and l wan to be kept advised as to the course O events to prevent anything being dom Ey any senator or member calculated t' enbarrass your diplomatic negotiations Up to the last you should be left fre' to act Automatically as you think bes to settle the questions involved. I neet hardly say that my wish is to help, no >-kc hinder you.
 ssWith the highest regard and mos Sympathetic consideration I have tn, honor, MT. President, to be. very sin cerely yours.
 WILLIAM J. STONE"
 r0NrRESS IS CAI,MER