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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (March 2, 1917)
THE MORNING OREGOXrAN, TRTDAT, 3IATICH 2, 1917. 3 LANSING ABSOLVES JAPAN A! MEXICO Secretary Confident Neither Country Would Be Party to Conspiracy. NIPPON LOYAL TO ALLIES Kmbassy Declares No Invitation From Germany Would Be Knter ta fncd Friendship for Amer ica Is Reasserted. WASHINGTON, March 1. Secretary Lansing; in an official statement today, made clear that the United States did not believe Japan had knowledge of the scheme or would take part in it. He also expressed the confidence of the Government that Mexico would take no part. Secretary Tanslnr authorized this statement: "We do not believe that Japan has had any knowledge of this or that she would consider any prop osition made by an enemy. "We have confidence that Mexico would not be7 a party to any such agreement in view of the friendly re lations existing between this Gov ernment and the de facto government of Mexico." Official Presentation "ot Certain. The Secretary was at especial pains to exonerate both Japan and Mexico, and said this Government had no knowledge that the proposal had been conveyed through Mexico to Japan. In view of the fact that the plan was not to be presented "until it is certain that there will be an outbreak of war with the United States," it was not certain. Secretary Lansing; said, that the matter had been presented of ficially to General Carranza at all. It is known definitely, officials said, that Zimmerman's instructions reached Count Von Bernstorff here in Wash ington, that he forwarded them to Mex ico City and that they reached the German Minister there. At this point the trail of official certainty is lost to view. Observers here believe that the breakdown of the scheme so far as Japan was concerned was signalized when the Mexican Government sud denly reversed its attitude and an nounced that It had no intention of cutting off the British supply of naval fuel oil. as had plainly been indicated in General Carranza's proposal to make peace in Europe by cutting off exports of food and munitions from neutrals. Japanese Embassy Emphatic The Japanese Embassy today made the following comment: "With regard to the alleged Ger man attempt to induce Japan and Mex ico to make war upon the United Wtates, made public in the press this morning, the Japanese Embassy, while lacking information as to whether such an invitation ever reaehed Tokio, de sires to state most emphatically that any invitation of this sort would under no circumstances be entertained by the Japanese government, which Is in en tire accord and close relations with the other powers, on account of formal agreements and our common cause, and. moreover, our good friendship with the United States, which is every day growing in sincerity and cordi ality." Ambassador Sato, of Japan, was in formed of the possession of the text of Germany's proposal by this Govern ment yesterday when he called at the State Department to see Counsellor Polk. The evidences at band are that if Mexico, as Germany suggested, com municated to Japan the proposal for an attack on the United States, it met with a reception in Tokio which was quite contrary to what Berlin had ex pected. , LANSING ABSOLVES MINISTER Swiss Diplomat Not Implicated in German Propaganda. WASHINGTON, March 1. Secretary Lansing, after a talk today with Dr. Paul Ritter, Swiss Minister here, ab solved the Minister of all blame for certain charges of undue German propa ganda in his position in charge of German interests. The Secretary said: "I consider Dr. Rltter.s conduct per fectly proper and regret very much the attack made on him in the papers. It is a wrong Impression of the feeling here." Dr. Ritter had been charged in cer tain newspapers with having exceeded his authority as Minister entrusted with carrying on any negotiations between this country and Germany and of hav ing used his position to further the German cause. thorized to arm merchant ships 403 ayes to 13 noes was received with ap plause and cheering. When the roll was called only nine Republicans, three Democrats and the Socialist vot ed in the negative. They were: Repub licans Benedict of California, Carey of Wisconsin, Cooper of Wisconsin, Davis of Minnesota, Helgesen of North Da kota. Lindbergh of Minnesota, Nelson of Wisconsin. Stafford of Wisconsin, Wilson of Illinois. ' Democrats Decker of Missouri. Shackleford of Missouri, Sherwood of Ohio. Socialist London of New Tork. Senate Bill to Be Snbstltnted. The measure was sent over to the Senate, where it is expected the Senate committee's bill approved by the Presi dent, and authorizing not only the arming of ships, but