The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1920-03-28
House Resolution to Con-
form to Idea Put For.
ward by Senator Knox.
CONGRESS ADOPTS
DRIFTING METHOD
Since State Of War Was
Recognized But Not De-
clared, Will Now Recog-
nize Advent Of Peace.

washington, March z7.-The house
resolution declaring peace with Ger
many fhas been completed. 1t was
indicated by the leaders tonight. but
It's Introduction, scheduled for today
was delayed for reasons not disclosed.
Chairman Porter OF the foreign at
fairs committee, who has been chiefly
instrumental in drafting the measure.
left for New York early in the day. 1t
was reported. although this could not
be confirmed, that he took the reeo-
luton along with him to consult with
legal authorities in the Republican
party ~ to It's constitutionality.
1t was stated that Mr.. Porter viii
return to Washington In time to tn
troduce the resolution Monday. He
expects to get 1t reported out by the
committee Immediately and plans to
call 1t up on the door Tuesday or
wednesday.
while the Republican leaders all
agree that the resolution will not fol-
low the Hines OF the Knox measure
pending In the senate. Il is understood
they come around to senator Knox's
idea OF proceeding onsthe basis OF re-
pealing the resolution of April s, 1917.
under which the United States entered
the war.
In repeating the war resolution the
peace exists, and will provide that the
date OF which the resolution becomes
effective either by presidential APP
prevail or passage over his veto shall
be the pivotal date on which the
termination OF the stxty-odd war LAM
shah terminate. To make surs NJ -
nuIlincation OF Tho esaefgspcy 49,
utes the resolution probably viii CART
q provision xepeaitng Al acts incon-
- vvkAA fTsA GS,ss
| Under this provision about thirty
ono emergency xtAtn&a1 would &ntO-
m3tic1lly cease TO BE- operative when
TIA resolution becomes effective.
About twenty-nine others would tar
inmate in accordAnee with their own
terms at various periods after a state
Of peace il restored ranging from
thirty days to five years
All of these laws give the president
extraordinary war powers and impose
burdensome restrictions upon business
and commerce. To relieve this con-
dition the Republicans say Is the
most essential feature OF the task OF
getting the country back ON q normal
basic
Discussion OF the constitutional
phases OF the problem Of peace by
resolution Of congress has led to two
conclusions. That congress has q
right to declare peace within the
jurisdiction OF the United States, but
the effect of such an act on inter
national relations may be open to
question on constitutional grounds
Constitutional authorities consulted
BY the members of the foreign affairs
| committee show that peace may be
,, brought about in three different ways
First by drafting toward peace at.
ter actual cessation sof hostilities
second. by . definite treaty, and third
by subtugation OF one belligerent by
another.
The drifting method, 1t Is believed
more nearly flts the present situation
involving the United States and Ger
| many.
Congress. under this method, II Il
declared, can recognize that the
United States and Germany have
drifted to point where peace &C.
tually exists.
Congress did not declare war aeaius,
Germany. II Is pointed out, but merely
recognised that q state OF war existed
| BY tho same process. II Ia held. con.
gress has q perfect right to recog.
ntxe that . state OF peace exists.