The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-18
President Will Ask Congress
For Proper Power Before It
Adjourns March 4
SIGNIFICANT JUMP
In NAVAL MEASURE
Soon After President Secs Till
man and Swanson Bills Te.
tai Jumps 5000. 900. 600. ur-
key Would Remain Friendly

Washington, Feb. 15.-Presf-
dent Wilson today took the first
step toward securing complete
congressional sanction and sup
port for any action he may deem
necessary In the German crisis.
Making personal visit 70 the
Capitol. the president notified
senate leaders that 10 proposes
to lay before congress within two
weeks n demand for legislative
authority which will enable him
to meet any turn Of international
affairs in his discretion. He will
ask that the authority be made
complete, in order that he may
proceed with any foreign policy
freely, after the present congress
expires ON March 4.
Congressional leaders made il
clear that the president would bs
given full and complete authority
to take any steps he might deem
ncedful.
Raises Naval Bill by $500, 900, 600.
While at the Capitol the presds ems
had a brief talk with Senator Tiliman,
chairman of the naval AFFAIRS COM
mittee. and a few minutes later the
naval affairs sub committee siguffi-
cantly announced that 1t had raised
the tOtdl Oh LIc naval Dill AtFG&0y
passed by the house from s3s8.ooo.-
900 to $4,000. 900. Chairman TILL
mans subcommittee recommended to
the full senate committee the fol-
lowing significant items:
blanket appropriation OF $780,
100000 to be immediately available
for use by the president In his dis
erection in speeding UP the construc-
ton Of naval vessels already appro-
priated tor. This appropriation was
proposed in the house, but was de-
feated.
An increase of $500. 900 in the ap-
preparation OF more thar tS,00O.o NA
for batteries for merchant auxflia-
ries"
An increase of $4,000 in the ap-
preparation of more than $1,000. 900
for ammunition for merchant auxil-
iaries."
Plan Becomes Apparent
In these items official Washington
tonight saw the beginning of an ad-
ministration plan to place guns aboard
the American merchant vessels sail
ing for ports in the death zone OF
German submarines. Following SO
closely on. the presidents talk with
Senator Tillman 1t WAS accepted as
certain that they indicated a new
move
II was apparent tonight that with
in h short time the president will lay
before congress a broad and compre-
hensive emergency program.
1t was stated that the president
proposes TO have availab BILE for in
slant use all OF the money and all of
the power that may be necessary to
German crisis.
Lump Sum For Emergencies
Senators declared that the presi-
dent proposes 10 ask for the au-
thority to make free use of the naval
forces of the nation. and to ask for
large lump sum appropriation to meet
emergencies While the president did
not say when he would 20 before con-
gress, it was believed that he would
call joint session some time during
the coming week in order to allow
congress time to consider and digest
the vast progra m which he Is expect
ed to lay down. It was stated that
the president made a step in this d.
rection by discussing with Chairman
Tillman and with Senator Swanson.
of Virginia. who is in charge of the
naval appropriations bill, the details
of proposed emergency legislation
which he wants added TO that meas
IRE in the sonata
! The president also tAlked today
With senator simmons. chairman OF
the finance committee. who has
charge Of the administration revenue
bill. already passed by the house.
The funds necessary to provide, the
big appropriations wnich-the -presl-
dent is expected TO demand for emer-
gency use will be provided through
this measure, and ii is probabi that
an emergency bond issue OF a large
amount will be included to meet the
situation. The president discussed
with Senators Chamberlain. Newlands.
Pomerene and Overman the general
legislative situation. seeking to speed
up the business now before the senate
and clear the way for the emergency
program which will make its appear
ance and demand consideration before
congress can adjourn two weeks from
Monday. 1t was stated tonight that
at least a part Of the general legisla-
ton now before the senate may have
to be sidetracked to make way for
the emergency program.
situation Unchanged.
automatically the international
situation remains unchanged today.
The apparent let-down In the German
submarine campaign. and the gradual
lessening Of the number of ships sunk.
liRhtened the tension. Reports from
abroad as to the conditions surround
ing American citizens in the Teutonic
allied countries were likewise reassur-
ing
The Spanish ambassador Mt Berlin
officially notified the state depart
ment in reply to inquiries that all
arrangements for the departure Of
American consuls still in Germany
had been completed. The report said
the consuis with their families. would
meet at Munich and would leave Gar
many via Switzerland some time dur
ing the coming week.
II haCa me- known ~ H. okntA -.