The Washington herald., 1917-02-01
WAR OR SERIOUS BREAK
may BE NOTES result
Both House and Senate Fearful of Out
come of German Stand.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.

interests of the, American people. Un-
! til he speaks and we have the oppor-
tunity to read the note fully and study
! 1t, do not desire to be quoted fur
ther."
Senator William Alden Smith. OF
Michigan. another member of the For
eign Affairs Committee. said:
"I had hoped that this kind of war
/ fare had ceased. / am perfectly WILL
ing to let the President handle this
situation. Should 1t become acute, we
are neither Republicans or Democrats
we are all Americans"
Senator Harding. of Ohio, said:
"The Kaiser has undertaken a big
contract in electing to oppose those
who favor tho freedom Of the seas
1t presents a very serious question
What it may develop must depend up
on mature deliberations.
Representative Madden, of Illinois,
declared the question one of serious
moment, and the most important that
has arisen since the beginning Of the
European war.
"There will not be any doubt about
how Americans will stand. They will
stand for the country, first. last and
all the time" he said. Il should pre-
fer to read the note in its entirety be-
fore being quoted at length"
IT hope that the American government
is big enough to protect the lives Of its
citizens, regardless Of Germany" said
Representative Cooper. Of Ohio.
"Germany's declaration, II put into 40
ton will afford tho. United States the
logical moment to assert its international
rights, and 1 hope that this nation will
display its power in this matter, what
ever the consequences be-
Would Bar Americana.
IT the United States ts to continue nef
policy Of neutrality even in the face Of
the latest German declaration to conduct
a campaign OF unrestricted U-boat &C.
tivity, steps should be taken against the
possibility Of allowing American citizens
to neutralize an armed merchantman Of
and belligerent by their presence on board
such a ship" was the answer of Repre-
sentative Meeker,- of Missouri.
He intimated that the conditions which
Germany is expected to thrust upon neu-
trails, judging from the phraseoiogy Of
the note that reached Washington last
night. may make it very difficult for this
nation to remain neutral II the Teuton
powers decided to adhere strictly to their
determination 10 extend their submarine
warfare over the high seas and thereby
menace the shipping lanes OF commerce.
But II this country decides that neu-
trality can be maintained, despite Ger
many's unrestricted campaign OF under
sea hostilities," he said, then 1t is UP to
the government to enforce this neutrality
by refusing to let Americans travel on
belligerent ships to protect vessels from
the torpedoes of the German craft"
7 feel as though this country missed
rare opportunity In this present inter
national controversy" Evangelist Gypsy
Smith, jr., said last night when interview
ed in the tabernacle after his sermon.
when Germany first invaded Belgium
the United States should have protested
That was the psychological moment. 1t
was at that time that Germany respected
this country more than any other nation
In the world. If this country had
spoken to Germany then who knows what
the result might have been.
Yes. 1 am an advocate of peace, but
not peace at any price. 1t must be lasting
peace, which will give the assurance that
there will never be a recurrence Of this
terrible war"
Declaring that Congressman who exr
pressed their personal opinions regard
ing the note, delivered TO this govern
ment by Count Won Bernstorff last night
were indulging in a waste of breath that
might be well saved for an occasion when
their words would avail Representative
Madden, OF Illinois. refused to comment
on the Berlin announcement of a future
unrestricted submarine policy.
1T is sheer foolishness for members OF
Congress to attempt to say what this
country will do in this case when the
President has exclusive Jurisdiction in
the matter" said Representative Madden
Lieut.. Col George Robinson, retired,
said:
Il have been through three wars and
hope that this country will not enter an
other. But. If there is a good reason. 1
will fight again"