Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-02-28
Senate Bill
for Armed
! Neutrality

W - - = ~ = =
Washington, Feb. 27.-The Senate
foreign relations committee late to-
day agreed upon a bill Ito give the
President authority to supply merchant
shi.,s with arms and gunners and to
Use other means necessary to handle
dnvelopments ir the submarine situa-
ZION. \ motion to direct" the Presi-
denl to arm the ships was voted down.
The bill as framed by the commit
70, follows the precedent of 1919, en-
powerinc commanders Of merchant
vessels t. arm for their own defense
and authorizing the President to sup
ply the means for arming vessels fore
and aft for defensive purposes.
The senate bin empowers the Presi-
dent TO use ether instrumentalities
o. be 3sked.
This feature * expected 70 meet
some opposition. Two Democrats and
tuo Republicans voted against it in
committee,
When senator stone brought the bill
t'p the Senate with n request that it
t. -ofc;red formally 10 the committee.
s'tator Ia Toilette objected and as
unanimous consent was necessary. the
nattr" went over until tomorrow.
Tic House committee adjourned late
T. t'D afternoon until tom.rrov with
o. 1srccing upon any action.
Il' ut Of the Senate bin follows:
II enacted by the Senate and
Eap-c ~ keprescntativ OF the U-it
81 states of America in Congress as
scmb,rd.
"That Tho commanders and crews of
OIL merchant Ecssels OF the United
Stt- and b aring tho registry OF the
I rrcl States arc hereby authorized to
arm ard defend such vessels against
uuuW ul attacks. and the President of
IT, Cuted States is hereby authorize d
aai empowered to supply such vessels
WITH dcf"nsiv" arms, fore and aft. and
q. With the necessary ammunition
AND means oi making use OF them: and
~. ne be. and is hereby, authorized
srd empowered to employ such other
~tumentalities and methods as may
T. his Judgment and the discretion
seem necessary and adequate to pro-
t'Dt such vessels and the citizens of
~ nited states in their lawful and
peaceful pursuits on the high seas.
tn" sum of 100000 900 is hereby
appropriated to be expended by the
President of the United States for the
purpose Of carrying into effect the
foregoing provisions, the said sum to
b. available until the first day of Jan
uiry. 1918.
For the purpose of meeting the ex-
rendltures herein authorized the sec
rotary of the treasury under the direc-
ton of the President is hereby au-
ihorized to borrow on the credit of the
I uited States and to issue therefor
bonds OF the United States Mt exceed
inr in the aggregate 100000, 900, said
bonds TO be in such form and subject
g. such terms and conditions as the
treasury may prescribe and to bear
interest at a rate not exceeding three
per centum per annum: Provided. that
such bonds shall be sold at not less
than par. shall not carry the circula :
ton privilege and that all citizens OF
the United States shall be given an
equal opportunity to subscribe there
for, but no commission shall be
allowed or paid thereon: that both prin
cipal and interest shall be payable il
United States gold coin of the Dresen'
standard of value, and be exempt from
all taxation and duties of the CniteI
States as we'll as from taxation in any
form OF all state. municipal or local au
ihorties. that any bonds issued hereun
der may. under such conditions as the
secretary OF the treasury may prescribe
be convertible into bonds bearing high,
er rate Of interest than three per centun
Per annum If any bonds shall he ISSUED
by the United States at a higher rate
tue u any act passed on or before Dec
3st 1878
In order TO pay the necessary ex.
penses connected with the said issue OF
bonds or any conversions thereof, a sun
not exceeding one-hfth Of one per centun
~ the amount of bonds herein authorized
IN be- issued or which may he converted
Is hcreh, appropriated out of any none,
IN the treasury not otherwise appropriate
81 e We expended as the secretary of the
treasury may direct.
The President is authorized to transfer
So much VI the amount herein appropri
nt"d as he may deem necessary. not tx.
ceedlng sc5 100000. TO the bureau OF wal
risk insurance created by act of Con
rress approved Sept . 1914. for the pur
nose NJ insuring vessels. their freight
rassaCc moneys and careocs against los
or damage by the present risks of war