the employment of "other Instrumentalities," will be substituted. All proposed amendments to the measure except those added in com mittee were rejected by the House under an avalanche of votes. Never since questions arising out of the European war began to agitate the. House almost three years ago has there been such a display of patriotic non-partisanship as was witnessed today in the chambers. Most of Pacifists Won Over. Democrats and Republicans, even most of the members who heretofore have aligned themselves with the ex treme pacifist group, joined in fighting for the bill. Representative Bailey, of Pennsylvania, generally recognized as reflecting the views of William Jen nings Bryan, voted in the affirmative and announced his intention in ad vance. Led by Representative Cooper, of Wisconsin, and Campbell, of Kansas, both Republicans, opponents of the measure, made a determined fight. However, they were not united on any one specific object. . Representative Cooper based his position on the con tention that the bill would authorize discrimination against Germany, in that it would permit the arming of ships carrying munitions to the allies, and that by arming such ships the United States would commit an act of war. Representative Campbell con tended that passage of the bill would be equivalent to surrender by Congress of its rights to; make war. Pacifists Cnt Small Figure. A little group of avowed pacifists op posed unalterably the use of arms for any reason, but played only a small part in the fight. The House leaders, expecting the Senate to pass its bill as a substitute, say they can put through the Senate bill if it comes to them. The House bill, besides eliminating the phrase "other instrumentalities." also carries a committee amendment which would prohibit insurance of mu nition-carrying ships under the war risk fund to which the President is authorized to transfer a part of the $100,000,000 derived from the bond issue provided for in the bill. Such vessels are not being insured by the Govern ment now. but the amendment Is con sidered undesirable by the Administra tion. The final vote was preceded by a rollcall on a motion of Representative Cooper to send the bill back to the foreign affairs committee, which was beaten, 295 to 124. Klood Stirs Enthusiasm. At the outset of the House debate. Chairman Flood aroused intense en thusiasm on both sides. Every refer ence to America's willingness to pro tect the rights of citizens wherever they had a right to travel was met with a volley of applause. He cited that authority for the Presi dent to act as suggested in the bill had been granted to other executives in 1794, 1798, 1805, 1815, 1839 and 1856, and incidentally attacked the pacifists pro testing against the bill. "By this act," said Representative Flood, "we may not be able to avert war. If we should become involved in war, however, the passage of this bill would be one of the minor causes of that direful result. It may be necessary only to arm ships, but if we must do more the fault is not ours. Give the Presi dent this power asked and the question of war will be with Germany. There is no doubt of the right of Americans to travel. If this cannot be done peace fully, then we will do it with arms." Mann Supports. Bill. Applause even greater than that which greeted Representative Flood's opening statement met Republican Leader Mann's rousing speech in favor of the bill. Few men on either side of the chamber failed to respond by handclapping or cheers. "It is well known." Representative Mann said, "that I have done and will do everything in my power to keep this country out of the European war and the peace settlement that is cer tain to follow its end. But I do not see how it is ppssible for a patriotic Nation to refuse to give the President at the time of this crisis power which he asks and which is provided for in the pending bill." SENATORS ASK FOB FURTHER DETAILS Inquiry Is Made of Presi dent Without Formality of Record Vote.' DEBATE IS PROTRACTED . New Royal Society Book Number 9 Now on Sale In Needlework Dept. Fifth Floor man Merchandise of cge0. MeritOnly" Picture Framing By Expert Artists At Lowest Prices Sixth Floor. HOUSE VOTES FOR ARMS (Continued From First Page.) Opinion Expressed by - Some That Armed Neutrality Bill Should Not Be Passed Until Aft- cr Full Inquiry. WASHINGTON'. March 1. Without a record vote, the Senate tonight adopted a resolution requesting the President to furnish "whatever information he has concerning the 'Zimmermann note,' which in his opinion is not incom patible with the public interest." The resolution was Senator Hoke Smith's substitute for one offered by Senator Lodge and an amendment by Senator