Evening star., 1941-12-11

sion of the House and the Senate.
Republicans Pledge Support.
AS soon as the Senate convened,
Minority Leader McNary sent to
the desk the resolution adopted this
morning pledging the unanimous
support of the Republicans to the
President in vigorous prosecution of
the war. The resolution said:
Resolved that the Republican
conference pledge to the President
of the United States its unanimous
support in a vigorous and efficient
prosecution of the war.
Majority Leader Barkloy arose to
express his appreciation of the Re-
publican action.
Chairman Reynolds of the Mill
| tarv Affairs Committee started 70
call up the bill postponed from yes
terday to let American land forces
go beyond the Western Hemisphere
while awaiting the Presidents mes
sage.
Senator Barkley explained. how
ever, the message was on the way
and Senator Reynolds decided TO
withhold his bill for the time being.
When the terse message had been
read. Vice President Wallace refer
red it to the Foreign Relations Com
mittee, and Chairman Connany was
on his feet at the same moment TO
announce the committee had already
unanimously approved the resolu-
tions recognizing a state OF war.
Then the vote. proceeded on the
resolution affecting Germany, When
the unanimous sentiment of the 90
present had been recorded. the vote
began on the declaration against
Italy. Senators Andrews, Democrat,
Of Florida, and. Smathers. Demo-
crat. of New Jersey, who had been
rushing to the chamber arrived IN
time to vote on the second resolution
and swelled the vote to 900.
House Assemblies at Noon.
The House assembled at noon and
nearly all the members were in their
seats when the message was deliv-
cred at 1888 pm. After the open
ing PRAYER. no business was trans
acted IN the House.
When the message was delivered.
Speaker Rayburn handed it down.
and it was read by the clerk as the
members listened intently. When
that sentence Of the Presidents was
reached asserting that the democ-
racies would be victorious, voice IN
the back of the chamber sang out,
"Attaboy!" There was an lmmedl-
ate 'shush" from other members
and the reading proceeded without
further interruption.
Majority Leader Mccormack, as
soon as the reading of the message
was finished. offered resolution
declaring that state of war existed
between the United States and Ger
many and moved the suspension Of
the rules for its immediate consid-
Grafton.
The language of the resolution
was almost identical with that of
the resolution declaring state of
war with Japan.
Mr.. Mccormack asked an immedi-
ate vote on the resolution by roll call.
Excitement Lacking.
The excitement and tension which
existed in the chamber on Monday
when President Roosevelt addressed
the Congress in Joint session and
urged a declaration of a state Of
war with Japan was lacking, The
House was taking this action today
in its stride.
AS soon as the resolution declar-
| ing a state of war between this
country and Germany was adopted,
a separate resolution declaring a
state of war existing with Italy was
offered by representative McCor-
mack
When the roll call began on the
declaration of a state of war with
Italy there was confusion in the
chamber. Visitors in the galleries
were moving out. With rap of his
gavel. Speaker Rayburn ordered the
roll call and looking at the gallery
said that those visitors who intended
to leave should Go so before the roll
call proceeded Half the occupants
Of the gallery arose and moved out.
The British Ambassador, Lord
Halifax. occupied seat in the dir,o-
matte gallery of the Senate. In the
diplomatic gallery of the House sat
Archduke Otto of Austria.
Delegation Sees Signing.
Tho dec1ar ira tione were signed bV