The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1917-04-11

Mr.. Kitchin also announced that he
would give the Democratic caucus an
opportunity to decide if it desired to
depose him as House leader. While
a large majority Of the Democrats
disagreed with his opposition to the
war resolution, the general feeling is
that he has voted his convictions and
now that he is willing to take charge
Of the war measures, he is not open to
attack.
Great Surprise.
Great surprise was expressed by
Mr.. Kitchin over any question. being
raised as to his being willing to push
the war measure through the House.
He never had any intention of oppos-
ing them once the war resolution
passed, he said.
CHOW that the resolution has pass
ed, certainly am yilling to take
charge of the measures and push
them through" said he. 4 cannot
understand why it ever has been in
timated that l would be unwilling to
take charge Of the bill. / expressed
my willingness in my address % the
House and l wish to reiterate it now"
Belief was gencl al in congressional
circles that all the so-called pacifist
factions would join with Mr.. Kitchin
in support Of the measures.
Despite Kitchin's announced will
| ingness to father the administrations
war revenue measures as the chair
man of the ways and means commit
tee, several of his friends express be-
lief that he probably will oppose uni
versal military service and training.
Opposed to Draft Feature.
Efforts to break down opposition to
the draft feature of the proposed
army bill were continued today by
President Wilson. He arranged to
sec Representative Anthony, of Kan
sas, Republican member of the
House military committee, and an op-
ponent of conscription, and to explain
how strongly he believes the United
States should not apply the volunteer
system in raising big army for use
against Germany. He made a similar
personal appeal yesterday to Chair
man Dent, of the military department
who does not favor conscription.
There was considerable talk today
of a compromis to be presented by
opponents Of compulsory service, and
although the administration recogniZ-
ed this possibility, no hint was given
that it will recede from it's insistence
on conscription. Chairman Dent de-
clared it would be at least week be-
fore a bill of any sort is reported
from its committee.
Secretary Baker told the House
military committee today that while
the administration bill for new army
by selective conscription authorizes
increase Of the regular troops to
287 900 men, the War Department
does not now propose to take advant-
age Immediately Of all these mere
ments and that only 2O3 900 regulars
now were contemplated.
Secretary Baker in general reiter-
ated his unyiclding view that univer-
sal service was the only method of
producing an adequate army for the
war with Germany.
Senator's on COnscriptiOn.
81 have very grave apprehension
respecting this idea of conscription,
as to whether it will appeal to the
people of the United States," said
Senator Gallinger, the Republican
leader. 81 do not know, however, if
we can raise a volunteer army unless
we emulate Canada in paying our SOL
diers"
Senators Thomas, of Colorado, and
Vardaman, Of Mississippi, Democrats,
also favored increasing the pay of SOL
diers, and advocated voluntary re-
cruiting.
AS means to stimulate recruiting
the Senate agreed to an amendment
to the army appropriations bill offered
by Senator Hitchcock authorizing the
Secretary Of War to accept gratu-
tious services of a publicity agency
and also space from newspapers and
magazines for advertising for re-
cruits. Another amendment also au-
thorized the Secretary to pay for ad-
vertising services and space.
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