Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1918-02-02
SEN. CHAMBERLA|N'S
ANSWER TO PRESIDENT
Continued From First Paxe.)

Continued From First Paxe)
had been hurried back to the commit
tee the Senate went into executive
session and then Immediately adj
journed until next Monday. BY that
action the Senate gives an opportuni
ty for the heat of debate to cool off.
The War Cabinet bill will reappear
on Monday with a report favoring
its acceptance by the Senate. With its
rcappCarancc will come a contest on
the part of Senator Swanson of Nir-
ginia to rcfor il to the Naval Affairs
Committee. On the outcome of this
vote will depend the fate of the bill
for If 1t once gets to the Naval Al
fairs Committee it Is doomed.
That the War Cabinet bill will be
referred to tho Naval Affairs COM
mittce. there to lie in oblivion, at
least for All indefinite period, Is re-
garded tonight as almost certain, Tor
the issue is taken as clear-out on
support of the President and parti-
sanship is admittedly concerned In
the situation as n result OF the at
tack made caller in the week upon
the Republicans by Senator Stone or
Missouri. While Democratic Senator's
but only handful-will vote to
save the War Cabinet bill the bulk
of Democrats tonight are considered
rs aligned with the President.
Senator Chamberlain's urgent ap
peal to the Senate today to act with
out regard to executive dictation
found a response, among many on
the Democratic side, but it is hardly
believed he can muster enough votes
away from the Administration to put
his War Cabinet or Director OF Munit
ions bills through the Senate.
BAKERS FATE Discussed.
While opinion is very general in
Congressional circles that the War
Cabinet bill will fail, the view is
almost us general that Senator. Cham
berlains speech viii have a marked
bearing on the political fortunes Of
Newton ID. Baker the Secretary of
War. The speech will have the effect
it is beng said by congressman and
others OF focusing attention OIL the
alleged deficiencies OF the
military establishment UNDER Mr.
Bakers administration and will en-
phaSi2c in the minds Of the Ameri
| can people particularly those who
have sons and other relatives in the
army, the testimony brought out be
fore the Senate Committee OH Mill
tary Affairs which members of that
Committee have cited as affording
examples of carelessncss, inefficiency
and lack of program.
Senators and Representatives who
have lively memory OF the circum
stances that led to the retirement of
Secretary of War Algcr in the Nc
kinley Administration, following the
Spanish War, and Secretary of the
Interior Ballinger in the Taft Ad-
ministration are predicting that if
the American people become aroused
over the disclosures contained in Sen
ator Chambcrlain'S speech as to lack
OF Winter clothing for the troops in
the camps In Thu country, the hoSpi
tai conditions. and treatment of the
sick, and the manner in which the
War Department is alleged to have at
tempted to give a rosy impression of
the situation OF soldiers, widespread
demand for a new deal in military
management under other administra
tors will come from the country.
This, it IS being declared by some
Senators who share the views of
MIR. Chamberlain, will inevitably re
suit in the retirement Of Mr.. Baker.
These Senators sad yesterday after
Mr.. Chamberlain had finished speak
ing that the determination of Presi--
dent Wilson to stand by Mr.. Baker.
would not save the latter. They said
that Mr. Mckinley was just as strong
in support of Secretary Alger at the
inu NJ ha ich IN
tigation as Mr.. Wilson now is fn his
support Of Secretary Baker, but the
force Of public opinion would be too
much for nv. Wilson or any President
to stand ont against especially if the
mothers who had sons In camps and
environments began to exert pressure
on their Representatives In Congress
for better administration CT the mill
tary establishment.
Not since President Wilson went
before Congress to ask for declara
| tion Of war against Germany has
there been more excitement at the
Capitol than today with the Cham
berlain speech of defense holding the
spotlight.
SCENE IN THE SENATE.
Long before IL o'clock every seat
diplomatic gallery usually not filled
eUL, 'psldnooo sBM ssIIeIIeS oul III
was occupied by women. In fact,
three fourths OF the throng In all
the galleries comprised the gentler
sex,
At the tap Of the gavel, more than
three fourths of the Senators Were
in their seats, Senator Chamberlain
sat in easy attitude with his arm
swung over the back Of. his seat,
down toward the front Of the Senate
chamber. Immediately at the opening