The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-03-03
BY 4. r.. SARTWEII.

staff Correspondent OF the Inter.
national News Service.
Washington, March 2.-With
the death Of American men and
women In Germany's submarine
campaign, and the German effort
to embroil the United States with
friendly neighbors behind them,
a large majority OF the senate to-
night fought to vest President
Wilson with fun authority to pro-
tect American life and American
rights at sea. Before the scna-
tors was the apparent intention
of the president to proceed at
once TO the arming OF American
merchantmen for their protection
in their ocean joarneyings. 1t
was apparent that the bill au-
thorizing the president to place
the United States on n basis Of
armed neutrality had the support
of an Overwhelming majority Of
the senate. The administration
demand for consideration OF the
bill was carried by a vote Of -
to is, and IL was expected that
the vote against the measure IT.
self would be less than Oppose
ton TO its consideration.
Stone Leads Opposition.
The opposition 10 the bill was led
by Senator Stone, OF Missouri, chair
man of the foreign relations cor.mit-
tee which framed the measure. and
up until tonight the spokesman OF
the administration on matters affect
ing foreign affairs in the senate. The
crowded floor and galleries OF the
senate chamber sat aghast as the Mis-
souri, senator solemniy resigned the
bill reported by his committee into
the hands of Senator Hitchcock. OF
Nebraska. ranking member Of that
body. The gravity of the situation
was apparent in the strained and
anxious faces of the senators arGund
him when he announced that he was
no. in accord with the bill as framed
Il do not believe" he declared. as
the senate stirred uneasily. that ii
would be proper for me 20 continue
in the management of tho bill on the
senate floor in this situation"
Proposes Radical Amendments
Immediately the Missouri senator
stirred the senate by proposing an
radically amending the
scope OF the armed neutrality bill.
and fatty inimical to the request Of
President Wilson. The amen.tment
would prohibit;
The use of any person under tho
employ or direction OF the president
to operate guns on armed ships.
The carrying Of munitions to n
nation by any armed
ship.
The carrying of munitions to 4
belligerent on any ship conveyed or
under the protection of naval vessel
About this amendment conferred the
fight for the authority demanded by
the president, and it precipitated a
debate which, for gravity and fervor.
has seldom been equalled in the sem
ate. Senator Stone led the forces sup
porting the amendment with the
declaration that the duty of preserv-
ing neutrality did not impose on the
United States the further duty OF
guarding the munitions transport OF
belligerents.
Oppose Stone Amendment.
Under the leadership Of Senator
Hitchcock. of Nebraska, and Senator
Lodge. of Massachusetts---up to pres
ent a vigorous opponent of the presi-
dents foreign poiicy--Democrats and
Republicans united to oppose the
Stone amendment and to support the
presidents demand for authority to
meet the ~aisuatiea. (. Party lines ware.
forgotten in a burst OF patriotic ora-s
tory which seemed to Indicate that
what little opposition thern was to the
bill would be lost sight 4pf. IN 4
Administration leaders declared