The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1917-12-08
Interest Now 'Centers on
Pres. Wilson's Proclama-
tion on Austrians' Status
PARTICULARLY THOSE
IN AMERICAN FORCES
In Both Houses Congress
There Was b S a Single
" -
Vote Against eclaration


Washington, 20 Dec. S.--The Unit
ed States was - ar to-day with Aus
tria Hungary as the result of Joint
resolution adopted by Congress and ap-
proved by President Wilson A state Of
war exists from SOB yesterday after
noon, when the president signed the dec
laration. Interest centered to-day in the
presidents proclamation, which is ex-
pected to define the status Of Austro-
Hungarian subjects, particularly those
IN the armed forces of the United States.
After but one hours debate, the reso-
luton was unanimously adopted bv the
Senate with an affirmative vote of IA.
1t was approved by the House 1863 TO /,
| Representative London, the New York
Socialist, casting the only dissenting
vote. A few minutes later Vice Presi
dent Marshall and Speaker Clark had
signed the document and sent it to the
White House, where President Wilson
attached his signature with Secretary
Tumulty and Assistant Secretary Fors-
ter as the only witnesses.
The resolution follows:
Joint resolution.
Declaring that a state of war exists
between the imperial and royal Austro-
Hungarian government and the govern
ment and the people of the United States,
and making provision to prosecute the
same.
Whereas, the imperial and royal Aus
tro-Hungarian government has commit
ted repeated acts of war against the
government and the people of the Unit
ed States of America: Therefore be it:
Resolved, by the Senate and House
of Representatives of the United States
of America in Congress assembled, that
a state of war is hereby declared to ex-
ist between the United States of Amer
lea and the imperial and royal Austro-
Hungarian government; and the presi-
dent be, and he is hereby, authorized
and directed to employ the entire naval
and military forces of the United States
and the resources of the government to
carry on the war against the imperial
and royal Austro Hungarian govern
ment; and to bring the conflict to a sue
cessful termination all the resources of
the country are hereby pledged BY the
Congress of the United States.
Champ Clark,
APEdNtt vi Wig liudsE VI 1htpitstulh-
tives.p
Thomas r. Marshall.
'Viee President of the United States and
President of the Senate.
"Approyed by the president, 1917.
"Woodrow Wilson,"
In accordance with President Wilson's
action in respect to Turkey
md Bulgaria, Germany 5 other allies. was
eft to the future. Widespread demand
n Congress for their inclusion in the
declaration was indicated in both Sen
tie and House debates, but when the roll
alls came the presidents advice was fol-
owed in demonstration of American
nifty and harmony, Representative Lon
lon. Socialist. of New York. who cast
he one negative vote, explained his OPP
osition by stating that he was pledged
o that course by the Socialist party.
'austic criticism of his position enliy-
ned the House proceedings.
Debate in both Houses was unexpected
7 brief, lasting but an hour in the Sem
te and only two hours and 40 minutes
I the House. Also, in sharp contrast
D the discussion which preceded the war
eclaration against Germany last April,
was almost devoid of spectacular fea-
Ires in spite of the dramatic setting
FINISHED by crowded galleries. Mem
ers apparently acted in common accord
, expedite action, the few who spoke
framing from extended discussion.
The Senate acted first on the resolu-
on, presented by Chairman Stone with
lie unanimous endorsement of the for
On relations committee. Soon after
le Senate concluded routine business.
fter brief addresses by Senators Stone,
Ddge, Hitchcock, Owen and Vardaman,
e rollcall followed. When the docu-
ent was transmitted to the House it
as substituted there by unanimous con-
mt for the more lengthy resolution re-
,rted bv the House foreign relations
mmittee. after conference with state
partment officials. Senators Stone,
no had charge of the resolution, Gron-
of North Dakota. Norris of Nebraska
a Vardaman of Mississippi, who voted
ainst the German declaration yester-
v ioined the majority. A fifth, for
lr Senator Lane OF Oregon, had since
ID.
Senator La Toilette of Wisconsin, who
10 opposed war with Germany, was
sent when the rollcall was taken and
not vote. Later he addressed the
nate explaining that he did not hear
, summons to vote which was taken
ile he was al his Office preparing an
Iendment providing that the United
,tes should not observe any agreement
The entente allies to deprive or con-
I anv territory of Austria held Aug.
1914. The Wisconsin senator said
n inclusion Of this amendment he
uld have voted for the war resolution.
against it without his belated pro-
al
Necessity for cooperative military ac-
\ Of the allies was the principal reason
.anced in debate for immediate pas
e Of the Austrian resolution Sen
r Stone said that American troops
int soon face Austrian forces through
ensien Of the western front 20 Italy
the interallied war council. Tie point
out that the two nations actually
e been at war for months.