New Britain herald., 1917-01-24
CUMMINS' PLAN TO DEBATE ON SPEECH
 PUT 0N CALENDAR
Senate Debates Resolution for Two Hours and Then
 Decides Against It
OPPONENTS NOT FRIENDS
 OF WILSON, AUTHOR SAYS

OF WILSON, AUTHOR SAYS Senator Stone Insinuates Io>van Has,
 ti1y Fathered Project in. Order to
 Secure Publicity-Believes Adoption
 Of Resolution Would Result in
 Beneficial Effect.
 Washington, Jan. /de- bate on his resolution for weeks dis cusslon in the senate of President Wilson's peace address, Senator Cum mins said the presidents suggestions were the most important ever made by a chief executive of the United States, and right or wrong, the sen- ate owed it to the country to set aside time for full discussion of the issues involved.
 When Senator Cummins called up his resolution Senator Brandegee of Connecticut insisted upon a quorum, saying: This matter touches upon one of the most important subjects that has ever been before the United States senate.'
 When a call brought the required quorum of members, Senator Cum- mins resumed.
 q have no disposition to speak at length upon the resolution" Senator Cummins said. T hope sincerely that we may be able to reach a vote upon it before the morning hour comes to i a close. It will be observed that the ] resolution does not permit a discus l sion at this time. I will do what I can 1 do to hold the debate to the point at l issue. What is it? It is this: Ought l the senate, on some day in the near | future, do the country the justice of 1 informing the people and advising the president of our views concerning policy of the most vital importance to which he has told us he is about to commit his government?
 Emphasizes Importance.
 "For the proper discussion of the resolution it matters not whether tiio president is right or wrong. 1n<e1tner case his communication is the most important made by a chief eXecutlVe of the United States. He so regards , it. The whole country so looks upon 1 it and foreign nations so accept 1t. l He has come to the senate frankly | and boldly, and, assume, With all sim 1 cerity, saying that he owed it to us to 1 disclose to us the purpose in his mind. l Why did he owe it to us to disclose | without reserve the thought and pur- 1 poses in his mind?'
 Senator Cummins said the presi- l dent himself answered that question | when he referred to the senate as "a council associated with me- in inter- national affairs.
 Are we to sit dumb under this ap- peal?" asked the senator.
 'The time to vote it is true, has not l arrived, but is the council to remain silent while public opinion is forn- ing and public judgment is being en- tered?
 Opponents Not True Friends.
 "I have no authority to speak for the president, but I am bound to be- lieve these who oppose this resolr- ticn are not his true friends. It must be he desires and expects the freest and fullest debate upon the issue he has raised. What value are we as council if we lock our lips and allow him to go his way. I do not know whether any senator here intends to vote in opposition to this resolutlon--, hope there is not. But If there be any one who does, I ask him to reflect moment for it seems to me opposition 1 means a doubt respecting either the sincereity orr courage of the presl- dent.
 "1f we are not to render an opln- ion in response to his invitation IL means that he chose the senate as conduit through which to pass the new doctrine to the ministers or 1or- eign affairs of the world and the newspapers or as a setting for beau- tiful picture skilfully painted. haru- lv believe any one will put the presl- dent in the position of having so fla yrantly misused the provisions or the senate Or else it means thao lle s one of these unhappy persons "ho feel safer in company Where ne alone is armed and can fear no shots save his alone. l am not chailenSl'S either the sincerity or the courage oI the chief executive" he eXplamcf.
 .Jf there ever was a time when that .d,tv conmanded-to give to the world and to the country the honest oninion of the senate upon proposals hat affect the integrity Of the na- tion the peace of the world and the I,nniness of mankind--it is now. Tie
 (Continued on Ninth PaGe)