Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-27
Evidence of Opposition

"A similar Dill Will be CONSIDERED to-
committee. The Presidents long OK
pected action while received in the
main with expressions of support
threatens to force an extra session of
Congress. Republicans, disinclined to
grant blanket authority while Con-
gress is in recess, give evidence of op-
posing the legislation the President
ing it but to force him to have Con-
gress in special session to take a hand
in the next steps which they feel will
lead to war. The Republicans are re-
ceiving passive support from the Dem
ocratic elemen. classed as pacifist.
Fear German Interpretation
The Presidents advisers deplore this
situation for its effect in Germany
where they are convinced, it will feed
the official impression that Congress
will not support the President if he
finds it necessary to go to war and
that he is not speaking the sentiments
of q united country
The Presidents request for author
ity to cause other instrumentalities"
is the principal sticking point. Even
the Republicans and some OF the Dem
ocrats who hesitate to give him what
he asks say they would be willing TO
give him authority to arm American
ships or act on a definite proposal, but
are reluctant to sign blank check.
The administration faces this divis-
ion in it's own ranks in its efforts to
convince the German Emperor that the
United States now is preparing to en-
force respect for it's rights on the high
seas.
Claims Power Already
The Democrats point to the Presi-
dents own statement in his address
today that he considered he already
had power to act and might do so
without sanction of Congress. Presi-
dent Wilson said, however, he prefer
red not to act on implications and did
not desire to be left without specific
authority and now Congress to which
to turn All these things point toward
an extra session, although way out
may develop at the last moment.
Although President Wilson told Con-
gress he was not acting because of the
long feared covert act" news of the de-
struction of the Cunard liner Laccnia
with Americans aboard was received here
as he was entering the doors of the cap
itol and was passed from mouth to
mouth through Congress while he was
speaking. Lacking details. it's serious
ness could not be estimated, but it was
apparent everywhere that it gave weight
to the Presidents words then falling upon
a body of grave, silent legislators. assem-
bled before him in a sombre moment of
American history weighing the declara-
tons which may lead the United States
to war.
Rights Of Peace
But the President made it clear that
America was asking to exercise none but
the rights of peace; that he was not pro-
posing nor contemplating war. He was
thinking, he said, of the right of life It
self, the rights of humanity without
which there is no civilization" rights
deeper and more fundamental than mere
ly the rights of Americans.
mo course of my choosing nor of
theirs" said the President will lead to
war. War can come only by the wllful
acts and aggressions of others"
Standing at the clerks desk in the hall
of the House. calm. grave. speaking earn
estly in the attitude now become IA
miliar. the President delivered his address
while Congress sat in a tense silence.
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