New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-10

amount Of tonnage destroyed. Several
German authorities have indicated that
so long as they could terrorize neutral
vessels and continue their attrition OF
Britishing shipping the eventual starv-
alton Of England was certain.
Still Hoping to Avoid War
The primary purpose of the special
session Of Congress is to enact i'm
portant appropriation bills. After the
Administration has taken the first steps
FOR the protection of American lives
and rights at sea--su supplying arms and
ammunition to American merchant
ships and possibly conveys or destroy
or and chaser patrols along sea lanes
in the forbidden zones it may be con-
sidered advisable to seek Congression-
al action.
In the five weeks intervening be-
tween now and the date Of the speciai
session of Congress much may happen
which will charge present plans of the
Administration. II is known that the
President clings TO his hope that II
will not be necessary to put armed
force anywhere into action" That hope
it is asserted by men believed TO De
in the Presidents confidence, is not
necessarily shattered by arming ships
or patrol=ng zones infested by German
submarines.
President Wilson will hold fast to
n policy Of defence only. But 1t IS
realized that from armed neutrality 10
a state of war is a short step.
Congress Will Not Balk
Because Of the uncertainty about
what may happen in the next five weeks
no plans have been made to present the
old armed neutrality bill to the new
Congress. Probably il will be present
ed: il not the same measure, then
something very like it. And naturally
tho new Congress will be asked to sup
nlv 500 900 900, or more, which appro-
nriation failed along with the old Dill
In the mean time there will be an eX-
ecutive deficiency.
Nobody here doubts that Congress-
when it convenes on April 10. VIII
promptly granS whatever is necessary
for the national defence. The sentlmeII
of the country has been too strongly
indicated to make possible any eHecViNe
opposition. uo,.o -
Representatives is not expected 70 taNe
an unusual length OF time. ChshP
Clark is now a ten-to-one 1aVofite loI
the Sneakership, but the actual power
bah;nd The organization of the House
will he in the hands of coalition OF
Renublicans and Democrats. AS mat
Ter OF fact, under the present clrcum-
stances. with no working majority, the
Renublicans do not care TO accept re-
snonsibility for the lower nraneh OF
Congress. 81,
Uncle Joe Cannon, who is still re-
carded as an oracle, put 1t TINS way
Tonight: whichever side organize,
the next House is going to be sorry
Next Step in Doubt
In+erest here centres in the ques-
ton: When will med neutrali'y DC
succeeded By a state OF war! Inc
his purpose 10 his associates, has by
no means abandoned his purpose OF
'laying afresh and upon new plan
the foundations of peace. lie has
indeed apparently abandoned any nope
Of immediate peace.
The rumors of a possible statement
Of German terms are not yet taken
with any seriousness here. 1t is the
belief of the government Of the United
States, some of its spokesman say, that
the war will last at least one year, ana
possible two years. more.
But the President holds that he can
best safeguard this eountrys interests
bv measures short of war. He has not
abandoned mis- conviction that tnsl and
permanent peace must be peace with
ont victory. If this country actually
becomes a participant in the struggle
the President will be compelled 70
alter his plans. But for the moment
At least il is true 10 say the progress
of this government by it's own act
toward a state OF histilities viii be
extremely slow.