The Washington times., 1917-03-02
Big Majority Votes for Prompt
Action on Measure EnIarging
Wilson's Powers.
OPPOSITION GROWS LESS
Armed Neutrality Debate to
Follow Navy Bill Late
Today.

use other instrumentalities TO protect
American life and American rights on
the high seas.
This action was taken on motion OF
Senator Stone. chairman Of the Foreign
Relations Committee. and 1t is taken as
showing that once the bill is brought to
vote it will be passed by an over
whelming majority.
A number Of Senators who before the
disclosure Of German intrigue with Mex
leo were opposed to passing bill grant,
ing authority to the President, have
changed front as the result Of IL. The
Republican opposition has perceptibly
lessened.
Senators In Opposition.
The fifteen Senators who today op-
posed taking up the armed neutrality
bill are Bryan, Curtis. Clapp, Cummins.
- Gronns, Jones, Kirby. Myers. Page.
Sherman. Townsend. Works, Watson,
Norris. and La Toilette. OF these. Bryan.
Myers. and Kirby are Democrats.
After the Senate had voted to take
up the armed neutrality bill, Senator
Stone asked that il be laid aside until
after the navy bill was disposed Of
voted on at this afternoon.
The navy bill, carrying more than
half billion dollars, will then be
passed and the armed neutrality bill
discussed. II is probable that it will
be before the Senate much or all of
the night
The vote this morning was impor-
tant, therefore, only as it showed the
trend OF sentiment in the Senate. A
l..
late today and tonight about the prop
osition of whether the President is to
be given sweepini gpowers or restrict
ed to the mere arming of ships.
Legislation Chaotic.
} Meantime. the session is drawing to a
close at noon of March amid feelings
Of deep apprehension over the German
situation. Legislation IL In a chaotic
condition Of congestion. What appropri-
alton bills will pass and what will fail
cannot now be accurately foretoId.
Signs multiplied today that an extra
session Of Congress was probable SEN
ate Republican leaders told Democratic
leaders that one would be forced. Demo-
cratic leaders admitted it was probable.
Senator Kern. Democratic leader, pre-
dicted the Senate would complete its
work and there would be no extra ses-
sion. but this Is not the view Of many
Republicans and numerous Democrats.
1t Is not unlikely Democratic leaders
will attempt a continuous session until
noon OF March 4 However. once Demo- |
cratic leaders are convinced there is no
hope Of passing a number OF the ap-
preparation bills they will not go TO ex-
treme lengths in an effort to wear out |
the opposition.
Senator La Toilette has. temporar-
fly at least, given up his idea of
hlibustering on the navy bill.
Senator Chamberlain, chairman Of |
the Military Committee, is anxious to
press the army appropriation bill to
passage. This, however, will cause
much debate. Universal service will |
'come in for much discussion.
Party Lines Forgotten.
Backed by an almost unanimous |
vote of the House, which cast aside |
party lines, the Administration bill
empowering the President to arm
merchant ships and defend them
against attack was sent to the Senate
today. The bill passed the House by
a vote of 403 to 13 last night. follow
ing eight hours of patriotic oratory.
were Congressman Cary. Cooper, Nell
son, and Stafford, OF Wisconsin: Hell
gesen of North Dakota, Benedict OF
California, Davis and Lindbergh, of l.
Minnesota: Wilson of Illinois (Repub-
licansD. and Congressman Decker and |
Shackelford, OF Missouri, and Sher-
wood OF Ohio, Democrats, and Lon
don, Socialist.
The pacifist group made repeated
chief fight coming over the proposal
TO prohibit the arming of ships which
carry munitions of war, Congressman
Cooper contending it was a virtual
act OF war to arm such ship.
Amendments to prohibit the issuance
OF passports to Americans travelling
on munitions carrying vessels were
defeated.
Rally Around President.
In the debate more than fifty mem
bers spoke in favor OF uniting behind
the President and protecting Ameri-
can rights, no matter what the cost
may be.
Minority Beader Mann and Con
RTessmsn Stedman. a North Carolina
Democrat. received ovations. Mr.. !
Mann said he was for peace. but be-
rights and stood behind the President
How would Lincoln vote IL he were :
here tonight?" was Major stedman's Z
question to the Republicans Mr. {
Stedman was an officer I'm the Confed- ,
crate army. His speech brought thun-
derous applause as he invoked the r
name of Lincoln, and concluded:
''This House ought TO send a mes 2
sage to the world tonight. 1t ought to 4
declare in terms that cannot be mis- I
understood that we will protect the
commercial rights of our people. that c
this country will protect the lives OF
its citizens engaged in lawful pur- Y
suits and that IL will preserve the I
honor and glory OF the American flag =
in its pristine spIendor wherever IL \
may float on land or sea to the utter I
most ends OF the earth" Z
"Uncle Joe" Cannon brought a cheer 4
when he declared:
"A nation that will not fly to pro-
tect her citizens and their rights in
war or peace, ~ other nations step
upon her toes unlawfully. will become
a nation composed of hewers of wood
and drawers OF water. Partisan Re
publican though ] am. ] believe IL is
my duty here to support the Admins