The sun., 1917-02-27
Republicans Disposed to In
SiSt on Use of Naval
Forces.
NAVY MEN OPPOSED
TO ANY Conveying
Germany Expected to Re-
gard Executives Request
as War Step.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 26.-Proclaiming
| himself still the friend of peace and
humanity and disavowing any inten-
lion of precipitating war with Ger
/ many President Wilson took his long
awaited next step to meet the German
submarine menace to-day by going
to Congress and requesting that he
receive means and authority to protect
the rights of Americans on the high
seas.
While carefully refraining from ad-
mitting that the necessity had yet
arisen, or that Germany had yet COM
mitted an overt act. the President new
ertheless asked that he be clothed
with the power to meet the necessity
should II arise.
He asked that specific authority be
given to him to supply American mer-
chantmen with guns and the means
OF using. them" which is equivalent
to putting navy guns and trained navy
gunners aboard these ships.
He asked authority to employ "any
other instrumentalties or methods"
safeguard American ships and Amerl-
can lives.
He asked Congress to place in his
hands a sufficient credit to insure this
protection. He characterized his present
plan as armed neutrality"
He expressed the hope that II would
not he necessary to put armed forces
anywhere into action.
He declared that war can only come
by the wilful acts and aggressions OF
Germany.
Dramatic Touch Lacking.
The Presidents appearance before
Congress lacked the dramatic touch and
his remarks the intensity of his former
appearance when he severed diplomatic
relations with Germany. Dsappoint-
ment was evidenced by many. 1t was
evident too that by his delay the Pres-
dent had allowed situation to arise in
Congress which is now likely to cause
him much embarrassment
. Congress took his remarks in very
buslnesslike way, without any show OF
enthusiasm or patriotic fervor. The pac-
fists We're jubilant. believing the Presi-
| dent had laid himself open TO attack. ami
| that they had at least forced him to seek
| hy ndirection that which he did not
| feel strong enough to ask openly They
| believe that Congress is to curtail him
| greatly in the exercise of his powers and
that In this sense they have been VIC
| tCrouS
| Advocates of strong. decisive action
| did not conceal their disappointment At
| the failure of the President to 20 much
| further and to ask specifically for the
right to employ the naval forces to pro-
| toct the American ships. The Demo
| Gratis We're exceedingly restrained in
| their expressions of approval
| As a result of the informal discussion
| of the Presidents proposals predictions
| were definitely made tonight that while
authority would bc given to the Presi-
| dent to arm the ships the general au-
| thority which he asked for would not be
| accorded him. II the Democrats refuse
| to consent 10 modification of the
| Presidents plan the Republicans will do
| everything in their power to force an
extra session. They take the position
| that the President has virtually appea led
Tor aulocratIr power and that they
would be Justified in refusing their sup
port.
l. Hostility In Both Houses.
The Presidents request for blanke,
| powers 20 meet any situation that might
| arise met with openly expressed hostil-
| ity in both houses of Congress Anon.
HE Republicans d!Strust of his foreign
| policy appeared 1" be acCentuatcd by
, his address Even among Democrats in
| the House there was an aNowed oppo-
| siton to the proposal to clothc the Ey.
| ocntlve with powers which would on
! able him TO wage war without the ey-
| press consent Of Congress.
|, With Republican leaders OF the Sen
ate, whore distrust Of the Presidents
! conduct Of foreign affairs Is most ap-
o. parent, his address found little favor
There was a disposition none the less
/" withhold criticism until the measure
formulating his request had bpcu pre-