The daily banner. (Cambridge, Md.) 1897-2008, 1918-05-18
PRESIDENT HALTS
WARPROBEA ACTION
Sendtes Puts Resolution Over
Until Monday.
A COMPROMISE is LIKELY
Mr.. Wilson Does Not Oppose Aircraft
Probe, But Says He Knows "Covert"
Purpose of the Measure.

Washington, May 1S.-President
Wilson's answering opposition to the
Chamberlain resolution, which by an
inquiry into the aircraft situation, the
president considers, purposes general
investigation of the conduct of the
war, prevailed in the senate.
Leaders of both sides agreed not
to bring the resolution up until Mon
day. Meantime they regarded COM
promise likely.
Friends of the administration con-
sidered victory as good as won. They
had no doubt that whatever action
finally is taken will not be unSatisfac-
tory to the president.
When the senate met supporters Of
the resolution, protesting to have
votes for its passage, seemed inclined
to push it. Conferences among them
changed the atmosphere. While the
senate took up other business they
consulted. The agreement not to act
Immediately resulted.
President Wilson let it be known
through his secretary, Joseph P. Tu-
multy, that he did not oppose an air.
craft inquiry, but reiterated he was
cognizant of covert" purpose of the
resolution which he already had de-
nounced in his letter TO Senator Cham
berlain This probably was instru-
mental in the decision by the lead
erS.
AS the conference progressed, the
air filled with compromise. One pro-
posal was the Chamberlain resolution
be abandoned and a substitute be ac-
cepted extending the present authority
the committee has to make investiga-
tions. This would avoid a vote on the
president has characterized as virtu-
ally vote of lack of confidence.
Various amendments to the resolu-
ton were discussed.
Senators supporting the presidents
views are confident any resolution
adopted will not be susceptible of an
Interpretation of constituting the mill
tary committee virtually committee
Z. y a; y
repugnant to the president. In the
end the senate probably will strictly
limit the investigation to the aircraft
situation.
Senator Chamberlain, Democrat,
Oregon, author of the resolution,
agreed to postpone debate. He ex-
pressed the hope a satisfactory solu-
ton would be reached by Monday.
Senator Borah, Republican, Idaho,
told the senate he expressed the SEN
timents of Republicans in approving
President Wilson's selection of Charles
E. Hughes for the department of Just
ice aircraft inquiry.
A minority report of the expendi-
lures committee, prepared by Senators
Thompson, Democrat, of Kansas, and
Jones, of New Mexico, and supporting
the presidents view that the resolu-
ton should be defeated was submit
ted to the senate.
1--WE are favorable to most thor
ough and complete inquiry into the
aircraft situation" said the report,
"but call attention to the fact that
the department of justice, which is
equipped with every facility, is now
most actively engaged in that work,
and that Charles E. Hughes has just
been appointed by the president to
assist, which ought to put at rest any
possible feeling that for any political
or other reason a full and complete
investigation might not be made, even
though the committee on military af-
fairs should not continue its efforts in
that behalf"