Omaha daily bee., 1916-03-03

nations, and n Germany attacks an
armed merchantman and any American
eitinen is injured. the question IL pre-
sented to this government what our atu-
tude would be, II no American citizens
were on board We should have no cause
20 interfere unless we proceeded on the
altruistie theory of ebligations OF hu-
manity.
ITO my mind this emergency n Of high
Importance. The president. senators and
repre- esentatives should speak with each
other and with the country. free from
political bias. We should wear our hearts
on our sleeves 20 we may know our posi-
tions exactly.
The presidents attitude IL this; lie
supports the contention that belliserent
merchantmen have the right to bear arms
fer defensive purposes. but he does not
say. nor do I. and l doubt II any one
does. what constitutes defensive pur-
poses.
''Furthermora. u q German warship
without warning should attack and sink
4 merchantmen. the president proposes
to consider the attack a lawless act He
will be disposed 20 hold the German gov
ernment 10 strict accountability, and u
the German government persisted, ne
would be tempted 70 sever diplomatic
relations and submit the matter to con-
gTess. which. under the constitution. is
the war-making body.
IF II must come TO this. and must
disagree with the president. and l must
Disagree with my colleagues. / must not
face this as a political question. MY duty
10 clear ] cannot but believe that II
belligerent meFchantman is armed.
80 -. ..NN N1TFr
poses. II II is Transporting war material.
II u the equivalent Of war vessel
Il cannot discuss the question now,
but will merely state that in duty to my
self, TO my constituents and TO my coun-
try will discuss IL here at length In
the near future. The president IL op-
posed to the Gore resolution, He Is not
only opposed to laws on the subject. but
10 any form Of official warning. keeping
people off belIigerent ships.
''if could have my way would take
some step 20 save this country from be-
coming embroiled in the European war
through the recklessnesa Of some thought
less citizen.
The president has written Representa-
tive Pou that the resolution has been q
source OF embarrassment to him in the
diplomatic negotiations with The bell
ligeTents. ! am sure that Is so, have
diligently sought TO prevent resolutions
on this subject being adopted and sought
to aliay agitation on this subject. Now
We are Informed that the resolution must
be defeated"
Gore Defends His Resolution.
Senator Core defended his resolution.
ia my Judgment any Ameriean placing
Gernany's interest above those OF the
United States is q traitor" declared sen-
ator Gore. And there are many traitors
OF that class in America. think any
American placing Great Britain's inter-
est above ours IL traitor. and there are
as many Of that class. These two types
are equally offensive, disloyal and repre-
hensihie.
Il do not doubt that American ship
owners whose ships are flying the allies
flags would like TO have the United
states polloe and protect their vessels
plying to European ports. I do not doubt
that the buyers and brokers Of the $500.
( 100000 allies bonds sold In this country
! rajoiee 20 have the United States under
/ write their investment. I have no more
\ sympathy with than than I have with
any hyphenated American who is dis
loyal to hts adopted land