Stone. There was no separate vote on Sena tor Lodge.s resolution, which would have inquired as to the authenticity of the Zimmermann note, or the Stone amendment asking whether information about- the German move came from an European belligerent. Senate Holds Long Debate. The Senate's action came after a ong debate, during whjch some Senators voiced the opinion that the Administra tion's armej neutrality bill should not be passed until further information had been supplied regarding the Zimmer mann note. The Smith resolution reads: "Resolved, That the President be re quested to furnish to the Senate what ever information he ha concerning the note published in the press of this date purporting to have been sent January 19. 1917, by the German Secretary for Foreign Affairs to the German Am bassador to Mexico which in his opinion is not incompatible with the public in terest." Stone Suspects 1'Iterlor Motive. "Reading the newsoaner annitnti ni the sources of the information they had," said Senator Stone, in opening the debate on his resolution, "the infer ance is inevitable from the Zimmermann letter was obtained from the executive officials of this Government. It was published for some purpose. I cannot and will not undertake tn nav whar that purpose was further than to ex-J press tne opinion that it was given publication to affect public opinion or umciai opinion, or both, in the United States. "The publicity of tills alleged letter," said the Missouri Senator, "was made for some purpose. I do not know with any such certainty that would warrant in asserting irom what source the newspapers obtained th HnMim.nt If the document be authentic, it is a necessary sequence that the Information was not given to the American press by the German government or anyone connected with it. It must have been uui oy someone else. , "-PubHcation of this nature is calcu iaiea jntenaea to excite the public opinion of the country and develops a tc.cuwj iuwa.ru international belli? erency on our part. I do not ask the President to inform the Senate oni t world as to the agencies he employed and had a right and duty to employ to ascertain what is going on in the WU1 iu, "What I ask the Senate to inr-m-. porate in the resolution is a request for specific information that in the very nature of the case was not obtained by the Government or the United States through agencies employed by it. As a neuirai power this Government would certainly hesitate to be in such close touch with any belligerent power as would justify sending a special agent to seek such information." "Why not?" was asked. "Because." Senator Stone answered, "I hope I truly hope because of the attitude of absolute and impartial neutrality of this Nation, there ought not to be close or confidential relations between this Government and any war ring government." Senator Hitchcock, speaking for the committee, declared that to ask the President's opinion and then cross examine him as the Stone amendment proposed, would be an affront. He also read from the President's last address to Congress expressing his desire to keep out of the Euro pean conflict to show that he was averse to any step that will lead the Cellar gmits Charmingly Different Ones Are Being U nboxed Every Day The authentic silhouette of Spring is cast by this famous make of suits. More than ever is the women's suit section upholding its standard in distinctiveness. Even unto the last in price among them, the suits attain modes lifted far out of the commonplace. Suits in every accepted fabric for Spring 1917 and in rich, beautiful colors, as well as the always smart dark blue. On Display and Sale, Third Floor. Trimmed Hats of Distinction Featured at $10.00 Small tailored hats of notable smartness, with nar row brims and high or flat crowns with wing and feather trimmings. Flat broad models of satin with straw underfacings. All satin hats and hats of novelty silks with plain facings. The New Chinese Pagoda Hat of Yo San silk combined with soft straws and finished with a clever Chinese ornament. In all a most exceptional collection of individual and exclusive modes. Third Floor. The Silks Used in the New Fashions Are Here THE EGYPTIAN DESIGN so de lightfully new has just arrived. It is the peach skin silk, in silver, rose or white back ground over which is printed a novel and extremely artistic Egyptian design; 40 inches wide $3.00 yard. ' - SHANTUNG, the silk of the hour. A wonderful heavy quality in white at $2.00 and $2.50 yard; 33 and 35 inches wide. Also in the new sports colors, such as Chinese blue, chartreuse, Alice blue, purple, emerald, old gold, mandarin red and terra cotta. FANCY TAFFETAS and SATINS in plaids and stripes; marvelous color effects