The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-04-06

l half of the Presidents course came iron Republican Leader Mann, who declare, Germany had deliberately affronted thi | country and that only war could saw | the national honor
 | Administration leaders until today hat paid little attention to reports that Rep ! resentative Kitchin would oppose the res olution. Rather, looking to him as tho | man who would have to lead the figh | for revenue. they talked with him freel! | Of the financial phase of the situation Aroused by reports of his attitude dem | ocratic leaders hastened to his office to- day to find that he had prepared in part a speech opposing the resolution Fellow members of the House and senators plead ed vainly with him fo abandon his plan Possible loss of the House leadership and his forced exit from public life as wei as the demands of patriotism were point ed out to him
 PROTESTS IN FIGHT Pacifists, learning of the activity of ad- mln1stration supporters, quickly jumped into the fight. Their lines thinned by threatened assertions of some of theii strongest members, they saw in the win ming Of Kitchin a possibility of rallying the wavering representatives back into camp. Representative Shackelford of Missouri and Representative Sherwood of Ohio strongly urged Mr. Kitchin to make his speech.
 Finally, shortly before o'clock, after almost continuous conferences for six hours. Representative Kitchin announced publicly that he would speak against the resolution. His entrance into the cham Der shortly afterward. caused a quicken ing of tagging interest in the debate.
 HENSLEY CHANGES FRONT
 Representative Hensley of Missouri, who on Tuesday said he would vote for the resolution, hastily announced that he had decided it was his duty to oppose it. camp said they were thinking seriously and probably would vote In the nega- tive.
 Obviously wearied by the days events, Mr. Kitchin spoke without his usual fire.
 Tn view of thes smany assumptions of loyalty and patriotism" he said, lon the part of some of those who favor the resolution, and insinuations by them of cowardce and disoyalty on the part of those who oppose it, offshoots doubtless of the passionate moment, let me at once remind the House that it takes neither moral nor physical courage to declare a war for others to fight. It is evidence of neither loyalty nor patriotism for one to urge others to get into war when he knows he himself is going to keep out.
 'The depth of my horror, the intensity of my distress in contemplating the meas ureless steps proposed, God only knows Too grave is the responsibility for any one to permit another to stand sponsor for his conscience. My conscience and judgment, after mature thought and fer vent prayer for rightful guidance, has pointed out clearly the path of my duty, and I have made up my mind to walk in 1t, if I go barefooted and alone.'
 MT. Kitchin was heartily applauded from both sides as he concluded
 GARDNER SPEAKS
 Representative Gardner, republican of Massa chusetts said the United States is not going to war for 200 murdered Americans, but for the rights of man.
 ''The south and north.'' said he, did not settle their differences like money changers on the corner of the street. They settled 1t as men always settle their differences. Now the democracies of the world are struggling to their feet and the knell of autocracy has been sounded. Too long have we suffered other nations to bear our burden in this war, for liberty. Now we must descend from the seat of ease into the blood and dust
 Representative Becker of Missouri said he believed in national honor, but didn't think i've would sacrifice it if we did not so to war"
 MANN'S VIEWS
 Representative Mann, the minority leader, declared that while he admired the stand of those who opposed the reso- lution, he believed the only thing Con- gress can now do is to stand by the President.
 T have believed" he said, that it was to the advantage not only of our people and our country, but to the advantage of civilization and humanity that we should keep out of the war at this time. But after all it was not because I was afraid of war. The American people may prefer peace, but they are not guilty of cowardice.
 eve cannot say to the world that our only goal is gold, that our only desire Is wealth. We must, when the question is presented to us, declare we will main- tain the rights of Americans abroad as well as at home"
 At 9 o'clock general debate closeo and discussion under the five minute rule be- gan
 Chairman Floods suggestion that all debate close at 11:45 o'clock brought a storm of noes" Catholic members ex- pressed desire to reach vote before midnight because tomorrow is Good Fri day.
 we can stay here until sunup if neces- sary," Speaker Clark declared in reply to members who feared they would not have an opportunity to speak.
 MT Flood made it clear that he would not use stringent methors to curb debate.'
 
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