Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-04

brief conference with Secretary
Lansing. until he left the White House
for the Capitol shortly before O'Clock.
In preparation for the history max
ing event, the Senate and House had as
semblede in the hall of the latter body.
J Justices of the Supreme Court had
seats on the floor, the cabinet sat in 4
reserved space. Ambassador Jusserand
of France occupied his reserved seat
in the diplomatic gallery. which was
packed, principally with neutrals, who
had come to hear words of far-reaching
! importance affecting their own govern
ments.
| As usual, a committee OF congress-
men met the President and escorted
him to the Speakers dais. The whole
body rose and cheered as the President
acknowledging their greeting without
his usual smile. but grim-faced and
solemn, took his place at the clerks
desk and began reading the document
which is being heard around the world
Not sound came from the floor or
galleries but the clear. calm tones OF
the Presidents reading slowly and dis
tinctly. The assemblage of senators,
representatives and notables about him
listened with closest attention TO
words which may record one of the
"
if not, indeed, of the world.
Reviewed the Negotiations.
Briefly he reviewed how last April the
United States warned Germany, after tho
destruction of the Sussex, that unless
! the imperial government declared and
effected an abandonment of that sort OF
submarine warfare the United States
haU fhn hpf 10
matte relations altogether. Then he
quoted from the German reply which
gave assurance that no ships would bo
sunk without warning and provision for
safety of passengers and crew. He re-
counted the provision the German gov
ernment attached, which in effect re-
served to itself the right to recant its
promises If the United States did not
secure relaxation of the British re-
straints on commerce, and then quoted
from the reply of the United States
which refused to consider conditional
pledge, and gave Germany final warning
that it could not entertain or discuss
any such suggestion.
The President did not refer to the
long list of submarine operations which
have been conducted in violation OF
the Sussex pledges. but proceeded at
once to the new war zone order which
became effective February 1.
When he told how the German proc
lamation leftfnothing for the honor and
dignity of the United States but
break in relations and that he had or
dered passports sent to Won Bernstorm
and a recall to Mr. Gerard, the as
semblage broke into cheer i'll
which republicans and democrats alike
Joined. More applause greeted his decla~
ration that only an overt act could con-
vince him that Germany intended to
-I-Sz 1ftvAc nd rxrhf nd
there was prolonged applause and cheer
ing when he concluded by announcing
that should American ships and lives be
sacrificed sin needless contravention OF
the just and reasonable understanding OF
international law and the obvious die
tates of humanity he would again ap-
pear before Congress to ask authority TO
'use any means that may be necessary
for the protection of our seamen and our
people.
Cheered by Both Houses.
As he concluded there were cheers OF
approval from both sides of the cham
Der, and the President returned to the
White House to discuss measures OF
precaution with Secretary Daniels of
the Navy and Secretary Baker of tho
War Department.
There were expressions of support
and approval of the Presidents course.
AS the joint session dissolved both
houses went back to their work
Soon after Count Won Bernstorff's
passports arrived, United States secret
service men threw guard about the
ambassador and his suite to make cer-
tain that the hospitality of the United
States is not violated while be remains
on American soil The status of Count
Tarnowski. the Austrian ambassador.
was undecided. although he called at
the State Department to arrange for
presenting his credentials to Presi-
dent Wilson.
For months. ever since relations with
Continued on Third Pase.)