and combinations that follow the trend of fashion in sports designs; 36 inches wide $2.00 and $2.50 yard. THE PAISLEY SATINS for waists, hats and dress trimmings, here in all their newest designs at $1.50 and $2.00 yard. Second Floor. The Chinese Influence Is Apparent in These PEPLUM BLOUSES Of Georgette Crepe Very Decidedly Do These Blouses Betray Their Oriental Inspiration The straight loose effect, softly belted with self-material and adorned with touches of bright bead embroidery. Other models there are, too, with novel hem stitching run with silk threads in con trasting colors. These blouses are of an exceptionally soft quality in gold, chartreuse, mustard, rose and lavender. Priced at $10.50 and $12.50 Third Floor. There's Youth in Every Line of These Very New Silk and Serge Dresses For the Younger Generation Outranking any we have previously presented, our collection of one-piece dresses for misses and small women leaves nothing to be desired. There are dresses of finest serges, crepe de chines, taffetas and pongees, and in the accepted colorings of the season. Styles so varied and numerous that a mere word description simply can not do them justice. Prices From $15.95 to $32.50 New Suits and New Coats For Girls and Young Women Arriving Every Day in the Fourth Floor Specialty Shop : ' ' - averse to any step that will Democratic Leader Kitchin, one of country unnecessarily to war. the so-called pacifist group, an-. .-If lt ls true tht tMs n first!" had rung through the halls of both Houses and the response had been almost instantaneous. In the Senate, members who have opposed the President , in his manner of dealing with Germany on the ground that it was leading to war, were found fighting influences which the President's supporters declared were calculated to embarrass him. Extra Session in Doubt. The question of an extra session of Congress still is undetermined. Presi dent Wilson told inquirers today he did not expect to call one, although it de veloped that Democratic whips in the House were advising members and members-elect to be prepared to attend on March 6. The announcement of the vote In the House, by which the President was au- TWO GOOD REMEDIES WORKING TOGETHER. PRODUCE - MARVELOUS RESULTS. For Instance, Hood's Sarsaparilla. the Standard blood purifier, ls recommended for conditions that are scrofulous or dependent on impure blood. Peptiron Pills, the new iron tonic, are especially recommended for conditions that are radically or characteristically anemic or nervous. Many persons suffer from a combina tion of these conditions. They are af flicted with swelling of the glands, bunches in the neck, cutaneous erup tions, and sores on different parts of the body, urn Ds and lace, and are be sides pale and nervous. If these patients take both Hood's Sarsaparilla (before meals) and Pept iron Pills (after meals) they are rea sonably sure to derive fourfold benefit. . These two great medicines supplement acn otner, ana tne use or Doth, even in caaM where only one may appear to . 1 J 1 . 1 l . . ... A. .1 . M liVW JWW. UWA0h. nounced amid great applause that he would vote for the bill. "I shall vote for this bill, but not without hesitation and misgiving," said Kitchin. "The Nation confronts the greatest crisis. It faces the supreme responsibility to itself and to the world. Already the European catas trophe threatens the faith of man kind in Christianity. in civilization. The widening of that catastrophe by a great, powerful Nation like ours would seem to challenge the rights of Christianity to exist." Ex-Confederate Irgt, Patriotism. Representative Stedmore. of North Carolina, a Confederate Veteran and one of the oldest Representatives, an- swerea mem with an appeal to patriot ism. "This House ought to send a message to all nations," he declared, "that it will protect its rights, the lives of its people and the American flag in its pristine splendor wherever it may float over land or sea." The "rebel yell" resounded through the chamber as he concluded. Representative Cooper, of Wisconsin, ranking Republican member of the foreign affairs committee, argued against the bill and declared that arm ing ammunition ships going to a bel ligerent country would be an act of war. He unsuccessfully urged an amendment to prevent euch ships from arming. "Suppose we were struggling," he said, "against a coalition trying to de stroy this Government and there is not a monarchy on earth that loves us. What would we think if we were trying to defend the Republic from de struction and some nation from over on the other side of the water, a neu tral nation, should, with much profes sion of desire to be at peace. In the statute authorized by the Czar or the