New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-28
Presidents Bill Amended to
Authorize Aiming of
American Ships
Would Dispense with
Executive Sanction
Chairman Stone Defeated in
Fight Against Making
Measures Definite
from The Tribune Bureau


Washington, Feb. 27.-President
Wilson probably will get all that he
asked of Congress, and perhaps a
little more, in the way of power to
sct in the German crisis. In addl-
ton it is likely that American ship
owners may get the power to defend
themselves, without action by the
President.
A bill introduced this afternoon by
Senator Stone, as report from the
Foreign Relations Committee, con-
tains amendments which, in the view
of one Republican Senator, make 1t
so per cent stronger than the draft
which the President himself offered.
One amendment to the Presidents
draft authorizes the commanders
and crews of American vessels to
arm and "to defend such vessels
against unlawful attack" leaving no
discretion on this point to the Presi-
dent. The other amendment, offered
by Senator Lodge, provides that the
defensive" guns on merchantmen
shall be placed "fore and aft"
Won't Wait for Wilson
The Presidents bill merely pro-
v;ded that he might arm the mer-
chant ships should il in his judg-
ment become necessary" Under the
Presidents bill ships might never
have been armed, while under the
bill as amended, the ships may arm
and defend themselves, without his
moving a finger.
Chairman Stone led strong right
against these strengthening amend
ments, and was joined by Senators
O'Gorman and Hitchcock. Demo-
Gratis, and William Alden Smith, Re-
publican. All the other Senators
voted for the amendments adopted.
Wanted to Weaken 1t
Not only did Mr.. Stone oppose the
strengthening amendment. he fought
to introduce a weakening amendment
One point of this would prevent the
use of United States navy men to man
the guns of merchant ships, and the
other would prevent the armihg or con-
vcying of ships carrying any "munl-
tions of war or other supplies for de-
livery to the armed forces of bellig-
erent nation engaged in war with
another nation with which the United
States is at peace"
When the final draft of the bill was
introduced by Mr.. Stone at the direc-
ton of the committee Senator La Fol-
lette blocked its immediate reference
back to the committee by objecting to
its second reading. This is most un-
usual course, as most bills are read
the second time and referred to COM
mittee Immediately on their introduc-
ton. The possibility of one-man fill
buster ag, inst the bill by Mr.. La Fol-
let.., 1e Is the only obstacle In the
bills path.
"I shall study over the bill and de-
,ermine my course" Mr.. La Toilette
said tonight.
More Amendments Planned
n, the Senate floor amendments VIII
he offered by Senator Stone and others
weakening the bill, and by Senator
Rorah and others strengthening the
bill. the betting ODDS being in Iavor oil
II remaining about as it is.
Republican, members OF the rouse
Foreipn Affairs Committee proved op-
GENEROUS when the Presidents Dill
was taken up, as did three Democratic;
members -Huddleston, pronounced
nacifist; Shackleford, whose tendency
toward panic precipitated the wave OF
foar during the McLemore resolution
,roublc a wear ago, and Ragsdale, who,
curiouslv enough, recently took over
the unexpired lease on william j: Dry
ans late Washington home. Chairman
Flood announced, however, that the
House would certainly vote on the res
olntion in some form before ADJOURN
ment tomorrow night,
Postmaster General Burleson was at
the Foreign Affairs Committee rooms
~ both ends of the Capitol during the
day. l.
clsred afterward. land there will be
no extra session"
May Avoid Extra Session
IL became manifest at the Capitol to-
dav that President Wilson will not be
forced into calling an extra session Of
Congress at this time, whether the
power he has asked is granted or not.
Chairman Stone Of the Foreign Rela-
tions Committee, following that COM
mittees action in drafting the bill,
pointed out that the President has
virtually all the power il confers, as
evidenced by the Presidents own state
ment to Congress, while so far as the
appropriation bills are concerned the
President could easily wait until late
in June, just before the expiration OF
the fiscal year. before calling Congress.