Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1917-04-06

nedrd.
Shortly before midnight after the
debate had continued for more than
thirteen hours, those in charge of the
resolution predicted that a vote would
be taken soon after one o'clock. There
was no certainty that it might not be
hours later, however.
Mr.. Kitchins opposition drew an i'm
mediate following from among the group
who have opposed preparedness and
armed neutrality and tonight many of
them who had sat silent and glum in
the rear of the chamber throughout
the day, moved down IN front and
spoke against the resolution. One OF
the most earnest speeches in behalf of
the presidents course came from Re-
publican Leader Mann, who declared
Germany had deliberately affronted
this country and that only war could
save the national honor
Administration leaders until today
had paid little attention to reports tina
representative Kitchin would Oppose
the resolution. Rather looking to him
as the man who would have to leaC
the fight for revenue, they talked with
him freely of the financial phase
the situation. Aroused by reports O.
r attitude, democratic leaders hasten
~ " Ills OllCS IOOdS " llllu Illdl lie lldC
prepared in part a speech opposing
the resolution. Fellow members of
the house and senators pleaded vainly
with him to abandon his plan. Posi-
bic loss of the house leadership and
his forced exit from public life, as well
as the demands of patriotism were
pointed out to him.
Finally, shortly before three o'clock,
after almost continuous onOfaraOpaS
for six hours, Representative Kitchin
announced publicly that he would
speak against the resolution. His en-
trance into the chamber shortly after
wards caused quickening of tagging
interest.
Representative Hensely of Missouri
who on Tuesday, said he would vote
for the resolution, hastily announced
he had decided it was his duty to OPP
pose it. Others who had deserted the
pacifist camp said they were thinking
seriously and probably would vote in
the negative.
Obviously wearied by the days
events, Mr.. Kitchin spoke without his
usual fire.
I'm view of the many assumptions of
loyalty and patriotism" he said, ION
the part of some of those wro favor
the resolution and insinuations by
them of cOWardice and dislOyalty on
the part of those who oppose it, off
shoots doubtless of the passionate
moment, let me at once remind the
house that it takes neither moral nor
physical courage to declare a war for
others to fight. 1t is evidence of neith-
er loyalty nor patriotism for one to
urge others to get into war when he
knows that he himself is going to keep
out
The depth of my horror, the in
tensity of my distress in contemplate
ing the measureless steps proposed,
God only knows. Too grave is the
responsibility for any one to permit
another to stand sponsor for my con-
science. Ny conscience and judg-
ment, after mature thought and fervent
prayer for rightful guidance, has point
ed out clearly the path of my duty
and l have made up my mind to walk
in it, if | go barefooted and alone"
Mr.. Kitchin was heartily applauded
from all sides as he concluded
representative FitZg erald demo
crat of New York, said he would vote
for the resolution and was willing to
pledge all the resources of the country
to bring the conflict to a successful
termination.
IS the night wore on there We're
loud calls for "vote" from members
anxious to get away. Representative
Hulburt tried Intellectually to secure
agreement that. if a vote were not had
by midnight which would encroach he
said, on Good Friday, the house ad
ourn over until Saturday. Representa-
tive Rainey of Illinois, told the house
we war not against the people, we
war against the Hohenzollerns."
Representative Moore, Pennsylvania !;
Small North Carolina, and others
urged a united front for defense of
American rights.
Representative Sims of Tennessee,
angrily protested that time was being
sritted away in speeches and wanted
immediate action.
Republican Leader Mann counselled
patience.
We'll gain nothing more" he said
'by vote at midnight than by vote
at six O'Clock tomorrow morning and
s too important matter not to have
a free debate"
Representative Burnett of Alabama
in the course of a speech against the
resolution challenged Representative
Helm to circulate a petition in the
house to secure support for his
declaration that Majority Leader
Kitchin should resign. He also asked
his colleague to prove himself con-
5istent by enlisting as a private in
the army.
Interchanges between the two Ala =
hamans were made to The accom-
oaniment of applause from the cham
Der and galleries. Helm unable tO
get recognition insisted or replying
shouting that he would resign anC
fight for his country Burnett con-
tinued mis- heckling respite the roars
of the members and the pounding
of the gavel by Representative Fitz-
gerald until sergeant at arms pro-
iuced the mace, symbol of the au-
thority of the house and compellec
him to take his seat
shortly- before nine o'clock -Repre-