Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-07
FAILURE
MAKES HIM mad"
Wilson Uses Forceful Language
in Expressing Disappointment
Over Armed Ship Bill.
HIS DECISION NOT REACHED
Still Seeks Way to Put Guns on
Vessels on Own Re
sponsibility.
fBy Associated Press.l

BY Associated Press.
WASHINGTON. March G.-Prcs:dcnt
Wilson expressed in forceful language
his disappointment over the Senate's
failure to pass the armed neutrality
bill and discussed at length his CON
ception Of permanent peace in an in
formal talk to-day at a White House
luncheon 10 the members Of the Demo
cratic National Committee.
The President declared he was mad"
over the attitude OF the little group
of Senator's who held UP the armed
neutrality bill. and indicated that he
hoped for better results If he tried
again 10 obtain its passage.
The present. he said. Is no time for
partisan or factional considerations In
international affairs, because the need
that America prove that II is united
in efforts to safeguard its interests is
imperative. He decried bitterness in
public discussions Of the situation.
CONSENT OF GOVERNED
ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
The basic principles of democracy
were declared by Mr.. Wilson to be the
only foundation on which governments
can endure. and on which permanent
world peace can bc maintained lie
said the consent Of the governed must
be behind governments.
Tho President referred TO tho condi-
ton OF Alsacc- Lorraine as typical Of
causes OF war which must he avoided
II permanent peace is 10 be achieved.
RciteratinE his hope that the United
states VIII play part in building up
structure for the maintenance OF
permanent neacc after the present
war, he declared that such peace
can he founded only or just principles
meeting the aspirations OF tho people
OF the world.
No stenoGrapher was present during
the Presidents speech. and it's text was
not made public. The lunch was given
in honor OF Vance c. Mccormick, chair
man of the Democratic National COM
mi;tee. and the other members who as
sisted in Mr.. Wilson'S recollection
No FINAL. DECISION
As TO Ills AUTHORITY
Thcr" was no final decision to-day
whether President Wilson has the au-
,hority 70 arm American merchantmen
for defense against German subma-
rnes without action by Congress-
Authoritative intima tions were given
that the President was seeking a way
10 take the step on his own rcsponsi-
bility. hut would act only after most
mature elaboration.
Tho President conferred with Secrc-
taries Lansing and Daniels u, their
Offices. hut the Tuesday Cabinet meet
ing was Cancelled. and III some quarters
II was believed there would bc no fur
ther announcement on tho question un-
III after the Cabinet meets on Friday.
The situation in tho Senate was
carefully canvassed by administration
representatives for the admitted rca-
son that the Prcsiden; would rather
act under tho express authority Of Con-
GreSs il possible. Reports that there
was strong possibility Of tho senate
changing it's rules to limit debate were
communicated TO tho President.
THINK TT DOES NOT APPLY
TO PRESENT SITUATION
Somc administration officials. after
careful study of tho old law nf 1919.
cited in tho Senate AS preventing tho
arminG OF merchantmen against sub
marines. were stronger than ever in
their belief that tho act has no appli
cation 10 tho present situation.
Tho statute was passed specifically
To allow American merchantmen 10
fight pirates and priratccrS and these
officials contend that tho exemption in
this connection of "a public armed YES
sci OF nation in amity with tho
United states" docs not prevent
peaceful merchantmen from resisting
an attack in violation of international
law
Tho impression grew that extra
session of Congress was certain. and
the time of calling il was believed 10
depend almost wholly on Developments
in the Senate and on the decision Of
the President on arming merchantmen.