New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-29
They Indicate Sympathy for
"Wilful Twelve Norris
Draws Cheering Crowds
Mild Programme in
Congress Discussed
Members Heretofore lager
for Vigorous Action lnAu-
enced by Constituents
By STEVENSON v. EVANS

Washington. March 2S.-The para
graphs which follow appear somewhat
unrelated. Some Of them concern fact,
some opinion. some only conjecture.
But taken together they make up a
picture Of the state of mind in Wash
ington. and included in them are the
developments Of the day;
The war party in the Cabinet is IN
the dark as to what the President IN
tends to do or whether he is inclined
10 accept any feature Of its programme.
Reports alarming TO the President
are coming in from the Middle West,
indicating sympathy for the "wilful
twelve" Senator Norris, one OF the
twelve. is said 10 be drawing cheering
crowds
Senator Stone, OF Missouri, chairman
Of the Foreign Relations Committee -
from whom it has proved Impossible TO
1raw admission or denial-is reported
10 be ready 10 fight against declara-
ton of a state of war. He Will nave
at least seven Senator'S with him. He
has determined upon course o! acton
which will carry him to the outer bor-
der of loyalty, and William Jennings
Bryan is cheering him on and seeking
adherents for his side.
Unless the Germans develop a mod
ern Pesuregard to fire upon another
Sumter. President Wilson will hardly
reach the point OF urging upon Con-
eress an uneouivocal declaration of war
against Germany.
Difference Is Slight
But the difference between declara-
tion of way and a declaration Of state
Of war is more or less an ABSTRACTION
Members of the Foreign Affairs Com
mittee 81 the House and Senator'S from
whom under ordinary circumstances
eYact knowledge Of the Presidents IN
tentiors might be expected are inclined
% believe that Mr. Wilson expects from
Congress:
k simple recognition Of the fact that
Germany has committed hostile acts
against the United States.
An authorization 20 the President OF
the. power 10 use the land and naval
forces OF The United States in the de-
fence Of American rights.
A bianket appropriation o. money.
A comparatively quick adjournment.
Thus-to use the slang current in the
House Office Building the buck would
he nassed back 10 the President. The
situation would oe almost as il Is now.
There is a growing element III Con
e,ess. the members OF when heretofore
have been eager for vigorous action
a@aiust Germany, who now would be
content If they were sure, war having
been recognized. that the President
vould proceed to get the co1ntt. ready
See What Is in Store
These men mostly live in the Middle
West and are influenced by their con-
.tituencies. bu: they have vision
enough to see what is in store unless
,he United States becomes strong
crough to resist violation Of its rights
Ore of them said to-day:
"Uncle Sam may have to get oIoody
nose before he really takes of his coat.
Ny people are not awake to the situa-
ten will do anything the Preslden
wants if only / can be assured ne
means to prepare the army and navy
q, they ought TO be prepared:
Congress viii convene Monoay al
The House will be organized by the
Democrats.
The President will address the body
n Joint session probably on Nednes-
day. possibly on Tuesday.
clo,ol uouae has neen mere to-day.