Emperor" or the King, load a ship with ammunition, with naval gunners, and send that across the sea convoyed by their ships and with ammunition con signed to our Oriental enemy and land ed in Mexico or elsewhere?" Mr. Clear's Condition Serious. B. K. Clear, pu.blic accountant, of 1000 Stephens street, who was injured in an automobile and streetcar collision last Saturday morning, is still in a pre carious condition at Good Samaritan Hospital. At no time since the accident has he completely regained conscious ness and grave fears are entertained of his recovery. Rummage, sale this month on house furnishing goods at Calef Bros., which will be sold on easy installment terms. East Third and East Morrison. Adv. from one of the belligerents, should not that fact be called to the attention of the country?" asked Senator Hardwick. Authenticity Alone Enough. "No." Senator Hitchcock answered. "I simply think we ought to ask the President for a definite statement of his opinion regarding its authenticity." "But the material fact to us and this country is whether some one who is interested in getting us Into war has given the note to us," insisted Senator Hardwick. "Not at this stage," replied Senator Hitchcock. "If we were to decide for peace or war it might be, but we are not." Senator Williams urged "cool and dispassionate" consideration. "If the Zimmermann letter is au thentic." he said, "it must have come from the German Embassy In some of those devious ways governments have of obtaining information. The question here is: Is that letter authentic' The instrumentality whereby the United States got possession of the letter does not bear in the remotest degree on its authenticity or its existence." Senator Williams said he was opposed to the Stone amendment with the rest fthe committee. Senator Lodge, au thor of the resolution, said he did not care to discuss the motives of news papers, or enter into the question of peace or war. but he thought if the story of the Zimmermann note was un true, it our nt to, do stamped as un true at once." "The President of the United States." he said, "is the one person who .can give us a decisive answer on that ques tion. I think we should not Inquire into the source of his information. I am not willing to add a request in any form which the President would be obliged to refuse, and thereby create a false Impression. I wish to treat the Presi dent exactly as If he were of my own party. When we may be on the very eve of war we should all stand to gether. I can see but one duty to stand behind the President, and. when we ask him this question, accept his answer." Senator O'Gorman Inquired what ac tion the Senate would be required to take if the President said the note ls authentic, and whether the Senate was "to take action solely and alone upon the opinion or tne Executive? The President s opinion. he added, would carry great weight, but the Senate should not close its eyes to the fact that for months there had been a propaganda In this country seeking to embroil the United States in the war. "If it should be disclosed that this alleged letter came into our hands,' he said, "through the active agency of a' belligerent enemy, we may well sus pect its authenticity. Suppose it should be disclosed that agents of the British government handed it down to offi cials of our Government, it would not be the first time that one belligerent resorted to forgery to line up support against her enemy." Senator Suspects Forgery. Senator Smith added that it wae his belief that the Zimmermann note was a "forgery and a sham," based on the fact that the German government has not recognized Carranza's administra tion." Senator Fall. Republican, bitterly de nounced the Democrats for their atti tude toward the resolution, declaring that Democratic Senators by suggest ing that the letter was given out to influence public opinion were "accus ing the President of the veriest trick ery and imposeible practices. A substitute for the Lodge resolution and its supposed amendments then was offered by Senator Smith (Dem.), of Georgia. Prepared in collaboration with several Senators, it would request the President "to furnish to the Senate whatever Information he has concern ing the 'Zimmerman note." which, in his opinion., is not incompatible with tne public interest." Never since the impeaenmeni ot An drew Johnson. Senator ball aeciarea. had ho heard such "insinuations" against a President from his own party. "You are sayitig to the President In this resolution." he went on. "that you want him to declare whether this note Is authentic, and in your speeches here you are saving you will not believe him when he says it Is authentic if it comes from a belligerent