New Britain herald., 1917-01-03
Debate on Endorsement of Note.

oldISS MAKE SuC1 a move.
Debate on Endorsement of Note.
Washington, Jan. 3.-Debate was
resumed in the senate today on the
question whether endorsement should
be given to President Wilson'S action
in dispatching note to the beliger-
ents suggesting a discussion of peace
terms by them as proposed in Sen
ator fIitchcock's resolution Action
had been postponed until today owing
to opposition from republican sem
ators, who contended that it should
be referred to foreign relations COM
m1ttee for careful consideration. They
were expected to insist upon thorough
debate in case Senator Hitchcock per-
sists in his demand for a vote with
out reference to a committee.
Lodge Attacks Bernstorff.
During the senate debate Senator
Lodge attacked German ambassador,
Count Bernstorff, for giving out
newspaper statement publicly approx
ing the note.
''It is hardly to be wondered at, with
such statement as that from the
German ambassador" said Senator
misinterpretation of the notes general
belief that it was designed and timed
. so as to help Germany in attaining O.
peace upon the terms she desires to
impose"
Action on Senator Hitchcock's reso-
luton to have the senate endorse
President Wilson's peace note was
again deferred today after long
debate.
Senator Hitchcock carefully avoided
reference to these portions of the
Presidents note which might provoke
controversy.
II realize there may be two opin-
ions as to some of the presidents
suggestions, but L do not see how
there can be two opinions on simple
proposition that in the interest of
humanity and civilization this coun-
try has appealed to nations at war
to state terms upon which peace
might be made
Senator Hitchcock said there was
recent precedent for the presidents
| action. and referred to former Presi-
dent Roosevelt's peace overtures to
end the o-Japanese war.
eff it was important for humanity
and civilization that Russia and
tor Hitchcock, chow much more i'm
portant for humanity and civilization
| to seek the end of the present war?
How much greater at the present time
when all civilization Is in danger and
| when the existence of neutral nations
| is becoming difficult and at most I'M
! possible?
''The senate is charged with great
| responsibility. 1t is the one great
! executive body in the world charged
| with the right to speak on interna-
| tional affairs with the president I
sincerely hope the resolution will have
the support of this great body"
| Hoke Smith Enters Debate.
Senator Hoke Smith, democrat.
also urged immediate consideration
| Of there solution.
cit only approves and strongly en-
dorses the presidents action in send
/ ing the note asking that terms be
stated by the belligerents,' said he.
There can be no step toward peace
without such statement from either
! side.
Neutral nations have the right to
express themselves
Our rights have been disregarded.
| We have protested, but we have not
/ cOntem plaledA becoming party TO the
war; I feel sure
/ Senator Borah, republican, inter-
rupted to say that Germany has re-
piled to the presidents note and the
allies reply is probably on the way.
| What possible good can be accom-
plished by. the senate's resolution %
! he asked
''It would be an expression by the
senate of the United States of an
| earnest desire that negotiations for
| peace continue and that peace be
! brought about replies Senator Smith
"The presidents note,'' said Senator
Borah, "distinctly states that it is not
a proposal Of peace sr an offer Of
mediation but simply a request for
terms. And the answers on the way"
Can't Expect Quick Acquiescencc.
Senator Hitchcock replied that
| Russia's first response to President
/ Roosevelt's overtures We're adverse
and the president then made a per-
, sonal appeal to the czar
I'VE cannot expect the warning ma
| tions to rush into this opening Ser
| ator Hitchcock declared I'VE have
|