Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-01-24
Senator Speaks In Favor: of
Giving Time For
Discussion.
DECLARES SENATE
OWES 1T TO NATION
Request Considered Whether Pro-
posaI Is Right or Wrong-Cumnins
Holds Peace Proposal Most Notable
Ever Made by President-ResoIu-
ton Finally Goes to Calendar.


Washington, Jan. 24.-Action on Sen
ator Cummins' resolution to provide
for exclusive consideration of the pres
idents peace address until all senators
have expressed their views, was defer
red today and it was sent to the calen-
dar after it had been debated two
hours.
Senator Cummins sought to obtain
unanimous consent for the resolution
to go over without prejudice to come
up automatically tomorrow, but Sena-
tor Stone objected. Senator Cummins
pointed out that with the resolution on
the calendar it Is possible for him to
move to take it up tomorrow or any
other day.
Senator Stone wanted to refer the
resolution to the foreign relations COM
mttee but the presiding officer finally
ordered it to the calendar. In this sit
uation it will require an affirmative
vote Of the senate to get the resolution
up again.
Cumn,ins Argues Question.
Opening debate on his resolution for
O. weeks discussion in the senate OF
President Wilson's peace address. Sen
ator Cummins said the presidents sug-
gestions were the most important ever
made by a chief executive Of the Unit
ed States, and, right or wrong, the SEN
ate owed it to the country to set aside
c,.l1 Of
involved. :. b
When Senator Cummins called up
the resolution Senator Brandegee In
sisted on a quorum, saying: This
matter touches on the most important
question ever before the United States
senate"
When call brought. the required
number, Senator Cummins resumed:
Il have no disposition to speak at
length on this resolution. hope sin
cerely that we may be able to reach a
vote on It before the morning hour
comes to close. It will be observed
that the resolution does not invite or
properly permit of discussion at this
time Of the soundness or nnsoundness
Of the purposes in the presidents ad-
dress. What is it? 1t Is this: Ought
the senate at some day In the near fu-
ture do the country justice by advising
the president Of our views on the i'm
portant subjects to which he is about
to commit the government?
Right or Wrong Not Involved.
"For proper discussion it matters not
whether the president is right or
wrong. In either case his communica-
ton is the most notable ever made by
a chief executive Of the United States.
He so regards it. The whole country
50 looks upon it. He has come to the
senate frankly and boldly, and as
sumo with all sincerity, saying that he
owed it to US to disclose the purpose in
his mind Why did he owe to us to
disclose the thought and purpose in his
mind?"
Senator cummins said the president
had answered that question when he
referred to the senate as Council as
sociated with me- in international af-
fairs
Are we to sit dumb under this ap-
peal?" asked the Iowa senator. THE
time to vote, it is true, has not arrived.
but Is the council to remain silent
while public opinion is forming and
public judgment is being entered?
Questions Motives Of Opponents.
II have no authority to speak for the
president, but am bound to believe
those who oppose this resolution are
not his true friends. 1t must be he de-
sires and expects the freest and fullest
debate on the tremendous issue he has
raised. What value are we as council
If we lock our lips and allow him to go
his way? I do not know whether any
senator here intends to vote in opposl-
ton to this resolution-1 hope there Is
not. But If there is any one here whs
does ask him to reflect moment for
it seems to me that opposition means
doubt respecting the spirit or cour-
age Of the president. .
IF we are not to render an opinion
In response to his invitation, it means
that he chose the senate as conduit
thru which to pass the new doctrine to
the ministers Of foreign affairs Of the
world and the newspapers, or as a set
ting for beautiful picture skillfully
painted. hardly believe any one will
put the president in the position OF
having so flagrantly misused the privi-
leges Of the senate. or else he means
he IS one OF IlOS9 Ndppy peTSONS VINO
feels safety in a company where he
alone is armed. I am not challenging
either the sincerity or courage of the
chief executive.
Time !. Now.
III there ever was time when
duty commanded to give to the coun,
try the honest opinion of the senate
It is now. The proposal and the time
REQUIRE conscious speech.
This is not a partisan subject. The
president is not the only person
charged with the duty Of speech upon
such a. subject"
Senator Stons, chairman: .: .:.e t:r-
eign relations committee, opened In
opposition to the resolution. arguing
that it would take more than two
weeks, if every senator took the oppor-
tunity to speak. before the discussion
would be concluded.
Would War to Secure Peace.
Before vote could be ordered, Sem
ator Shafroth urged public hear
Ing by the foreign relations committee
IT, <hn -