Evening star., 1917-01-24
Sends to Calendar Resolution
for Exclusive Consideration
of Presidents Proposals.
SENATOR STONE LEADS
OPPOSITION TO IOWAN
Argues Nothing Could Be Accom-
plished Under the Measure
as offered.

Senator Cummins' resolution provtd.
ing for exclusive consideration of
President Wilson's peace address until
all senators have expressed their views.
was sent to the calendar today after
it had been debated two hours.
Senator Cummins sought to obtain
unanimous consent that the resolution
go over without prejudice. to come up
automatically tomorrow at the opening
of the Senate. but Chairman Stone of
the foreign relations committee OBJ
jected. Senator Cummins pointed out
that with the resolution on the calen-
dar it is possible for him to move to
take 1t up tomorrow or any other day
after the Senate routine morning BUSH
ness is concluded.
Senator Stone wanted to have a vote
on his motion to refer the resolution II
but little more time were to be con-
sumed in debate. but Senator Cummins
said personally he expected to make
further observations on the question
of a reference to committee. and could
not assure that an early vote could be
had
The Missouri senator then made his
objection and the presiding officer or
dered it to the calendar. In this situ-
alton it will require an affirmative vote
of the Senate to get the resolution up
tomorrow.
Opening debate on his resolution.
Senator Cummins said the Presidents
suggestions were the most important
evspr made by a chief executive of the
United States, and. right or wrong. the
Senate owed 1t to the country to set
aside time for a full discussion Of the
issues involved.
When Senator Cumnins called up his
resolution Senator Brandegee Of Connec-
ticut insisted upon a quorum. saying;
This matter touches upon one Of the
most important subjects that have ever
been before the United States Senate"
When q call brought the required quo
rum vi members Senator Cummins re-
sumed.
Point at Issue.
II have no disposition to speak at length
upon the resolution" Senator Cummins
said. 'I hope sincerely that we may be
able to reach a vote on it before the
morning hour comes to a close.
does not invite nor even properly per-
nit discussion at this time of the
soundness or unsoundness Of the pur-
poses announced in the Presidents ad-
dress / will do all can do to hold the
debate to the point at issue. What is
it? 1t is this: Ought the Senate on
some day in the near future do the
country the Justice of informing the
people and advising the President of our
views concerning a policy of the most
vital Importance, to which he has told
us he is about to commit his govern
ment?
Not Question of Right or Wrong.
For the proper discussion of the reso-
lution it matters not whether the Presi-
dent is right or wrong. In either case
his communication is the most important
ever made by a chief executive Of the
United States. He so regards it. The
whole country so looks upon it and for.
eign nations SO accept it. He has come
to the Senate frankly and boldly. and.
assume, with all sincerity, saying that
he owed it to US to disclose to us the
purpose in his mind. Why did he owe
it to US to disclose without reserve the
thought and purposes in his mind!
Senator Cummins said the President
himself had answered that question
when he referred to the senate as coun:
ell associated with me-" in international
affairs.
peal?" asked the Iowa senator. The
time to vote. it is true. mas no. ar
silent while public opinion is forming
and public judgment is being entered!
Il have no authority to speak for the
those who oppose this resolution are
not his true friends. 1t must be he de-
sires and expects the freest and fullest
debate on the tremendous issue he has
raised.
what value are we as council II we
lock our lips and allow him to go his
way? / do not know whether any
senator here intends to vote in oppos
sitiou to this resolution-I hope there
is not. But if there be any one who
does 70 ask him to reflect a moment
for it seems to me opposition means q
doubt respecting either the sincerity
or courage of the President.
What Silence Means.
IF we are not to render an opinion
in response to his invitation 1t means
that he chose the Senate as conduit
through which to pass the new doctrine
to the ministers of foreign affairs Of
the world and the newspapers. or as .
setting for a beautiful picture. skiil-
fully painted. / hardly believe any one
will nut the President in the position
of having so flagrantly misused the
privileges of the Senate. Or else ft
means that he is one of those unhappy
who feels safer in a company
where he alone is armed and can fear
no shot save his alone. l am not chal-
longing either the sincerity or the cour-
age of the chief executive.
..If there ever was time when
that duty commanded-to give to tho
world and to the country the honest
convictions of the Senate upon pro-
oosaIs that affect the integrity of the
nation, the peace of the world and the
happiness of mankind--it is now. The
proposal and the time require con-
scientious speech.
This is not partisan subject" he
said THE President is not the only
person charged with the duty of speech
upon such subject
Stone Opens Opposition.
Senator Stone. chairman of the for-
,ign relations committee. opened dis
.ussion in opposition to the resolution.
arguing that 1t would take more than
TWO weeks of the Senate's time IL every
senator took the propoSed hour to d. -