The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-02-28
Extra Session Looms Large
in View of Graver
Situation. Z
REPUBLICANS SHOW
SIGNS OF SWITCH
More Inclined to Back the
Executive Than to Fight
Blanket Authority.
STEPS ARE TAKEN FOR
BREAK WITH AUSTRIA
Diplomatic and Consular
Officers Get Instructions
to Leave Empire.

|
| WASHINGTON, Feb. 27.-Cnder the
impetus of the sinking of the steamer
l,aconia with the loss OF American
lives decisive action by the United
, states Government short of war to
meet the peril of German submarines
was brought definitely nearer to-day.
| The President after conference
with Secretary Lansing made 1t clear
that the sinking of the Laconia consti-
tutes the clear cut overt act for which
he has been waiting. 1t is looked
upon as convincing evidence of the de-
termination OF the German Govern
ment to carry on it's submarine war;
fare to the limit Of ruthlessness and a
challenge to the United States to de.
fend its rights and protect the lives Of
its citizens upon the SEAS
The Senate Committee on FOREIGN
Relations agreed to report a bill giving
the President the authority which he
asked-even more than he asked--to
protect American rights upon the high
seas.
The measure goes beyond the Flood
bill, introduced in the House. in pro-
Viding for the armirE Of merchant
vessels fore and aft in defence against
unlawful attack.
May BE a Vote Thursday.
The bill has yet TO run the gantlet
OF the Senate, where a flibuster by
Senator La Toilette Is threatened. and
| House M
Gernan elements are still In a bellger-
ent mood. But the ardor OF their oppo-
stion to-day cooled appreciably in the
race OF the destruction OF the IAacona
ard may disappear altogether before the
fate OF the bill is determined A vote
IL not expected on the measure before
Thursday
Efforts made in the House Commit
tee on Foreign Affairs to emasculate the
pill by excluding from its provisions
ships carrying ammunition and contra
band of war were unavailiny Chair.
man Flood made the statement that tho
blil would be reported virtually without
change.
y As the bill agreed upon by the Senate
committee meets with the entire ap-
proval Of the President II il probabe
! mat tho issue In Congress will be ioined
upon that measure in both houses
facinsts In and out Of congress and
those whose sympathics are with tn.
Central Powers have not abandoned
their activities. The threats of tilibuster
To force an extra session OF Congress
are still made detibntly William :,
Bryan is Fastening to tho capitai to-
: night from Florida with ths announced
lhtcntlon of throwing his influence I'm
: the balance to defeat the intention Of
: the President
: Th" possibility 80 an extra session
s'll looms large and predictions ar,
| y.
, Congress at hand. There are indica-
tons. however. that the Republicans
> who insisted upon holding check upon
the President are waNering and the con-
, v,c'ion that he will take the intermediate
step of arminr merchant ships before
proceeding 10 more warlikr moves in
growing More trouble is likely to be
encountered from the pacilists, who are
eSerting themselves to tho utmost to
, prevent any action that might be provoc-
atve OF war, even the arming OF mer-
. chant vessels for defensive purposes IL
ammunition CARRYING ships are not dis.
criminated against.
= Presidcnt's Intentions.
There was no indication tonight that
D In view of the sinking OF the Laconia
= the President contempateS again going
= before Congress with further sugges-
= tions of action to meet the submarine
crisis. IL 10 regarded as probable that
he will content himself with the arming
;. of merchantmen II Congress gives him
I that authority.
= Even this course Is looked upon with
some misgiving by naval officers, who
doubt It's effectiveness. II the German
! submarines are able 20 single out their
prey under cover of darkness, AS was
| done I'm the case OF the Cunarder La
= coma. for the first time 20 far as the
records disclose. any number of guns
/ on merchant vessels would afford no de-
II fence
II guns are mounted, moreover. their
u value will depend on the promptness
with which they are brought into play.
Consequently the arminx OF the ships is
y regarded as a warlike move. made 90
< right of vessels to protect themselves
against acts of piracy.
i II Congress acts tn uphold the hands
Of the President some tImo must olapse
: before American ships can be equipped
a to run the submarine santlet The
y guns will be provided, hut they must ~
mounted The providing Of expert gun.
b ncrs will draw heavily upon the navy,
=. which stands much IN need of them.
IL Complete arrangt tments for the with
= nIhwal of American diplomatic and con.
s sular officers C,om \Us'lli-hung ,ry
e have been made by Ambassador renileld
lie on Instructions from the State Depart.
,e ment II was learned TODAY that the
It Ambassador had been dire cted to tax,
this step. the belief at the Department.