The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-10-09
By DAVID LAWRENCE.
CONTINUED from FIrst PAKe.l


their possession relating to a state
ment or misstatement OF fact CON
tanned in the La Toilette speech. Here
is the extract in question:
But somebody will tell you that
American rights are involved. What
American rights? The right of some
venturesome person to ride on a mu-
nition-laden vessel IN violation OF an
American statute that no vessel
which carries explosives shall carry
passengers. Four days before the
Lusitania sailed President Wilson was
warned in person by Secretary Of
State Bryan that the Lusitania had
six million rounds OF ammunition on
board. besides explosives. and that
the passengers who proposed to sail
on that vessel were sailing In viola
ton OF a statute OF this country that
no passengers shall travel on q rail-
road train or sail upon q vessel which
carries dangerous explosives. Mr..
Bryan appealed 10 President WILSON
to stop passengers from sailing upon
the Lusitania-
"Am Giving Histsry.-
IL am giving you some history that
maybe has not come to you hereto
fore-the grievances that carried this
country into war, into 4 war the re-
suits of which. as to the loss OF life
and the burdens, financial, that shall
be laid upon US cannot be calculated
by any mind"
The above text was printed by the
Senate committee after being forward
ed by the Minnesota Commission on
Public Safety. Senator La Toilette
xa-fII
whether he has been correctly quoted.
Former Secretary Bryan denies that
he knew before the Lusitania sailed
that she had munitions aboard. Presi-
dent Wilson and Mr.. Bryan had
half hours chat last week, during
which they probably refreshed their
recollections on the incident. SO tar
as appealing to Mr.. Wilson not to
have ships sail carrying munitions
that was Mr.. Bryan's position before
as well as after the Lusitania was
sunk. and in his letter OF resignation
he proposed that American vessels
carrying passengers should not carry
any contrsband whatsoever. Secre-
tary Lansing told Senator Pomerene
that any State Department records on
the subject were available to the com.
mittee.
Point Not Relevant.
But the point made by Senator La
Toilette is really considered irreie-
want because after the Lusitania was
sunk. the United States insisted that
whether this vessel carried munitions
or any other kind OF contraband, she
was a peaceful trading vessel and
had a right to be warned before
being taken prize and destroyed. II
the President and State Department
did not have foreknOwledge as to the
cargo OF the Lusitania, the Treasury
Department did. because the ships
manifest was filed In New York. but
Senator La Toilette seemed TO think
the cargo OF that particular vessel
was made the subject Of converse
tion between President Wilson and
Secretary Bryan before Departure
statement which has been denied.
Whether Senator La Toilette was
Informed especially about this con-
ference, there were several talks
later between the President and Mr..
Bryan about the carriage OF Snuni-
tions and several ships which LETT
American shores for the war zone
with American citizens and contra
band aboard in accordance with IN
ternationaI law. but the impression
the Wisconsin Senator sought to leave
on his audience was that though a
right existed it was technical and
unimportant.
Doubts soIOn's Motives.
On the wisdom of arguing at this
time the merits OF happenings prior
to the entry the Senate subcommittee
may have something to say. Tor II
the effect on the country at large Is
10 weaken the hands of the Govern
ment, the question Is being asked
What purpose can the Senator have
in making such speeches at this
timer" and Doesn't IL bring into
doubt the motives OF the Wisconsin
SENATOR"
Much OF the Senator's speech in
Minnesota was devoted to the idea
that the only things at stake in the
war are the loans OF the House OF
Morgan" and the profits for munition
makers Repetition throughout any
section of the country OF sentiments
like these by a United States Sena-
tor can only stir up dlsanection in
the opinion of officers OF the Admin
Istration and Senators who do not
themselves question Senator Ia Fol