government. Advising Senators Not Trusted. Senator Fall declared that if the President had felt he could trust those in the Senate, who had been his ad visers, he probably would have sent this information direct to the ap propriate committee. In view of the f;t,,H r.t rprtain Democratic Senators, he added, he did not wonder that the President had aeciaea to public opinion through the press. Senator Fall continued: "It is right in a democracy that the people should be informed of machina tions against their peace. Give tne peo ple information ana tney win ma yuu nere act as you should act. I am grate ful to whoever gave this information to the public." In a heated speech Senator Saulsbury, Democrat, the President pro tern, of the Senate. Indorsed Senator Fall's senti ments. T think his criticisms are in large measure deserved as to some of the speeches made here." said Senator Saulsbury. "There is just one man who may be able to keep this country out nt wr and that is the President. I have sat here and heard criticisms made upon him, aspersions cast upon mm, until I wonder if Se.iators really repre sent true Americanism and are imbued with the average patriotism an Amer ican nnirht to 'have. "I believe the men claiming a patent on peace are doing more to bring on war than those wnom tney cruicmo, There is no use of anymore namby- pambyism in keeping, this country out of war. Stone Pleads for Amendment. A vote was about to be taken when Chairman Stone took the floor again to advocate his amendment. "The President," he said, "did not In troduce this resolution it was intro duced by the Senator from Massachu setts. It may be that some Senators who have become suddenly indignant may think the Senator from Massachusetts represents President Wilson and speaks for him. but ir so, the knowledge would be surprising to many of us here. The President has not lnaicatea mat ne ae sired the resolution to be adopted." Denying that the personality or prestige of the President is involved. Senator Stone asserted that Senator Lodge introduced his resolution out of "Datriotic curiosity. " "And now it is intimated that I am at fault." he continued, "for seeking to add a request to that of the Senator from Massachusetts, who is so anxious to support the President when it pleases him, and always so quick to op pose him when It pleases him." . Turning to Senator Saulsbury, Sen ator Stone said: "Senators must be ex ceedlngly sensitive. There must be some nerves running through, their bones that start a brain storm on very slight provocation. Stone Defends His Sincerity. "I shall use such power as I have to prevent this country entering the war until I feel that its vital inter ests and honor are assailed and that there is no honorable escape. "I am- not saying anything that as sails the President. Without mention ing Senators by name. I think I have stood as closely Jo the President and as firmly supported him as these gen tlemen whose nervous organisms are so delicate and whose olfactories enable them-to detect an odor or smell of pos sible danger that doesn't exist. "I have been frank with the Presi dent. When I talk to him I talk as I would to another Senator. I do not go to the White House like some other people and immediately proclaim my admiration and approval of whatever the President suggests. The President knows this. We talk together man to man and I flatter myself he holds me rr'onr!udl on Pacr 4. Column 4. You Must now The clothes we have to show you this sea son are above ques tion and beyond re proach. The unusual in crease in our business shows that more men and young men are trading with us. They are taking no chances; they know we give the best for the least money. If this sort of' se curity interests you, drop in today and look over our new Spring creations. Clothes for Tonng Men and Their fathers. Too. WA8HKGTOS ST. AT SIXTH Trew's Color Music Will teach you to play a piece of music in one hour Today in our music department we introduce this won derful method. Anyone can Iearri to play a piece in an hour. We can prove this startling fact to you in a few moments. Color Music Is Not Complicated It is simplicity itself. It makes it possible for anyone to fulfill their desire to play' the piano and to accompany songs. Hear Miss Eva Trew Saturday On Saturday we- extend an invitation to all the school chil dren of Portland, and grown-ups, to hear Miss Eva Trew. who will lecture on color music in the Piano Store, Seventh Floor, at 2:30. It is both "interesting and novel. Seventh Floor. J Merchandise oToJ Merit Only" SOUTHERN PACIFIC General Offices HEW ADDRESS MARCH lsJT 1917 7yeon (Hlh'l 8800 J Vl-6704. all OEPimmms Southern Pacific Lines MO i i i i i i