The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1917-04-06
UOTE IS :37:3
TO so; WILSON
TO SIGN SOON
After l7-Hour Debate, in Which Opposition
Is Led by Democratic Leader Kitchin, War
Declaration Is Passed at Three A. M.

I taken soon after 1 o'clock. There was
no certainty that it might not be later,
however Late tonight n suggestion
by Chairman Flood Of the foreign af-
fairs committee that debate be closed
before midnight met with loud shouts
OF disapproval and even the opposition
of n considerable number Of members
opposed to voting on Good Friday was
insufficient to get an agreement to
vote by IL o'clock.
Mr.. Kitchin's opposition drew an
immediate following from among tho
group who have opposed prepared
| ness.
Amendments.
Late in the night, Representative
Britten presented an amendment de-
signed to,prohibit the use Of troops in
Europe. Asia or Africa, without the
approval Of congress. except troops
volunteering for such service.
Representative McCulloch OF Ohio
offered an amendment directing that
mono of the military forces of the
United states may be transported for
service in any European country ex-
cept on express approval OF congress-
kitchin Opposes.
Word that Democratic Leader Kitch-
IN 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 must
tread it IL tread it barefooted and
alone" he said.
The pactfist group cheered up notice.
ably over Kitchin's attitude. Repre-
sentative Hensley OF Missouri an
nounced he now would vote against the
resolution. Other wavering pacifists.
he said, would Join with him.
A. broad smile possessed the face of
Senator La Toilette. who sat in the
rear of the chamber.
kitchin said he was not sure that
the United States. put In the same sit
untion that Germany is in. might not
resort to the same violations OF neu-
trality that Germany has been guilty
Of
In this case. no invasion is threat
ened.' Kitchin continued. mo 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 make common cause
with Great Britain and France to sup
port cause right or wrong. Every
feeling of humanity combines to keep
us out of war"
British Deeds.
kitchin referred to the British clos
ing OF the North sea and said no lives
were lost then because Americans
| stayed out of that zone.
I'VE 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
whole world was In conflagration. l
approved that course then and now
Representative Heflin OF Alabama.
Democrat, bitterly criticised Repre-
sentative kitchin, declaring it was hu-
initiating to the Democrats and that II
he himself had made such a speech,
ne would have followed 1t up by re-
signing from congress. Some hisses
came from the Democratic side and Mr.,
Helm said they were from those who
were for the kaiser.
Representative Sloan of Nebraska.
Republican, declared the sober second
thought Of the American people in
GLIDING congress is being felt and that
10 days delay OF the vote would de-
| feat the resolution In its present
shape.
Wants Debate Cut.
Toward o'clock Chairman Flood, in
charge OF the resolution. sought an
agreement to have the committee of
the whole rise at o'clock and report
the resolution in the house, with view
to early action. There was immediate
opposition. Speaker Clark said every
body ought to have a right to speak,
and the house should stay in session
nntil early hours OF the morning or all
night it necessary. Mr.. Flood then
Withdrew his request and speeches
were resumed.
| Representative Mann. the Republic
an leader. took the floor. He praised
the courage Of those opposing. but 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 puro.
pean war" he said. Il have helfeveA