Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-03
WAR DRAWS NEARER
CONTINUED from Page One)
Three Propositions


He was careful not to specify what
he had in his own mind but invited
discussion Of three propositions:
To break off diplomatic relations
with Germany at once and deliver AM
bassador Won Bernstorff's passports
tomorrow.
To delay action until some overt act
has been committed against the rights
Of the United States.
To redefine the position Of the Unit
ed States as outlined all through the
submarine controversy with final
warning that an offense means dip
lomatic break.
The sentiment Of a large majority
of the senators was against the last
course.
Senator Stones Position
Senator Stone and Senator Lewis
favored assuming that Germany did
not intend to invade American rights.
but were for meeting any such inva-
sion with an immediate severance OF
relations. Other senators were so con-
fident that Germany's new war zone
proclamation meant invasion Of Amer
lean rights that they favored breaking
off relations Immediately.
Still without disclosing what decis-
ion, if any. he lad reached the Pres
dent left the Capitol suggesting to
senators that there should be nights
reflection and some action by word or
deed before Monday. He returned to
the White House to give further con-
sideration to the problem.
1t was said that no joint session OF
Congress tomorrow to enable the Presi-
dent to make an address was discussed.
During the day it had been made Gle n
that no communication had gone forwar
to Germany nor had Ambassador Gerard
been given instructions to inform tn:
government of the state of feeling il,
the United States. That of course has
been done through the German embassy,
which continues to express the firm con-
viction that there is little hope Of avoid
ing a diplomatic break.
President Wilson'S every action
throughout the day was predicated on his
belief that the United States faces the
most serious crisis in its history.
One of the thoughts in the minds of the
President and his advisers is that the
action of the United States should be SO
unassailable that it would guide other
neutrals.
President Wilson was boldly told by
most of the - Democratic senators IN
conference with him that the German
declaration was an affront to the United
states and the civilized world and that
any course other than an immediate rup
alat
| "yiewed by the world as cowardlce'
All the senators assured Fresldeh'
Wilson that whatever course ne looh
would be sustained by an unanimous
Senate Senators who participated III
the remarkable conference were stone
Reed. Phelan, Myers, Overman, RAMS
dell. Hoke Smith. Beckham Nardaman
Pittman, Fletcher, Pomerene. Walsh
Lewis and Johnson. South Dakota.
| That no Republican senators attend
ed the conference was due entirely 70
the fact that the President Gi2 not reac!
the capitol until the Senate had recess
ed. The President sent for no one in
particular While Senator Lodge, rank
ing Republican member of the foreign
relations committee, still was in the
Senate when the President arrived, he
did not know Of the purpose OF the con-
ference and left the building.
To Swap Views
At the conclusion of the conference
the President the last to leave, saw the
newspaper correspondents and made a
brief announcement.
"Gentlemen," he said. ~ just came to
swap views. | wanted light and came
here to get it
Tie was asked what would be done and
replied:
That depends on how | feel in the
morning" Then he smiled ana added:
"Of course that remark was only Il
joke" He added that there had been no
suggestion of a joint session of Con-
gress and that he thought no public an
nouncement would be made tonight.
uaasp 1ANus aI~AussaNs