Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-02-07
CONGRESS RUSHES
PLANS TO PREPARE
COUNTRY FOR WAR
No Niggardliness in Meet
ing Requests of President
and Department Heads.
VAST INCREASES ARE MADE
IN APPROPRIATION BILLS
Money Voted Promptly for
Emergency Needs of
Army and Navy.
PARTISAN LINES FORGOTTEN
Whole Nations Resources At Dis
posal OF Government for
Expected Conflict.
VAST INCREASES ARE MADE
IN APPROPRIATION BILLS
PARTISAN LINES FORGOTTEN
Whole Nations Resources At Dis
posal OF Government for
Expected Conflict.

WASfIINGTON. February s--Eis
increases were added to national de-
fonso appropriation measures in con-
gross to-day. and plans wcrc made t.
/ put through quickly other far-rcach-
inc. provisions requested by tho admin
iStra tion to prepare tho country for
whatever may follow the break with
Germany
Tho House hurryinc the annual naval
bill toward completion. wrote into il
/ additional appropriations totaliur 'S,5.-
100000. Of which more than $4,000. GOO
/ is for ammunition for merchant auxil-
iarics of the Meet. and nearly $4,000 .oO0
/ for antiaircraft guns to defend naval
| stations. Three separate administra-
! tion bills. designed TO expedite naval
construction and aid in developing
aeronautics, were put into form and
introduced during the day for CON
sderation before the end Of the week
INCREASE: PENALTY FoR
THREAT AGAINST PRESIDENT
In the Senate executive session
/ to consider nomina tions occupied vir-
tually tho entire day. but bill! was
put through increasing the penalties
/ for making threats against the Prcsi-
dent Of the United States. and the Re-
pub!lcans agreed at an informal con-
ference TO support "A plan for authori-
zation OF 100 submarines, in addition To
\ those provided for in the regular build
ing program
The executive session blocked Sena-
tor stones plan TO call for vote to-
day on his resolution approving thc
break with Germany, and he said to-
night hc would call 1t UP to-morrow..
The Republican leaders will support
the proposal but some Senators are
expected to oppose il. and dramatic
debate is in prospect
While the House was dcba,in:, the
naval bill. the Military Committee
brought in tho annual army apprcpria-
ton measure, carrying total Of s:ti,-
100000. and including a provision re-
qucStcd by Secretary -;akcr yesterday
under which tho full membership OF
the army staff may be brought to
Washington in emergencies TO work
on war problems. Among the largest
. items for new equipment arc authorize i
tionS OF SS.OO0.000 for aviation Sill
900 600 for equipment and stores OF tho
reserve corps, and S5.500.000 for auto
matte machine guns for the army and
/ National Guard.
MEASURE WILL. PREVENT
ENTORTiONATE PR'.;ES
Debate on the hill will begin late
this week. The annual fortiiications
bill. the most advanced Of the trio- y (
hiS annual defense supply measures.
ncarcd completion to day. when the
Senate approved tho conference report
cmhodyins provision against pur-
chase of any supplies at price *
per cent in excess of the cost of III inu-
facture by tho government. The House
is expected to approve the report in
few days.
Progress was made in committees
/ Of both houses during the day on tho
new series OF laws dealing with con
spiraries against the United States and
in the interest OF foreign governments.
Late to-day tho House Judiciary Com
mittcc reported them favorahly.
IN espionage bill. similar To that
introduced in tho Senate yesterday by
senator Ovcrman, was considered dur
ing til" day by the House Judiciary
Committee. and a bill extending for
ono year the life OF the Federal War
Risk insurance Bureau was passed by
the House.
The Navy department attaches par
ticular Importance to a bill presented
10 the House to-day which would en-
power the President TO take over fcr
public service when necessary any
manufacturing plant which refuses to
give precedence TO government orders
ior vessels or other war material The
personnel Of any such establishment
could nc drafted under the measure.
\uothcr bill would authorize a $50
0co.oo0 bond issue TO provide funds for
insurins quick delivery Of naval ves-
soiS now under construction. and
,hiTd would appropriate si.o0o.o0o :or
government purchase Of basic aero
/ plane and seaplane patents.
Republicans and Democrats dcclar-
ing partisan considerations should hn
forgotten in tho face OF tho interua-
tional crisis. joined in approving. with
out question. the Increased appropria-
lions recommended by Secretary Dam
iels in tho bill under debate today.
I'VE do not know wha; the balance
of tho day. or tomorrow. may brine.
to us" said Republican Leader Mann.
II; does not take a wise man "a know
( that If we get into any kind OF con-
hict at ALL we will need more than tbs
/ amount hc:e sccommended"
Liberal INCREASES
IN APPROPRIATIONS
! Besides raising the antiaircrat gun
appropriation from sl.00o.oo0 10 So
/, 100000, in order 10 supply three for
] each naval station. and the appropria-
/ tton for merchant auxiliary ammuni-
ton from Sl.o00000 to s..aSi 600, the
! House inserted i'm tho bill new iten
| OF Sl.:1o,ooo Cor machine gums for ships
OF the navy. and made many other inv4
crcasis. including >he following:
Ordnance and ordnance stores, from