The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-11-27
IN This Issue ''WatchfuI Wait
ing" To Be His Policy.
believes Political Position Fa-
vOrable to Present Status.
MAY SEEK PEACE!
.Iany Brands of OratOrical
Fireworks as Congress Opens.
Hoover and Lansing Jap Treaty
Billed for a GriIling.

washington. Nov 27.-President
Wilson will not ask for declaration
81 war against Austria or Germany
other allies at the outset of congress
n was authoritatively learned today.
Developments in the sinking OF the
american steamship Schuylkin may
change the outlook however
N "Watchful waiting of the situation
viii be the presidents attitude despite
wishes Of many congressional leaders
for Immediate action. Until an actual
Clash of Austrian and American forces
Is inevitable, the administration pre-
hrs to let the diplomatic situation
fest as il is.
A deadlock on the Italian plains or
decisive Teuton defeats on other
Fronts may cause Austria to seek an
advantageous peace The United
States has remained at peace with
Germany's most powerful aid for the
express purpose of being free to aid
such move if considered best Tor
the allied cause.
Congress May Declare War.
Debate on the policy is likely to
start shortly after congress convenes,
December s. Republicans may find
in it an issue to distinguish their war
program from the administration
without any implication of disloyalty-
Congress is empowered to declare war
without the presidents consent.
..eOne factor working against an i'm
niediate declaration of war is that
eongress expects to be almost con-
stantly in session for ten months
T'hus If further war declarations he
como inevitable action should be
taken without delay. Congressional
leaders have no definite executive
program in mind. Aside from keep
fnR down expenditures to absolute
Necessity, their present plans are to
follow the presidents lead. With only
aEweek until he reads his message to
eongress, leaders are still without an
mixing officially on what he will say.
Weighty Subjects Up.
1But individual members have indi-
Gated that besides war resolutions
against Germany's allies, they will
bring the following subjects before
Aun gress:
criticism of the Lansing-Ishii agree
nhnt; "alien Stacker amendment to
eefective service law and inclusion of
an men between 10 and 40; universal
military training; attacks on Herbert
Hoover as well as amendments to the
foed control. broadening his powers
and a retroactive bill permitting SOL
aiers and sailors to accept foreign
honors for bravery.
Plans for a partisan battle which
will be waged with next November's
Elections in mind were informally dis
cussed at a recent conference of Re
4yRbIicans here. Senator Weeks,
Massachusetts. who attended, said to-
dziy that the Republicans might not
Bdsh" the matter of a war committee
on expenditures. Others, however,
said it would be pushed with no par
ficuIar thought of victory, as it was
defeated last session by President Will
sons request.
sGovernment Control of Railroads.
Senator Brady, Idaho, will introduce
hsbiU for government control of rail-
-nads as a war measure.
THE La Toilette disloyalty charges
vii be aired again in the senate. The
american Defense society has pre-
barred a long brief urging his i'm
mediate expulsion.