New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-18
Senator Collapses Before
Large Audience at Re-
publican Club
Hurried to Hospital
Worry Over Criticisms Of
Senate Filibuster Given
as Cause of Illness

United States Senator Albert
Cummins. of Iowa, collapsed before
large audience at the Republican Club
yesterday afternoon while he was
speaking in defence of the part ne
played in the recent flbuster at Wash
ington..
Overstrain, brought on by worry over
the criticism directed at him as one
of the twelve Senators characterized
b. President Wilson as a little group
OF wilful men," was given as the rea-
son for his collapse. He had brought
forth rounds of applause by his vigor-
Gus defence when his voice suddenly
failed and he toppled back from the
speakers table.
Except for the quick action of the
Rev. Charles William Roeder. chaplain
Of the meeting, who caught him, he
would have fallen to the floor. lie was
carried into an ante-room and later,
after restoratives had been admin
stored, was taken to Roosevelt Hos
pital where it was said his condition
was not serious.
'Tn view of the fierce denunciation
Of my attitude toward certain leglsls-
ton recently demanded by the Presl-
dent" said Senator Cummins in his
speech, 81 may be allowed personal
reference at this point. The charge
that ] engaged in conspiracy to de-
feat the legislation by prolonging de-
bate upon it until the expiration of
Congress is false, and was known TO be
false by those who gave it publicity.
Will Stand by Government"
~ have been bitterly assailed because
I did not stand by the President |
repudiate the watchword. 1t is the first
cry of despotism and tyranny. | say,
Stand by the government
"When the President speaks IN the
exercise Of his lawful authority, stand
by him. When Congress speaks IN the
exercise of it's authority, stand by Con-
gress. When Congress declares war
there will be but one thought IN my
mind-the triumph OF our arms. Wnen
the President, as commander IN Ichlet,
directs the movement Of our military
forces he shall have all the support IN
we're the faith of my forefathers and
value the heritage which they have be-
queathed me ! will not stand by any
President when he demands power
which the Constitution confers upon
Congress, and which the safety of COM
ing generations requires shall be ex-
erted by the legislative body OF the
Union.
"When the President asked for APP
proval Of his act in terminating diplo-
matte relations between this country
and the imperial government of Ger
many stood by him. for he was within
his rightful authority; but when he
asked me to sbdcate a duty which |
had sworn to perform and to shit a
responsibility which | had solemnly
engaged to bear. ! chose the path
which. however thorny. seemed 10 me
the path of duty"
CoIlspses in Clergyman's Arms
Continuing, the Senator was discuss
ing the obligations of government OF
the people, when DR.. Roeder noticed
that his voice was growing weaker and
Jumped forward rs he fell.
"And have more TO say said the
Senator family as he collapsed in the
minister's arms.
Edward r. Cralgln, VINO presided, an
nounced il was the Senator's wish that
the meeting proceed and that he wished
to finish his speech after brief wait
Instead, however, he was taken to the
hospital in the automobile Of \. 7.
Guernsey, a New York lawyer and init
mate friend. Later DR.. Evan NJ. Fans,
If Rooseelt Hospital, issued the follow
ing statement;
"Senstor Cummins is suffering from
temporary overstrain. He is already
greatly relieved and probably will be
able to leave the hospital tomorrow or
the next day"
When he leaves the hospital he will
20 to Mr. Guernsey's home, in Green
wich. Conn, for a few days rest.
Other speakers at the meeting were
the Rev. Or. John +. Carson, of Brook
Ign; Henry /. West, of the National
Security League; Dean Charles r.
Brown. Of the Yale Divinity School. and
W. c. Ralston, State Senator, of Cali
fornia.