New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-03

Fifth-Ihe government cannot con
yOy or supply arms 10 merchant ships
Of the belligerent nations, which would
be an act OF war.
Following these explanations, Sen
ators Stone and O'Gorman sought 70
have MIR. Lodge agree 70 include IN the
bill amendments to the same effect.
Opposed to Tying wilson's Hands
ITO do so would be most unfortu-
nate" said Mr.. Lodge. IF you can't
trust the President we had better TIE
his hands. But the Senators will re
call that, as Webster said: Nobody de
clared the Mexican war. MIR. Polk
made it,"
MIR. Lodge declared that an armed
merchantmen would have the right 20
sink a submarine the moment It's peri
scope was visible.
Suppose it were an English subma
rineH inquired Senator Reed.
IF the English or French submarines
had been sinking American merchant
men without warning at night, and
their governments had declared that
this was their intention. | would favor
shooting them or sight said Mr..
Lodge.
Senators Poindexter and Brandcgee
insisted that if an armed American ship
should sink a German submarine war
would be certain. Senator McCumber
proposed 10 substitute for the entire
bill resolution declaring the rights OF
neutral merchantmen did not include
that of arming for offence. Most of the
pacifst element appeared willing TO
fall in behind the President IN his
move for armed neutrality.
Senator Kirby declared he would vote
against the bin. because the "hirellng
n q e Nna ~ a a.
peOple so that we hardly dare deliber-
ate here. If we 20 10 war with Ger
MANY" he added. 1--WE must carry the
war 10 her shores, and ! am thinking
of the million young men IN this coun-
try"
Senator Stone, I'm presenting his
committee report. d,sclaimed any per-
sonal responsibility for the committees
~ am not in accord with this bill
as it has been framed" he said.
Senator Stones Amendment
lie then proposed his amendment and
tnrned the floor leadership over 20
senator Hitchcock. The amendment
follows:
provided. that nothing herein shall
authorize the President TO employ or
direct any person TO manage or operate
any arms placed on any merchant snip
by the United States as herein author
zed; and,
be lawful for any merchant snip sup
plied by the President with arms as
herein provided 20 carry or convey as
a part of her cargo any munitions or
ether supplies of war destined Tor de-
livery 10 the armed forces OF bel
lieerent nation engaged in war with
another nation with which the United
States is at peace; and,
provided further, that II shall not
be lawful for any merchant ship when
may be under the convoy or immediate
protection of any public vessel oil the
United States 20 carry or convey as
mart of her cargo any munitions or
other supplies Of war destined ior de-
livery to the armed forces OF pei
ligerent nation engaged in war with
another nation with which the United
States is at peace
Senator Hitchcock obtained unani-
nous consent 20 have the Foreign ne
lations Committee relieved from iur-
cher consideration of the House bill,
50 that when the Senate was ready 70
vote the Senate measure could pc SUP
stituted. Senate and Administration
leaders believed the House then would
accept the Senate bill in conference
"The bill has been reported as one;
il enacted, that may lead TO war, salG
senator Hitchcock. "but the United
states will be in less danger OF war
during the next few months or the
next critical few weeks if the Presi-
dent is equipped with the power ne
seeks in assuming position OF armed
neutrality.
Uncertainty Greatest Danger
Il believe the attitude OF. the United
States under his administration ana
with his strong purpose to keep tne
United States out of war II possioie
4. less likely TO lead 10 war than II
the United States is TO continue IN the
present uncertain state where neither
the people Of the United States nor
our merchantmen or the belllgerents
know exactly what our attitude rs. III
we stand for our neutral rights It viii
he known to every belligerent what
our definite position is
Answering Senator Jones as 10
whether the President would receive
power 10 protect ships Of other nations,
SIR. Hitchcock called attention 70 tne
words "vessels of the United states IN
the bill. Senator Lodge also said th8V
the measure gave the President no
right TO arm a foreign ship. but added;
II do think most decidedly, however
that American citizens in peaceful pur-
suit OF trade or travel who are lawfully
on a belligerent merchant ship have
rights which IL is the duty OF TINS gov
eminent 70 guard"
Senator Lodge read the cablegram
sent 20 President Wilson by Austin G.
How. whose mother and sister were lost
on the Laconia In the message Hoy
offered his services 70 the United
States 20 fight, and declared If no op-
portunity we're given him by the United
States 70 avenge the death OF ms
mother and sister he would enlis, under
foreign flag.
Women Lawfully on Laconia
That 20 me-" Senator Lodge de-
elAred. sis painful reading. Those two
women were lawfully on that ship
They did not sacrifice their rights as
American citizens. 1t was a merchant
ship, torpedoed without warning IN the
dark. the women perishing miserably in
an open boat"
The bill was Analysed in detail by
Senator Lodge. lie defended the clause
giving merchantmen the right 20 de-
fend themselves, but said he doubted
whether this would be sufficient IN view