The Washington times., 1917-02-26

White House and the President told
him of his intended course.
Tumulty sent the message to the
Public Printer at 9:45, apd at 10
o'clock the request for a joint session
was sent to Senator Kern and Con
Eressmah Kitchin.
In taking his action today the
President fulfilled the promise he
made to Congress on February ),
when he announced severance OF dip
lomatic relations with Germany.
Hoped to Avoid Trouble.
At that time, after saying he be
lieved that Germany would not disre-
gard the "ancient friendship" be-
tween her people and those of this
country by prosecuting "the ruthless
naval program they have announced"
the President declared "only actual
overt acts on their part can make me
believe il even now"
He then promised "if this inveterate
confidence on my part in the sobriety
and prudent foresight of their pur-
pose should, unhappily, prove un-
founded; II American ships and Ameri-
can lives should, in fact, be sacrificed
contravention of the just and reason
able understanding of international
law and the obvious dictates of hu-
manity, / shall take the liberty OF
= coming again before the Congress TO
ask that authority be given me to
use any means that may be necessary
for the protection Of our seamen and
our people in the prosecution of their
peaceful and legitimate errands on
the high seas"
President Wilson left the White
House at 1880 p. m to go to the
Capitol. With him were Mrs. Wilson.
Secretary Tumulty and Col. w. w.
Harts, his military aide.
Mrs. Boiling, Mrs. wilson's mother,
and other White House guests left in
another car for the Capitol.
Crowds Gather Early.
Despite the fact. that the general
public had little advance knowledge
that TIE President intended to come
before Congress today. the crowds be-
gan to assemble about the House
wing of the Capitol before noon.
Somehow the news spread that Mr..
Wilson would make another appear
ance before Congress and take the
fateful next STEP in the German con-
troversy.
Members of the House themselves
did not hear OF the Presidents inten-
tions until this morning. There i'm
mediately began the usual ticket
scramble. admittance TO the galleries
again being by ticket only.
Joseph ]. Sinnott, doorkeeper of the
House and ticket distributor, was the
most worried man, about the House.
ATanahare haGFaoad n md
another for extra tickets, the allow
ance of lone to a member" apparent
" being totally inadequate for the
average legislator.
Prevents Special FayOrs.
The limited seating capacity OF the
galleries, however, prevented special
favors and the best a member with a
large family could do was to hope for
q ticket from some bachelor colleague
who hadn't a constituent in town.
The lower floors of the House end
became congested shortly after noon,
Groups of curious persons, denied ad-
mission to the floors above, stood
about the entrance of the building
and awaited the arrival of President
Wilson. The police precautions were
unusually strict and a large number
of Capitol policemen and plain
clothes men patrolled the corridors
ard stood about the entrances to
hold the onlookers in check.
Congressman Kitchin. the major
fly leader, presented the resolution
for the joint session as soon as the
House convened today. The legisla-
tors did not know on Saturday that
Mr.. Wilson intended to come to the
Capitol today, and the joint resolu-
tion was prepared and adopted on