New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-27
Views of Leading Senators.

Other interviews were as follows:
Senator Townsend, Mich. (R.).-lt is
a monstrous proposal. No despot could
ask for more power do not believe
that Congress will grant it, and If IT
is brought up it will be debated until
the close of the session.
Senator Jones, Wash. (RC.-lt was
beautifully worded request for auto.
cratic power and subtly expressed
distrust of the next Congress.
Senator Weeks, Mass. Ran extra
session seems inevitable. | do not THINK
the Congress should 90 away from
Washington for nine months IN the
present situation.
Senator Pittman, New. Dbl ne
Presidents request must be considered
a just one if American citizens nave
any rights on the high seas.
Senator Lodge, Mass. (R.).-l nave
nothing to say.
Senator Stone. Mo. Cd, chairman OF
Foreign Relations Committee Will
call meeting of the Foreign Relations
Committee Immediately.
Senator Smoot, Utah (R).-l do not
think Congress is ready yet to surren-
der it's constitutional right.
Senator Lewis, III. (DD.-The Presi-
dent asked for that which few under
stood would be the limit of his request
that is. to duplicate the power given
TO President Mckinley preceding the
Spanish-American war and that which
we gave TO President Wilson at the time
we went 20 Vera Cruz. As to the arm
ing of ships. the President is only ask
ing the authority to do that which
we have done in four different instances
since the Civil War.
Sentiment Against His Plan
Senator Cummins, Iowa (R.).-If the
resolution l. made specific the Presi-
dents recommendation might be adopt
ed There is much sentiment against
giving him blanket authority.
Senator Kern, Ind. (D.).-rhe Presl-
dent has made a very reasonable re-
quest, which will meet with popular ap-
prevail.
Senator'S Hitchcock, Simmons and
Pomerene, Democrats, agreed that the
Presidents request was very sensible
and reasonable"
Rep. Treadway, Mass. (R0.--The
Presidents message is distinctly dlsap-
pointing. In view of the hrmness or
his address on February 3, 1t was TO be
expected that he would continue in the
same manner. On Jne COHIIdiy, ne ht
turns TO his beautiful English and lack
of positiveness. If he has no better
message to dismiss Congress with than
the one he has given to-day, it is his
duty to call Congress in special session
Rep. Miller, MINI. (R.)-l have al
WAYS been in favor Of giving the Presl-
dent authority to arm merchant ships.
but | do not think that Congress IS
willing TO abdicate its functions OF
government nor to shrink any response,
biIity and I doubt il Congress would
give the President what might amount
TO dictatorial power.
Rep. Rodenberg. III. (R.l--ln effect
the President has asked Congress TO
surrender it's constitutional functions
to him. It is my judgment that Con-
qress will do nothing of the kind.
Asks for Explicit Request
Rep. Alexander, Mo. d., chairman
Of the House Merchant Marine Com
mittee-The President should define
explicitly the power that he wishes.
Rep. Harrison, Miss. ID, member
Rules and Foreign Affairs Committee
| think Congress cannot afford not 10
give the President the authority he
asks. do not believe the message
seeks to deprive Congress of the power