The Washington times., 1917-04-10
FIVE BILLION BILL
FOR WAR DRAFTED
House Members Restive When
Not Atagonistic Where Con-
scrIptIon Issue obtrudes.

While the Ways and Means Com
rnittss began today the draft OF the
bill 70 ra FIVE billion dollar bond
issue, members OF the House-both
Democrats and RepubIicans-became
restless under the impression that
Congress is not being sufficiently ad-
vised of the war plans OF the Ad-
minlstration.
Unless the legislative branch of
the government is ''let in" to a GER
tain extent on these plans trouble is
ahead for the immense bond issue
and the billiondollar appropriation
bills.
Here is a summary of the House
situation today:
Congressman Kitchin, the Demo
cratic floor leader. returned from
North Carolina, and announced that
he would aid in steering war bills
through the House, although. he op-
posed the war resolution. II any
body in the caucus wants to depose
Mr.. Kitchin as majority leader he in
vites the test.
Members of Congress generally
showed a disposition to go slow in
approving unprecedented bond Issues
and appropriations until the execu-
tive branches Of the Government have
recognized the right OF Congress to
wise the aims and purposes Of the Ad-
mInistration regarding the conduct Of
the war.
Baker Renews Pleas.
Secretary Baker again appeared be-
fore the House Committee on Mill
tary Affairs and renewed hi sefforts
to convince the committee that con-
scription is necessary II the right
sort OF an army is to be raised. The
antI-conscrIption sentiment Is grow
ing, and the President faces the prob
lem of bringing the House into line.
The espionage bill is being whipped
into shape by the House Committee
on Judiciary, which had before it to-
day Assistant Attorney General Gra-
ham.
The Ways and Means Committee
met at o'clock to consider the bond
bill, with diversity OF opinion as to
the interest rate.
The Republican committee on COM
mIttees completed the minority COM
mIttee assignments to ways and
means (which will enable II to proceed
with the expeditions consideration OF
bills.
While these surface happenings en-
gagged the attention of Legislators,
there was much under-surface talk
about the extent to which Congress
should be acquainted with the war
plans Of the President and his Cab
met. Administration leaders, such as
SherIey. Rainey, Hull and Garner, are
urging prompt consideration of war
measures. but they recognize tat on
both sides of the chamber there is q
disposition to ask questions about the
war program and to refrain from
hGsty action until Congress sees its
way clear to legislation OF unpre-
IDENTIFY sweeping Importance.
Its a mighty big bite at one time
-and especially for the first bite"
said Democratic member. discussing
FIVE billion dollars bond issue. which
contemplates a loan OF $4,000, 900 to
the allies and as much to be expended
for national defense and war. The
Ave billion dollar issue would be
followed by taxation raising a billion
or so.
ss'Tf we start with this, where are
re going to end?" is the query about
the House.
The legislative branch Of the Gov
ernment does not expect the Presi-
dent and his cabinet TO reveal mill
tary secrets and strategy plans, but
there Is much to be told, Congress
thinks.
When Mr.. Kitchin came back to-
day he set at rest reports that he
would not sponsor the revenue bills
in the House. Mr.. Kitchin says ne
was opposed to the war resolution.
but now that the majority has willed
war h e is willing to go the route.
81 am as good an American as any
one" he said, "and I said before /
would support the necessary legisIa-
tion that would follow a war declara-
tion. I am willing now to accord that
support. II is unfair and untrue to
say that ! am unwilling to handle the
revenue bills"
Mr.. Kitchins attitude probably will
check talk of putting the revenue
measures in the hands of other House
members. The majority leader. how
ever, asserts that If the Democratic
caucus cares 10 go into the question
Of deposinE him as party leader
which has been suggested by some
critics-that he, Kitchin, is willing
to have the caucus vote on the mat
ter.
When the Democrats caucus on the
revenue bills. and war program 1t is
probable that Mr.. Kitchin himself, |
or one of his friends, will suggest