The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1918-01-22
Disregarded Advice of Ad-
rninistration Captains and
Spoke With Emphasis.
ROOSEVELT CAME
IN FOR FAILING
Made General Charges in
Most Vigorous Terms
Against Each "Star."

Washington. an. 21-The greatest
political debate in the senate since the
United States went to war burst out
today when Senator stone disregard
ing the advice of other administration
captains, arraigned leaders Of the Re-
publican party as playing politics with
the war with the object OF taking the
government into their own hands by
partisan criticism.
Fully prepared to reply, the Repub-
lican leaders took copious notes of the
denunciation and gave il closest at
tention.
Making his general charges in most
vigorous of terms, Senator Stone then
dramatically marshalled his wit
nesses," as if before a court, to prove
thennfl
Senator Penrose came first; then
Chairman Wilcox OF the Republican
national committee and lastly the
star witness, Col. Roosevelt, whom
Senator Stone denounced as "the most
potent agent the kaiser has in Amer
lea" and "the most seditious man Of
consequences in America
Despite several~ conferences with
other leaders who were apprehensive Of
q partisan speech at this time, the
Missouri senator delivered his speech
with characteristic emphasis and ges-
lures and in full, and the Republicans
openly prepared to meet the onslaught.
Senator Stone dealt with published
criticisms of the administration for not
making use of the capabilities of Re-
pubficans prominent in public life.
such as Colonel Roosevelt, General
Leonard Wood, Former Senator Root,
Former President Taft and Charles E.
Hughes. He pointed out that Mr.. Root
had been sent to Russia on an i'm
portant mission and that former
Chairman wilcox of the Republicn
national committee had just been call
ed to assist the director general Of
railroads Senator Stone paid high
tribute to Mr.. Root but said he did
not regard his former colleagues as
"a sort of Jove sitting on Olympus"
After. speaking of the abilities of
some others named, Senator Stone
added:
'Mr. Taft and Mr. Hughes. pass
in respectful silence.
General Wood had been called re-
petedly TO great responsibilities, the
senator said. adding that the sub
stance of the criticisms in that case
had been failure to call him 20 SUI
preme command of military forces.
General Pershing is his equal" the
senator said. "and a republican as well
as Wood"
leries were packed and many house
members went to the senate chamber.
Senator Penrose OF Pennsylvania,
whose presence was especially re-
quested by Senator Stone. and other
Republican members. listened atten-
lively
With characteristics gesture Senator
Stone emIdlasized his points In shrill
falsetto he declared the Republican
plans We're shrewd. He tapped his
desk with his fingers in milder empha- :
sis and then pounded it vigorously.
Senator Penrose and Republican
Leader Alliger took notes as he pro-
ceeded. Senator Penrose and Senator
Leader Galliger took notes as he pro-
Massachusetts senator also took notes
on the address. IL was apparent that
The Republicans were preparing to
make some speeches also.
As he began presenting his wit
nesses," Senator Stone named Sena-
tor Penrose and glanced from his
reading 10 the PENNSYLVANIA senator
Who, apparently calm and undisturbed
gazed intently at the speaker and fing-
cred booklet while sitting at ease.
Senator Penrose interrupted stones
stateemnt of partisanship in appoint
ing state explosives inspectors.
"All the references made 10 me are
literally true" said Penrose, and
am astounded at my own moderation
But, does the senator mean TO STATE
that partisan, dyed-in -the-wool, no
torious democrats were not appointes
explosive inspectors in all of the Al
states -
Il do not know: I hope the senate
is not mistaken, senator retorted
and proceeded with his address.
When Senator stone concluded, al
ter speaking an hour and three-quar
ters. senator Lodge made reply for th'
Republicans and began by saying tina
the Missouri senator's speech itsel
was q most striking injection of par
(COOtiOuad on pana