New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-03-01
President Asks Action
on observation-disclosures
ing Americans.
NEW U-BOAT WAR
CAUSES CONCERN
Britain Denies Arming
Merchant Vessels for
Offensive Purposes.

lFlom III, Tfcane plrcigl
Washington, Feb. 29.--On the eve
Of Germany's new submarine cam
paign against armed merchant ships
OF the Allies. the outcome of which
is awaited by the Administration
with grave concern. President Wilson
tonight threw down the gantlet 10
Congress and demanded vote on
the pending proposals TO surrender
American rights.
In letter to the acting chairman
of the Rules Committee, Edwak ".
Tou. Of North Carolina, the Presi-
dent declared that he could not pro
ceed with the German submarine ne
gotiations while dissension in Con
gress weakened his position before
the world. Stating his opinion that
reports of divided counscls in Con-
gress are being made industrious use
of in foreign capitals were crrone.
Gus. he called for Full public discus 4
sion and action" so that American/
foreign relations might he "oncd
more cleaned Of damaging misundc1
standings
Later the President summoue
Senator Stone and Representatives
Flood chairman of tho Foreign AZ
fairs committee. and Senator Kern,
: majority leader of the Senate, for a
conference at the White House to-
morrow morning. at which he will
request that one Of the various pend.
ing resolutions be acted on in both
houses.
plan Vote OF Confidence.
Administration leaders, working
steadily for the last week strength
ening their lines and counting on the
support of the Republicans, now arc
SC sure of their position that they
pan to end al! agitation with a vote
OF confidence in the President.
Adoption Of the pending resolution.
practically would amount TO Congress
sional reputation Of policies announced
and con,ended for by President VII
son and Secretary Lansing al through
the submarine negotiations, which more
than once we're IN crisis. With their
defeat and an affirmation Dy a majority
OF Congress Of their confidence in The
Presidents course, Mr. Wilson's sup
porters point out that he will be eu-
sbled 20 continue 20 contend for tho
principles OF international Law and hu.
manity with united government be.
hind him, and with the same force as
he did before a minority in Congress
weakened his position more than all the
Arguments Of the foreign diplomats
with whom he had 20 contend.
Much wonder was expressed among
Congressman tonight, however, ss 20
what suddenly convinced the President
that he could have his foreign policy
sustained b. vote Of the House. SO
lar as could be learned, no one has
taken poll O. the House who is not
4 l..le dubious abOu, the outcome.
.houii 4 vote be forced or a resolution
warning Americans OF armed ships.
r. -ar Il.
after the panic started and quickly
reached its crest. there mas always been
a majority in tho House opposed 70
passing any resolution which would eu-
bsrrass the President. but many Rep
resentatives who would refuse 20 aid
IN bringing such a measure 20 vote
would vote for il should the vote be
forced
Wilson Believed Badly Advised.
The President. It is feared By many
Of his friends. has been badly advised,
= although il il admitted ths, II he can
put over what he wants he will have
ach ievcd the most remarkable victory
over the House OF his sdministrs-
ton. not even excluding the vote for
the ship purchase bill last session.
The Presidents friends fear that re
counting on tnc kepnD4iceNs IN lne
House TO support him, b., leader Ca
psbe OF speaking for tho Republicans
N the House declared to-nigh, that
before passing a resolution Of conf
dence In the President the Republicans
would require the President 20 lay all
the facts IN the controversy before
them.
Fear that involving Great Britain
and her allies IN tho controversy with
Germany would play into Ambassador
Won Bernstorf's hands and give away
the whole American case possessed the
Administration to-day. Yesterdays sp-
parent decision 20 seek assurances
from the Entente gaTe way to-day 20
doubt and hesitation over such
course. the belief prevailing that such
a course would necessi,ste an sban.
donment Of the legal position taken
By President Wilson and would make
II impossible 10 hold Germany 20 ac-
count for attacks on American rights
The results % the new submarine
are being awaited by the ~
ministration with deep concern.
Americans Believed Safe.