Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-18
WILSON MAY ASK
FOR MORE POWER
IN U-B0AT ISSUE
Expected to Appear Before
Joint Session Of Congress
Prior to Adjournment.
SITUATION DISCUSSED
WITH SENATE MEMBERS
Gives No Suggestion That Decla-
ration of War Is Even Be
ing Considered.
NO DEFINITE PLANS YET MADE
Thinks Steps Taken Should Consti-
tutc Extension OF Further Protec.
ton to American Interests.
no DEFINITE PLANS YET MADE
Thinks Steps Taken Should Consti-
tute Extension OF Further Protec-
ton to American Interests.
fBy Associated Press.1

ST.
WASHINGTON, February 17-Th.
advisability of going before Congress
before the end OF the present session
on March to make certain that he bs
clothed with sufficient power to pro-
tect American lives and property from
German submarine activities was dis
cusscd by President Wilson to-day with
members OF the Senate whom he called
into conference during a brief visit to
the Capitol.
Afterwards it was indicated that the
President had not made up his mind nm
the question but had such a step un-
der consideration because of tho nos
sioiity that after adjournment some
sudden emergency might arise neces-
stating action before Congress could
be called together again.
The suggestion was made that Con-
Eress might be asked to pass a broad
resolution authorizing tho President To
take any necessary measures for the
protection of American rights. and
avoiding specific stipulations as to how
the protection should be afforded II
was indicated that Mr. Wilson re-
matncd as anxious as over to avoid
war and that he gave no suggestion
~
Ercss alone can make. Is even con
sdcred by him at present In conpec
ton with the possibility OF a request
for additional authority
Thc general feeling here has been
that Germanys campaign sooner or
later will lead inevitably to such II vio-
lation Of American rights as will re-
quirc the further action forecast bv
the President in his address, To Con
Eress two weeks ago. The President
Is understood to feel, however that
when the timo comes tho solution out
lined In that address should he fol-
lowed out literally. and the steps taken
should constitute an extension of fur
thcr protection TO American interests
rather than 4 declaration of war.
OFFICIALS MUCH GRATIEIED
At MESSAGE EROM BERN
ohcials were much sratifcd at
message from Bern to-day saying the
American consuls remaining In Ger
many, for whom some concern had
been felt. would depart early next
week. but there was no evidence that
the development would lessen to an
apprcciable degree the tension between
the two countries. 1t has been pointed
out that the overshadowing issue is
the German submarine campaign. and
that any other controversy must be
considered as OF minor consequence
There also WAS much qualification
mere over report from Ambassador
t!kuS. at Constantinoplc. saying that
turkey was arranging TO facilitate tho
departure OF the several hundred Amer
ican refugees at Beirut. Officials re-
Sardcd the news as an indication that
the Ottoman government was dIsposed
no; 10 break with the United States
II II could be avoided. There were NO
developments during the day in the
situation with Austria, but some or
rIlls nov are hopeful that the break
with 'iermany will not be extended TO
any OF her allies,
President Wilson'S visit to the Cant
tol is understood 10 have been nri.
nariiy to discuss with Senator's the
legislative program. With most OF
the Senators seen he did not tall, of
the foreign situation. and the impres
sIon gained ground among some or
them that he did not consider tho
"merScncy any more immediate than
p" did several davs ago.
VI e." President decided 10 go before
congress again before the end 81 tbe
present session. he is expected to point
80 '"c "iSi'talloh OF shipping.
PROVISION FOR NECESSARY
EXPENDITURES TO DE MADE
'"i'fhan simmons. Of The Senate
indncc committee. was one of ,bc
senators who talked with tho prcs;-
deht to-day. and rs a result il Is I'M.
ucrStood that n case congressional No.
''en = tound advisable Il provision FOR
necessary expenditures will also b.
made.
Just before going to The Capitol. the
PRESIDENT visited Secretary Baker a,
the War Department, and. while !,
was thought possible that they dis
'uSSco universal military training. the
secretary would make no statement
fhe report from Bern regarding tho
departure of the Americans In Ger
many said they probably would Ieay.
for Switzerland on Tuesday. II is ~
p"cied that "a large number OF Amer.
irans left in Germany viii leave with
the consuls
state Department. officials charac
ieri"e rs Very friendly the communities
ton from Cons,antinople concerning
Tue Americans ~ Beirut. II said tho
two American relief ships Caesar and
Des Moincs, which have been at Alex
andria for a long time. wouid be given
an opportunity 10 proceed at once 10
Syrl'' and not only distribute their
food supplies, but bear away the Amer
ican refugees there.
Y" facilitate the relief work, the
Turkish aHhortios also have voIun-
tarily reduced the period which hid