Evening star., 1917-02-03


Ordinarily I would not object, but at
this moment cannot consent to max
ing anything exclusive. There may
be things of very vital importance to
come up at any time"
Senator Shafroth's motion was de-
feated.
Effort to Stop Debate.
A movement to stop debate on the
naval bill and pass 1t before the Pres
ident's arrival. as an object lesson OF
the country's readiness to meet the
emergency, was started by Representa-
tive Butler of Pennsylvania. He and
Representatives Padgett and Oliver Of
the naval committee conferred. and
others discussed the plan.
Representative Foss, Ohio. formally
proposed to the House immediate ac-
ton on the bill.
That the American warcraft would
be "bottled up" by German submarines,
in event Of war, was predicted by Rep
war on the side Of the allies" he said,
we could not send man to Europe.
Our surface craft would be worth
nothing. The allies have all the sur
face craft they need"
isn't it inconceivable that II We are
drawn into war" Representative
Fess of Ohio began a question.
II hope 1t Is inconceivAble that we
will go Into the war;" Representative
Galloway interrupted. amid loud ap-
Pennsylvania, middleton of Alabama,
Stephens OF Nebraska, London of New
York and a few others.
II can't conceive that with the well
fare Of 100.000.o00 Americans at stake
that we will go into war over a little
zone drawn around Great Britain"
Representative Galloway concluded.
Continuing the debate on the naval
bill, Representative Farr Of Pennsyl-
vania, who followed Mr.. Galloway, said: 4:
'It is amazing in this great crisis that
any man should on this floor oppose
the movement for preparedness, SO es-
sential to the protection Of this coun-
try"
Citing the war Of 1912 and civil war.
Representative Farr said 1T was lack
OF preparedness that was the principal
defects.
I'VE are relatively no better prepared
now than In 1872" he said.
Would Permit Seizures.
Representative Butler. who is rank
ing republican member Of the House
naval committee. called attention to
the fact that a resolution, sent by Sec
retary Daniels to the committee as the
result of his recent hearing on the
appropriation, is ready to be offered If
|
the seizure of any private shfpbuild-
| ing plant for government construction
| Of ships.
1t directs that the Secretary of the
Navy may not only require when the
| exigencies of the public service demand
| it any contract or to give preference
to naval building contracts but au-
thorizes the Secretary of the Navy, in
case of delay. neglect or refusal by a
contractor to proceed with the work
no y0fo orStN Ny-fl fo h -
declare any government contract or
order forfeited and to take possession
| OF the plant, shops or works and pro-
coed with the government work. This
was the resolution Mr.. Butler told Mr..
Cannon was ready to be offered for i'm
| mediate action.
Mann Counsels Goodness.
While some Of the members of the
Republican Leader Mann was counsel
ing coolness. I'VE are not in war yet"
he admonished Mr.. Butler.
Representative Kelley of Michigan
deplored partisan discussion under
present circumstances.
| This is one of the times when there
should be no partisanship displayed
when we are considering national de-
feinse." he said.
Cannon for Immediate Action.
Former Speaker Cannon announced
he was not quite in harmony with the
suggestion Of immediate passage. as the
bill proposed building program over
a number of years. What Is needed
under the conditions of today, he said
is something for immediate purposes
Representative Butler replied that there
was a resolution ready to propose te
provide for Immediate action on the
building program.
/ Applause greeted statement by
Representative Oliver Of Alabama shat
the navy is now ready-fully prepared
If needed.
''If any exigency require" he said
| 'the navy can shoot faster and
| straighter than ever before. 1t Is bet
ter organized no matter for what
duty.
"The navy. under the present admin
istration. is ready for any call"
/ Bryan's Speech Reported.
A telegram from George Foster Pea
body Of New York. telling Of speech
Of William J. Bryan In New York last
night. in 'commendation Of the Presi-