The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1917-03-07
lustry have both failed though they

dustry have both failed though they
nave been under. consideration
throughout the sessions of two con-
crosses and have heen twice passed
by the house of req .esentatiyes.
The appropriations for the army
have failed, along with the appropria-
lions for the civil establishments Of
the, government, the appropriations
for the military academy at West
Point and the general deficiency bill.
1t has proved impossible to extend the
powers of the shipping board to meet
the special needs of the new situa-
tlon into which our commerce has
been forced or to increase the gold
reserve of our national banking sys-
tenn to meet the usual circumstances
OF the existing financial situation.
I'll would not cure the difficulties to
call the Sixty-fifth congress in extra.
ordinary session. The paralysis of
the senate would remain. The pur-
pose and the spirit of action are not
lacking now. The congress is more
definitely united in thought and pur-
pose at this moment, venture to say,
than it has been within the memory
of any man now in it's membership.
There is not only the most united pat
riotic purpose, but the objects men,
bers have in view are perfectly clear
and definite. But the senate can not
act unless it's leaders can obtain un-
animous consent. It's majority is
powerless. helpless. In the midst of
n crisis of extraordinary peril, when
only definite and decided action can
make the nation safe or shield it
from war itself by the aggression of
others, action is impossible.
Although as matter of fact, the
nation and the representatives of the
nation stand back of the executive
with unprecedented unanimity and
spirit, the impression made abroad
will, of course. be that it is not SO
and that other governments may act
as they please without fear that this
government can do anything at all.
We can not explain. The explana-
tion is incredible.
1.-The senate of the United States
is the only legislative body in the
world which can not act when It's
majority is ready for action. A little
group Of wilful men, representing no
opinion but their own. have rendered
the great government of the United
States helpless and contemplate. .g
'The remedy? There is but one
remedy. The only remedy is that the
rules Of the senate shall be so altered
that it can act. The country can be
relied upon to draw the moral. I be-
lieve that the senate can be relied
on to supply the means of action aat
save the country from disaster
$HS ShO o0AAO lIiuc (uC pTSSIueIlt
authorized the further statement that
what rendered the situation even more
grave than It had been supposed that
it was, was the discovery that while
the president under his general con
stitutional powers could do much Of
what he had asked the congress to
empower him to do, it had been fount
that there were certain old statutes
as yet unrepealed which may raise
insuperable practical obstacles and
may nullify his power
The old law referred to by the
president was adopted by congress
in 1919 and referred to the resist.
ance of American merchantmen
against the attacks of privater rs and
pirates, but excluded from vessels
which might so attack a public
armed vessel of a nation in amity
with the United States, and subma-
rines are public armed vessels Of
Germany.
The presidents statement followed
conference at the White House be-
| tween Mr.. Wilson. Secretary McAdoo,
Postmaster General Burleson, Col. e.
NJ. House. Vance c. McCormic!;,
chairman of the Democratic national
committee, and Secretary Tumulty.
| 1t will be noted that the president
referred to the opposition group as
containing IL senator's, whereas the
13 who had opportunity to do SO fail
cd to sign tho mapifoSfO SepafOr