New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-04-26
Count Shows Speaker Can
not Garry Body Against
SeIective System
His Son to Volunteer
Speech Moves older Members
to Tears-Watterson
Sends Warning

Washington, April 25.-Champ Cl1rNr
Sneaker Of the House Of Representa-
tives. tried to beat the selective dratt
system of raising an army to-day AMI
palpably failed.
There was thunderous applause dur
ing his speech in the House. There
was long continued demonstration
when he concluded But it was APP
parent that the applause was really
for Champ CLARK, and not for ms
arguments.
A little quiet nose counting during
the day by a group OF members dis
closed, according TO their reports, that
about one-half Of the Democrats
would vote for and one-half against
conscription. The Republican side
will save the Presidents plan by 'ot-
ing above two-thirds for conscrip'iol.
This was very much Of a surprise,
since the detection of Speaker Clark
ordinarily would have had more
serious effect.
In the Senate most OF the dav vas
given over to long speech by Sena-
tor Reed. of Missouri. who read 'ele-
grams from militia officers in many
states declaring they had been re-
ouired b. the War Department to stop
recruiting. otherwise they would
shortly fill their regiments to full war
strength.
Vote May Come Saturday
An effort BY Chairman Chamberlain
of tho Military Committee 10 get
unanimous consent agreement fer n
vote disclosed that there will bc no
vote for some time. On the NiccPr,s-
ident's desk is n long list of Senator'S
who wish 10 be recognized for re.
marks. Senator La Toilette is expect
cd to make a long speech against the
selective draft either tomorrow or
Friday The vote may come on Sat
urday, although il is not expected un-
I'll some time next week.
Senator Chamberlain appealed TO the
Senate for speed. urging that the whole
system Of national defence was hang
ing in the air until Congress decided on
the method of raising the army.
But the high spot in to-day's debate
was in the House and centred around
the attack on conscription by Speaker
Clark. When he concluded. after an
hour and half. with the offer of his
son. Rennett Clark. as volunteer,
older members OF the House made no
concealment Of the fact that handker-
chiefs were necessary. They alternat
cd rebel yells with dsbs at streaming
eyes.
Mr.. Clark varied The recital Of the
triumph Of American volunteers b.
quoting from books written by colonies
in the British army before the present
war exposed British unpreparedness.
The general tenor OF their comment
was that volunteer was worth two or
three conscripts.
None Questioned Speaker
rose to ask the Speaker if those same
men favored the volunteer system now.
and what was the opinion of the com
handing generals Of the British army
now. as testified by Lieutenant General
Bridges in Washington yesterday.
The Speaker pleaded that young men
be given an opportunity TO offer their
services voluntarily.
II protest with all my heart and
mind and soul" he shouted against
having the SUR Of being a conscript
placed upon the men Of Missouri. SO
far a Missourians are concerned there
is precious little difference between a
conscript end convict"
The Speaker made a defence of Con-
gressmen who in the face Of attack
nave stood by the volunteer plan.
For several years. he said. there
has beer systematic effort 20 belittle,
deprecate ard minimize the American
volunteer. I resent such in the name
Of the brave men who gave Us our
freedom and who have maintained it"
Speaker Clark then announced that
his son, who is House parliamentarian
was going into the army ain any capac-
ity in which he can be useful, either as
an officer or a private"
81 hope and pray" said he, that he
may go into battle, not by the side of
the slackers and loafers whom the ad-
vocates of this bill say they desire to
reach, but shoulder to shoulder with
free men who serve gladly. willingly,
to fight for the honor. the safety and
the perpetuity of this Republic"
Warning from Watterson
Representative Sherley. of Kentucky,
who replied TO Speaker Clark, read a
telegram Henry Watterson. of THE
Louisville Courier-Journal," had sent
to Speaker Clark declaring the volun-
teer system was a relic OF the past
and that his vote against CONSUMPTION
would weaken mis- usefulness to the
country.
Sherley declared that modern scien
tifc warfare made the draft system
necessary to obtain the best results
from the whole citizenry.
THE fact 70 keep in mind here to-
day" he said, SIS that We are spokes-
men for the nation and not for the in
dividual. The need OF the nation and
not the wishes OF the individual is
paramount"
M;ssen,ri Eavnrs Conscrintion: