Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1917-04-05
FIERY SPEECHES

| we are al american ElllEtuo OF RANK
Of quality, whether that citizenship be
lately acquired OF whether il be that by
birthright and that in the defense of
our flag and country we recognize no
distinction OF wealth or position; and
that we shall be guided in our actions
with the one common thought of Wet
ory."
Representative Cooper, Stafford, of
Wisconsin, and Britton. Of Chicago, be-
gan the paeifist opposition to the bill
during Flood 5 speech.
7 They asked il the president, when
seeking armed neutrality had not stated
he did not want war
"We are net going to defend an arm
ed or any sort of neutrality" Flood re-
torted. "We are going to fight"
Cooper Shows His Hand.
"Didn't Great Britain 5 mines sink
the Evelyns" Cooper asked
"Great Britain has not taken an Am
erican life during the war," said Flood.
''The Evelyn was sunk by a German
mine, in German field near the Ger
man coast
When Cooper began for the pacifists,
he indicated there may be more than
dozen speeches against the war meas
ures. He said l6 men had asked him
for time. Most of them, it was thought,
opposed the bill.
Cooper explained that he had lost his
glasses and could not see his speech.
Other members interrupted him to pro-
vide speetaeles. This, however, did not
deter him from delivering his pacifist
address. He presented a communication
from Secretary Lansing saying that no
Americans had perished in the sinking
of the Sussex.
"But the president said that several
Americans went to the bottom of the
English channel when the Sussex sank, >"
continued Cooper cit is not time that
we have accuracy of statement from the
president of the United States"
He declared England had prevented
her citizens from travelling the seas
while the United States had let her wo
men and children ride ON any ships.
Says He is Slandered
81 have been called pacifist, ~
Cooper said, "and with that it is said 1
am opposed to protecting American
lives. 1 voted for all the preparedness
measures. This campaign of slander
Cooper expressed himself as opposed
to any war, except in defense, and then
in defense of something worth defend
ing. He doubted that the question of
American rights to travel on ships was
right over which the nation should
60 to war.
"Germany made no absolute subma-
rine PROMISES" Cooper said of the Teu-
ton note that averted war months ago.
90 She made only conditional promise
and the state department knew it..
Cooper s speech was continually in
terrupted by the loss OF his glasses
Members took turns handing him nose
spectacles, goggles and steel trimmed
glasses of all descriptions. Cooper con
tended that the administration had not
been as insistent upon its rights in deal
ing with England
American if War Comes.
"When war comes we must all stand
united,' Cooper said in conclusion,
" but l shall not vote to plunge this ma
tion into war"
Representative Harrison declared
Cooper's speech would have been fitting
for the reichstag.
Representative Britton, Illinois, Of
fered am amendment TO the state of war
resolution, preventing the use of Ameri-
can military forces in Europe, without
orders from congress.
A near clash was precipitated when
Britten declared seventy-five per cent
of the house did not want to vote for
the resolution.
"Why not give their names?" Repre-
sentative Harrison shouted.
Representative Foss, Illinois, declar
ed that the German boys of America
will stand as Loyalty by the flag as an
American.
"We Torego our rights as a govern
ment if we don't defend it-and our
IGerman-American citizens will do their
part, - he said.
"We have borne with Germany to the
! limit of our patience. All we want is
our just rights on the sea. The time
has come for us to strike.
Igo Supports 1t.
Representative Igoe, Missouri declar-
cd he would oppose to the utmost any
amendment to the resolution that
might in the slightest degree "give
solace to the enemy
Representative Mason, Illinois, begin
ming his speech, announced he is cop,
posed to a declaration of war and shall
so vote.
"fUnder international law" he con
tinued, "thc imperial German govern
ment has given us no cause for war.
81 do not question the patriotism OF
you who want war;, said Mason, Csc
don't question mine. don't want tC
) give million boys to be butehered il
Europe"
Representative Goodwin, Arkansas
speaking for the resolution, declared
that England after the war can pa.
for any damage American property ma,
have suffered at her hands.
"But Germany can never repay II
for the human lives the kaiser has TAX
en-, he said,
Kitchin Against It.
Majority Leader Kitehin, in openin
spoke OF the insinuations of cowardic
. and disloyalty against those who oppos
the bill. -
"'Let me remind you, he continued
"that it takes neither moral nor phys
zeal courage to declare war for other
. to fight. -