Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1917-03-28
WILSON TALKS
OF II Rec PLANS
TO MEET ISSUE
Senator Hitchcock Has Long
Conference With President
Prior to Meeting Of
the Cabinet.
WILL SEE OTHER LEADERS
Republicans Consider Provi-
sional Organization for
Handling War Measures.
MEN FOR MARINE CORPS

washington, MdlIH EI.-I lSSluCll
Wilson was represented today as
still having an open mind on exactly
what steps he will recommend to
congress when it meets in special ses-
sion next week, although the pre-
ponderance of official opinion is that
he should ask for a declaration that
state of war exists between the
United States and Germany.
Prior to a cabinet meeting at which
details of preparedness measures
were discussed, Senator Hitchcock.
member of the senate foreign rela-
tons committee, discussed the situa-
ton with the president. Afterward
he outlined the following three
courses which he believed open to
congress:
Passage OF resolution endorsing
steps already taken by the president
to place the United States in state
OF armed neutrality and authorizing
further preparedness moves;
Adoption of resolution declaring
that a state of war exists between the
United States and Germany; and
Adoption of a declaration of war
against Germany.
Sentiment of the West.
Senator Hitchcock said there was
undoubtedly sentiment in the west for
taking the first OF the three instead
OF declaring war or declaring that a
state OF war exists.
Other advisers Of the president,
taking the view that the best step
to take is a declaration that a state
Of war exists, are examining prece-
dents in order to map out the best
course to pursue. The general ex-
pectation is that in the end the reso-
luton adopted when the United States
went to war with Mexico will be fol-
lowed closely in the present situation.
That resolution reeited repeated acts
Of aggression on the part OF Mexico
against the United States,
Will See Other Leaders.
The president is not expected to
put his message to congress into final
shape until Just before delivering it.
In the meantime he will confer with
congressional leaders.
Senator Hitchcock made it clear
that he went to the White House OH
his own initiative and said that he
knew nothing yet Of the plans OF
Chairman Stone OF the foreign rela-
tions committee for action in adj
vance of the meeting of congress.
Organization of House.
Representative Madden, chairman
of republican committee created in
the last congress to consider and
recommend party policies in the new
house, telegraphed today that he will
not reach Washington before Satuf-
day. Progressive republicans want
an earlier conference and movement
was started for a meeting before Sat-
urday. Notwithstanding Chairman
Madden's absence.
1t will consider a proposal for a
provisional house organization for
consideration Of war measures and
bills and the question
of pushing the fight for republican
control afterwards.
Men for Marine Corps.
The United States marine corps
needs more than 1000 men 10 fill u
its ranks to war strength of l7400.
Explaining that the present author
lied maximum strength OF the ma
rine corps was l4,98l men, Secretary
Daniels said that more than $4,000
additional men would have to be re-
cruited to give the navy the $1,000
bluejackets and the marine corps the
increases sought.
Every step that is possible to in
crease the navy personnel has now
been taken except tlie calling out OF
the naval militia. This arm OF the
service will be needed, it is said, to
assist in manning new vessels.
Secretary Baker "Enlists."
Newton d. Baker, present occupa-
tion, secretary of war;" formally en-
rolled himself today as an alumnus
of Johns Hopkins university, who is
ready to place his personal services
at the disposal OF the government in
any capacity in which they might be
needed.
The enrolment blank, sent out by
all colleges in all effort TO list trained
men available for duty as a measure
of national preparedness, reached Mr..
Bakers desk in routine way and
,,,, GLAD 40. e;-,aJ ,.l