Evening journal., 1917-04-26
CLARK AND REED
FIGHT ARMY BILL
Speaker and Senator, Both
From Missouri, Uphold
Volunteer System
HOUSE CHIEF PREDICTS
RIOTS IF WILSON WINS

WASHINGTON, april 26.-Opponents
Of the Presidents selcctve service plan
of raising an army, facing almost GER
tain defeat in the House, played yes
terday, under theatric conditions, their
strongest card for the volunteer system.
Before full membership of the
House and crowded galleries. Speaker
Champ Clark took up the fight in an
effort to defeat the Presidents plans.
While Speaker Clark, of Senator
stones state, who led the fight against
armed merchantmen, was opposing
equal service, Senator Reed. of Missouri,
occupied the floor in the Senate. speak
ing six hours along the same lines.
The onslaught of Alissouri's representa-
tives showed clearly the attitude of that
state, which displayed throughout the
submarine controversy and since the
war was declared hostility TO the war
plans of this government.
The usual universal applause for the
veteran leader was lacking, and he
spoke without his customary entertain
ment. Applause for Speaker SClark's ar
giments against selective service came
from half dozen Democrats and a
| handful of Republicans. The speaker
Athh hH NltA VI NHNNNlA'
In announcing his decision to oppose
the President. he declared that the
| House and Senate have certain duties to
perform Just as has the President of the
| United States. 81 notice he is not bash
full about performing his said the
speaker.
Reviews Past Arguments.
/ Speaker Clark quoted lot of apt
| phrases and reviewed most of the argll-
mcnts that have been raised against the
equal service since the President an
nounccd his approval of such SYSTEM
Representative Sherlcy. of Kentucky.
one OF the administration leaders IN
Congress- was selected to answer
/ Speaker Clark, Representative Kahn. of
California. ranking Republican of the
! Military Affairs Committee. who is lead
ing the fight for the Presidents bill
will speak later.
Speaker Clarl's speech carried a
strong appeal to his constituents in
Missouri. as he referred repeatedly Ia
his wish that the men of his state
might be permitted to volunteer and
fight in units, as he said the Bavarians
! Brandenburgs and Saxons do in Ger.
many.
His address revived interest in tho
debate on the army bill after it had
begun to lag after two days of speeches
So many members have asked to speak
that it was agreed today that no vote
will he taken on the bill in the House
before tomorrow.
Supporters of the Presidents bill dc
clare they win carry the selective ser
vice through with votes to spare, mos
of them estimating the majority at from
60 TO 20. Speaker Clark. Chairman
Dent and champions of the voluntee
system insist their bill will pass.
A sample of the reasons Of member
opposing the Presidents bill was give
hv Representative Sims. of Tennessee
when he declared that he is supportin
ihe volunteer system because he want
10 be- reelected to Congress. He wa
attacked sharply by Democrats. who in
sisted that his appeals in the past ct
stand by the President were useles
unless he is now willing TO stand b,
the President and the military expert
of this and other nations.