Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-04-03
MEMBERS
BACK PRESIDENT.
Expression of Sentiment Indi-
Gates Strong and United
Support of War Measure. !
FEW WITHHOLD COMMENT

Strong and vigorous approval
of the Presidents war address
was voiced today by members of
the Senate The opinion was ex-
pressed that the President could
have done no less than recom-
mend a declaration that a state
of war exists, in view of the acts
of Germany. All party lines were
obliterated in the enthusiastic
support accorded the President.
Some of the senator's who op-
posed the armed neutrality bill,
however, refused to comment.
Rated "Masterly Review"
Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska. rank
ing member of the foreign relations
committee after Senator Stone and the
probable selection to handle the war
resolution in the Senate since Senator
Stone has announced he will oppose the
resolution, said:
''The Presidents address presents q
mastery review of recent events which
have combined to force war upon the
United States. I have been opposed to
war and have done what / could to-,
avert it. Even within a few days / have
sought to dissuade the President from
recommending it. All has been in vain.
His address contains revelations of
facts which he has heretofore kept
from the public. but which he was
forced to consider in reluctantly reach
ing his conclusion that the German
government by it's acts has forced a
state of war upon us.
War is now inevitable, and the only,
question Is whether the country will go
| into it strong and united or divided and
crippled. Under these circumstances [
must stand for strength and unity. I
cannot justify vote against war which
would indicate a divided country. There
will be few vain votes against it in
each house and l do not criticise those
| who cast them. but shall stand by the
President, who has tried so long to pre-
serve peace and who only now aban-l
dons it because he finds it impossible"
Comment by Other Senators.
Senator Hiram johnson of California:
| The republic has spoken through the
President and I follow the flag"
Senator Smoot of Utah said:
1T was a fine speech, very much TO
! the point. have no doubt we will be a
| united people in carrying out the
| recommendations of the President"
Senator Lane of Oregon. one of those
| who opposed the armed neutrality bill.
said:
Il have nothing to say at present. It
was long speech and requires consid-
Grafton"
Senator Lewis of Illinois, democrat,
said:
II was gratified that the President left
to Congress the course to be taken and
did not assume to dictate it, though he
made it clear that were action left to
him it would be war. His message clear
ly indicated to Germany that If 1t would
now make assurances that could be re-
lied upon that it would cease it's as
saultS on Americans We would go no
further with our war preparations.
THE suggestion we tax the present
generation to maintain this war meets
my unqualified approval. The message
will lead Congress to pass one or two
resolutions-either that state OF war
now exists which the American people
should prepare to resist leaving the date
of action dependent upon the conduct OF
Germany. or that we are now in war
made upon us by Germany and Snouid
make war to oppose war. The present
temper of Congress is to adopt resolu-
ton for war. Congress feels that the
President can only protect this country
with Congress putting behind him all
the power of the army and navy"
Thoroughly American Statement"
ssenator Sterling of South Dakota. re-
publican, said:
"It was strong, vigorous and thor
oughly American statement of the sit.
uation and the facts in the case"
Senator Phelan of California, demo- l
crat. said:
IT think the President has impressed
the Senate with the desire to strengthen
his hands in every way to vindicats I
American rights. to resent intrigues and 4
plots which have threatened to destroy
the nation. The message holds out to
Germany as well as to Russia the same /;
freedom that America enjoys. The war
is in a sense war Tor the oenent OF tho
German people" 4
Senator Brandegee OF Connecticut. 4
republican-'T twas a magnificent ad-
dress. The people will indorse 1T and y
I will do everything 1 can to back IL
up"
Senator Salisbury of Delaware.
democrat, President pro tenn. OF the |
Senate-"The Presidents address was
right in line with my own feeling ana
belief" 1
democrat, chairman of the military
was a magnificent mes
sage 1t was forceful and to the point.
and in my opinion expresses the 1eel-
ing of the great mass of the American
people