Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1917-03-01

WASHINGTON. March 1.-The House OF
Representatives today unanimously adopted
a special rule to consider the Flood bill
giving President Wilson prescribed author
ity to institute armed neutrality against
German undersea warfare.
Opening the debate on the adoption OF
the rule. which was brought in by Chair
man Henry. Representative Flood declared
that Germany had undertaken to destroy all
vessels OF commerce, whether belligerent
or neutral
our ports are blockaded as effectually
as though they were bottled up by the Ger
man fleet" said Flood This condition is
intolerable TO free and brave people. The
proposed legislation is TO free our commerce
and to protect our citizens In their lawful
pursuits on the high seas.
'If we should unhapplly become involved
IN the European war, the passage OF this
resolution would not hasten such "A result.
| hope we can protect our people peace
fully. If we cannot. we shall protect
them with force Our duty is clear to
protect our citizens and our ships II
Germany were conducting submarine war
fare within the bounds OF international
law, we could take our chances in prize
courts. But she Is sinking merchantmen
without regard TO loss OF life. I believe
this bill will pass by large majority Of
votes Of both Republicans and Democrats
for when American lives are threatened
there are no party lines"
Representative Cooper n Republican
member Of the Foreign Affairs Committee,
who voted against the Flood bill In COM
mittee yesterday. the first speaker to
raise his voice against it on the floor Of
the House. He declared that II gave the
President too much power,
This bill" said Cooper. "as drawn by
the President and presented to the House
origlnally-and the President drew it
gave him power in his discretion 10 pro-
tPct American n
rights In other words It surrendered to
him the war-makiug power"
Representative Campbell ranking Repub-
lican or the Rules Committee insisted that
the congress cannot delegate war-making
powers to the President and II this emer-
gency exists Congress should be called into
extraordinary session"
The Presidents views are not c6nvnc-
ing said Mr.. Campbell "The duty to
take any step that leads this country into
war rests upon Congress and not the t.xecu-
tive. We cannot rightfully delegate war
making powers to the Executive.
We do that by provisions Of the pending
bill II we are confronted with a great
crisis; II war IL imminent the duty rests
with the Executive to convene Congress in
extraordinary session 50 that the Congress
can perform it's functions in that respect.
The gentleman from Virginia IMr
Flood) states that may soon he engaged
IN war. If so, the representatives. Of the
people who will bear the bloody burden of
that war should declare the necessity for
carrying 1t on This IL no time for general
statements about supporting the President
The President has said that now there Is
no necessity for action, Let us take him
at his word. This is the time for Congress-
the representatives of the people, to prepare
for such action may he necessary"
HENRY MAKES APPEAL
Closing the debate on the special rule
Chairman Henry. Of the Rules Committee
asked for unanimous vote ito serve notice
on the world that we are united country"
Il hope the gentlemen who have spoken
against this rule will change their views
and vote for it," said Mr.. Henry. When
the crucial time comes every one knows
this country will be behind the President
and in my opinion unity s more powerful
than arms. hope there will be no vote
a ga inst the rule
The question was put and on "A viva Voce
vote there were no negative votes.
THE rule is adopted unanimously" said
Speaker Clark as great applause came from
the floor.
Representative Mann, OF Illinois Republi-
can leader. who has been accused Of Ger
man sympathies, was applauded from all
sides OF the House when ne advocat ted the
adoption OF the Flood bill. Mann. how
ever, took occasion to throw in a criticism
Of the Administrators course in Mexico
II am not willing to cavil over the terms