The Washington herald., 1916-02-26
Brakes on in Congress.

warfare pending such discussion.
Brakes on in Congress- 4
From the Teutonie diplomatic quarters
came the statement that once the United
States and Germany embark on a diplo-
matte discussion OF defensive armament
the danger Of war Is over.
Two resolutions affecting the situation
were introduced in the Senate yesterday.
One was by sentaor Jones, of Washing
ton. which directs that before the Presi-
dent disposes Of any question involving
national honor or sewers diplom attic rela-
tons with any foreign power the matter
must first be submitted to Congress. The
other was a concurrent resolution by
Senator Gore. It admitted the right of
Americans to travel where and how they
would, but warned them to keep OF bel
lserent armed ships. Both resolutions
were laid on the table
The conference Of Democratic leaders
with President Wilson at the White
House yesterday morning paved the way
for general quieting of conditions on
the House side of the Capitol. Speaker
Clark, Majority Leader Kitchin and
Chairman Flood. Of the House Foreign
Affairs Committee after their return
from the white House. succeeded in
Quieting to some extent the clamor for
immediate action on the warning reso-
lutions.
President Wilson was silent on the sit
uation yesterday. ate this evening Sem
ID nj To
the President Monday. HeIsaid Il was
practically certain that nothing would
p be done In the Senate before then TO
hamper diplomatic solution of the dif-
fculty.
Bryan Prods Congress.
The House westhered a new threat Of
hysteria that came after a telegram
from William Jennings Bryan, urging
Congress to immediate legislative action,
was passed about the floor.
The telegram said: 1T will be a crime
against civilization, as well as against
our own people, to become involved in
this war and thus loan our army and
navy to an European monarch to use IN
settling his qusrrels. II Congress has the
right to declare war It certainly has the
right to promote peace by restraining
citizens from taking unnecessary risks"
Count Won Bernstorn. the German Am
bassador. Is expected to deliver the Ger
man reply to the State Department Mon
day. The Ambassador has refrained from
any communication with officials while
the furry between the President and
Congress was in progress.
It was apparent yesterday that there
are two things that may delay the prog
rsss of diplomatic negotiations. The re-
ply Of the allies to Lansins's proposals
for disarmament have not been received
The department is also awaiting receipt
Of the appendices to the German subma-
rtne decree which are said to prove by
the text OF official orders that British
merchantmen are armed deliberately to
destroy German submarines.
Wilson May Avert F1are-up.
II the President Will discuss the gun
question with Germany. and pending that
discussion the new submarine policy,
timed to begin in four days. is postponed.
there Is strong ground for belief that
Congress will withhold legislative action.
II. however, the President adopts an
arbitrary stand IL Is believed certain that
nothing can restrain the Senate and
House from taking the submarine ques-
ton out OF the Presidents hand.
Speaker Clark told the President at
the conference at the White House that
q resolution warning Americans OF the
beIligerent ships would have a majority
of two to one in the House at this time.