The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1917-02-25
Nv X. SARTSyFIIA.

washington. Feb. a4~-Conxress
stepped into the international stu
alton today. when debate in the SEN
ate developed that the Republican pro-
gram OF delaying legislation was de-
signed TO force President Wilson into
tho open with his foreign policy A
bitter discussion OF international af-
fairs eliminated in the introduction
CT n resolution authorizing the prest-
dent 10 use the armed forces OF the
nation to protect American rights al
sea The resolution presented by
Senator Fail. Republican. Of New Mex
SEQ, brought the Democrats 70 their
feet with rush
The Republican dictum was laid
down by Senator Lodge. an expert on
International questions. who said
'Tf the president acts. he will have
congress behind him. but Il he d ocs
not there is bound TO be distrust'
Senator Lodge reviewed the oc u~-
rences since the break in relat IS
with Germany declaring they showed
that the president had been absolutely
inactive where aggressive action was
necessary, He mentioned the holding
Of Ambassador Gerard In Berlin for
week. the reports Of mistreatment
rf Americans leaving Germany and
other Incidents TO demonstrate the
need for action.
Would Force Extra Session
The Republicans made II apparent
that they propose to keep legislation
hack until some deinite move is made
in the international situation. Private
,y they declared that unless the Ger
man crisis was disposed of one way
or another before March 4. they would
delay enough imperative legislation
70 force an extra session.
H>rnfnv Ynhy1 Eharr tT{itfa,,
ever. aroused Republican ire when
ne suggested that the influence OF
munitions manufacturers was behind
the Republican fight.
The announcement that the presi-
dent does not intend to take the Ger
man crisis to congress for some days
was forthcoming after a group OF
senate Democrats visited the White
House and talked over the senate
situation with the president. Senator
Simmons, in charge OF the revenue
bin declared that the Republicans
would have plenty OF time to fight the
presid ent's foreign policy after the
whole matter had been laid before
congress. He said that in a few days
the foreign situation would be ex-
planned to the senate and house. and
that then II the Rel Iblicans desired
to night the presidents request for
authority TO Geai with the German
crisis they could easily prevent It's en-
ectment at the present session.
Senators Stone, salisbury. Pome-
rene, James. Hollis and Swanson con-
ferred with the president while the
bitter battle over the German situation
was on in the senate. No announce
ment was made after the conference,
but when the ser ltors returned to the
Capitol, the Democratic leaders made
arrangements to keep the senate in
continuous session to break the Re-
publican filibuster. SENATOR Simmons
announced that no recess or adjourn
nent would be taken until the pend
ing revenue bill had been passed. He
declared. that the filibuster was di-
rected against the revenue bill and
that the international situation was a
a mere pretext
Feeling Runs High
Feeling ran high among tE" .3emo-
Gratis and the senate settleC town to
the long dreary grind OF tw"nty-four
hours a day. Democratic leaders as
serted they would keep the senate in
continuous session until March un-
less the. .filibuster was broaen. The
battle waxed hot and heavy
Senator williams precipitated dis
eussion of the international situation
after Senator Poindexter mad con-
sributed -four hours and half of
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