Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1917-04-06

1.-THE depth Of my horror. the in
tensity of my distress in contemplat-
ing the measureless steps proposed.
God only knows. Too grave is the
responsibility for any one to permit
another to stand sponsor for his con-
after mature thought and fervent
prayer for rightful guidance, has
pointed out clearly the path Of my
duty and I have made up my mind to
walk in 1t IL / 60 barefooted and
alone"
Kitchin Opposes.
Word that Democratic Leader
kitchin would speak and Vote against
the resolution quickly filled the house
chamber late today.
my conscience and judgment have
shown the path Of my duty, and 1
must tread it IL 1 tread 1t barefooted
TIL pacifst group cheered up no.
ticeably over Kitchin's attitude. Rep
resentative Henley Of Missouri, an
nounced he now would vote against
the resolution. other 'wavering paci-
fists. he said. would Join with him.
LaFollette Grins.
A broad smile possessed the face
of Senator LaFollette, who sat in the
rear Of the chamber.
Kitchin said he was not sure that
the United States. put in the same sit
uation that Germany 10 in, might not
resort to the anne violations Of neu-
trality that Germany has been guilty
of.
"In this case no invasion is threat
ened," Kitchin continued. "No foot
OF our territory is in danger. No vital
right Is contested. The acts Of Ger
many are not directed directly at us.
We are asked to take common cause
with Great Britain and France to sup
port a cause. right or wrong. Every
feeling Of humanity combines to keep
us out Of war"
British Action.
Kitchin referred to the British
closing Of the North Sea and said no
lives were lost then because America
stayed out Of that zone.
w did not wage war on Mexico.
We were willing to forego our rights
with Great Britain and with Mexico
rather than plunge into war while the
world was in confiagration. I approx
ed that course then and now"
Would Resign.
Representative Hefiin of Alabama.
democrat, bitterly criticised Repre-
sentative Kitchin. declaring 1t was
humiliating to the democrats. and
that II he himself had made such a
speech, he would have followed it up
by resigning from congress. some
Misses came from the democratic side
and Mr.. Helm said they were from
those who were for the kaiser,
Representative Sloane, Nebraska,
republican. declared the sober sec
ond thought of the American people.
including congress. is being felt and
that ten days delay Of the vote
would defeat the resolution in its
present shape.
Seeks Action.
Toward Z o'clock Chairman Flood,
in charge of the resolution, sought an
agreement to have the committee of
the whole rise at 8 o'clock and report
the resolution in the house. with q
view to early action. There was i'm.
mediate opposition. Speaker Clark
said everybody ought to have a right
to speak. and the house should stay
in session until the early hours of the
morning or all night II necessary. Mr.
Flood then withdrew his request and
speeches were resumed.
Mann Is Loyal,
Representative Mann, the republic
can leader, took the floor. He praised
the courage Of those opposing, blu,
said there was nothing for congress
to do but stand by the president.
For two and one-half years I have
done all In my, power by voice and
vote to keep this country out of the
European war;" he said. II have be.
lieved 1t was to the advantage no,
only OF u country, but of civiliza.
ton that We should keep out at this
time. But after all it was not because
] was afraid Of war. The American
people prefer peace. but they are no,
guilty of cowardice: 1t is not because
we are afraid to fight.
Now the situation is changed-the
president of the United States, who Is
the spokesman of the people with the
nations Of the world, has asked lis te
declare war. and we have a resolu.
ton to that effect before US on which
we must vote. We must vote to de.
eide on war or vote down the resolu.
ton. What position would we be ir
II we should vote down the recon-
mendation of the president, and wha,
would be the effect on the rest Of The
world and on our self-respect?
The only thing left for us to do II
the people. We cannot say to III.
world that our only goal is gold, tina
U only desire is wealth. We must
when the question is presented to us
declare We will maintain the rights o.
Americans abroad as we'll AZ at homo
Defended.
Their is a difference between
deliberate affront and an incidenta
injury. We have had incidental in
jur1es from both England and Ger
many: A deliberate affront long ag.
would have brought a declaration O
war. Now we are required to sa,
that a deliberate affront has beef
made by Germany, and there is moth
ing left for US to do but follow tn,
recommendation Of our chief execu
tive and engage in war and maintain
our rights and civilization"
Five Minute Rule,
General debate then closed and dis
cussion under the ave minute rule be
gan.
Chairman Floods suggestion tina
brought q storm of "Noes."
Some members expressed a desir,
to reach q vote before midnight. be
cause Of GOOD Friday"
We can stay here until sun-up
necessary" Speaker Clark assure,
members. who feared they would no
have an opportunity to speak.
Representative Gardner. republi
can. OF Massachusetts,. said the Unit
cd states is not going to war for 90
rights Of man.
THE south and north" he said
d not settle their differences INK
money changers or tho corners OF tn,
street. They settled 1t as mon Away
settle their differences. Now tn,
, I! democracies Of the world are strue
Cling to their feet and the knell o
autocracy has been sounded. To,
long have we suffered other nation
liberty. Now we must descend from
\ seat Of ease into the blood ant
Representative Decker Of Missouri