Evening journal., 1917-12-08
uNR With AUSTRIA
IS BEGUN BY j. S.
Senate Passes Resolution,
IA TO 0, and House
36I TO |
N. Y. SOCIALIST
IS REBUKED

WASHINGTON. Dec. s.-The United
states Of America and lho Ausiro-Hun-
sarlan Empire are al war. At 5.o3
Yesterday afternoon President Wilson,
IN the presence Of Secretary Tumulty,
affixed his signature 20 the joint Con-
gressional resolution which had been
passed by the House and Senate in the
course Of a single afternoon, and theO-
fetically hbstilitles began.
In the Senate the war resolution was
rlssed by a vote Of "a 20 O. OF the six
snators who voted against war against
Germany, Gronna, Norris, stone and
t'ardaman yesterday voted Aye
mo is dead and La Toilette was alb
mt.
In the House the resolution passed
by 36i to 1. the negative being Meyer
London's.
The declaration sets forth that a
state Of war exists between the two
nations. 10 is no. retroactive, but de-
clares only the established fact. Hence
The actual beginning Of war is the
moment at which the Congressional
'MuNAlAEnN INNullla fMNfNlNEs
Immediately the President put aside
his Pen the war machinery Of the Gov
ernment, heretofore functioning alone
against Germany, began TO operate
against. the dual monarchy OF which
Emperor Charles Is the head. Presi-
lent Wilson at once summoned TO the
White House, A. Mitchell Palmer alien
enemy property custodian, for a con-
ultation with regard to the property,
real, personal and mixed, IN which
iltle reposes in subjects Of the Austro-
hungarian Government.
Plans TO Assist Italy.
Throughout the world 10 allies Of
the United states and neutral govern
ments the word was flashed that
Americas anamolous position with re-
gard TO the dual monarchy had termi-
mated by the war declaration. With
war declared plans for the assistance
Of Italy In her present plight are now
under consideration. These plans, It IS
believed include the sending Of an
American military force, though ma
turally silence IS being maintained at
The War Department regarding this.
Congress leaders believe this VIII be
done now that the theoretical peace
with Austria has ended and practical
war begun.
The scenes in the House and Senate
yesterday lacked the tenseness Of excite
ment which marked the stirring days OF
last April when Congress was debating
and voting on the question Of the break
with Germany. Yesterday the session
AZ FFE
no enthusiasm, but only a determine
ton to break an ancient friendship IN
the cause Of a speedier return to peace
through the avenue Of a complete VIC
tory. The paciflsts, such as have not
been converted 10 pro-war principles
and are now moro bellicose than fhe
original warmen." ahsented themselves
from the proceedings.
Chairman Stone Of the Senate Com
mittee on Foreign Relations brought the
resolution 10 the floor of the Senate in
the course Of the morning hour. Il was
lust 1923 when the Missourian asked
unanimous consent that the declaration
of a state Of war be made the business
before the Senate az the close of the
morning hour.
One Hours Discussion.
do Il now" shouted several Senators
from different parts of the chamber; but
Senator Stone thought the Senate should
proceed In order, and at 1926, the morn
ing's business having been completed,
the Senate proceeded With the discus
sion. The discussion, including Senator
Stones statement in regard to the form
OF the declaration, occupied exactly one
hour. At Sc Vice-President Marshall
put the question. At IS the rollcau
ended and the announcement was made
that the joint resolution had passed the
Senate by a vote Of "a 10 0.
Senator LaFollette absented himself
from the chamber shortly before the roll
was called He did not return when the
bells rang throughout the building an
nouncing that the vote was on. His
absence naturally caused comment and
rather sharp criticism Later the Sen
ator returned 10 the chamber. He asked
recognition Of the chair and then ca
planned that he had gone TO his ofilcc in
the Senate Building 10 prepare an amend
nent which n was his intention 10 sub
nit. In the rumble Of the subway be
had missed hearing the bells calling the
vote.
The amendment which senator LaFol-
lette contemplated o1ering provided that
The United States should express in the
declaration a complete disclaimer of any
intention 20 participate in any partition
Of Austrian territory subsequent TO the