The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-01-22
PENROSE REPLIES


 Senator Penrose, who followed said he was surprised that Senator Stones statement was not more formidable.
 Realizing what a d,sinterested po- litical character the senator has al- ways been,' Senator Penrose contin- ued, T plead guilty to everything he has said about me. I do not think po- litical parties should be abolished sim- ply because the country is at war Bi- partisan organization in England has failed. I am entirely willing that the Democratic party should go on with the war, but am determined that the Republican party shall retain it's or- ganization and support the administra- tion in every laudible way. going on with criticism.
 ITO criticize is a public duty, as conceive it. How elce would we reme- dy defects unless attention is called to them. It is not likely that the cabinet heads, guilty nf efficiency, will call attention to it. nf course, favor restoration of the Renublican party to power. I am sufficiently impressed with the inefficiency of the present administration to think that a better administration having more confidence of business interests and the people. could be given under Republican regime"
 Senator Penrose added he has never heard of any divine ointment on MT. Wilson's head" The Missouri sena- tor. he thought. spoke of the President as if he were the whole government.
 aIs Mr Wilson to remain in power forever" Penrose asked. 'Ts there no one to succeed him?"
 The administration. he thought. did not have the confidence of the Amer. can people He had kept silent and voted for administration measures with few exceptions. he said. in order not to embarrass the administration "knowing the hour of reaction would come and the country would know what it was entitled to know"
 INVITATION TO REPLY
 Senator Stones speech. however, Penrose declared, was direct invita- tion to reply.
 The attitude of the British states men "who take the public into their confidence. remove irresponsible off, cials, "reorganize and go ahead" Mir. Penrose spoke of in words of praise
 The Pennsylvania senator then re- ferred to the appointment of Colonel House. head of the American mission to Paris as the Presidents personal representatives
 "It's a strange doctrine." he con tinued, "that we have personal gov- ernment in this country Wilson is not the American government. The hum. blest consular official has to be con. firmed by this government before he can be sent abroad I never heard of the President sending personal rep resentative have never heard of Kings and Kaisers doing 1t. but 1t is not good democratic methods"
 He referred to Colonel House as ''the mysterious traveller. whose expenses are paid from the contingent fund"
 STONE INTERRUPTS
 Senator Stone interrupted to defend Colonel House. whereupon the Pennsyl-' vania senator asked how the colonel got his military title roar of laughter swept the galleries before the Missouri senator could reply. Senator Lewis ex- plained it was obtained by once having been a member of governors stan
 Senator Penrose rejoined he was sure if Colonel House had an opportunity he would be another Napoleon or Cae- sar," but added his principal line seems