AMERICA’S MUDDLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 6 March 1917, Page 2

AMERICA’S MUDDLE.

Mr Wilson’s Dilemma

(Australian & N.Z, Cable Association

and Reuter).

(Received March 6. at 9.10 a.m„) New York, March 5

Mr Wilson’s statement at >tbe termination of the session disclosed a situation unparalleled iu the history of the country, The immediate present crisis was fraught with subtler possibilities of notional danger than the Government had ever faced with,

Congress, have been unable to act us a safeguard for the country, to vindicate their elementary right.

The Senate was unable to act be--cause eleven Senators objected, and the Senate has no rules whereby a debate can be limited.

It therefore proved impossible to extend the powers of the Shipping Board, or increase ihe gold reserve to meet the reeds of the new situation.

If he called an extraordinary session, the Senate’s paralysis would remain, as the majority were powerless.

Thus, in the midst of a crisis of extraordinaiy peril, when only a definite decided action would make the nation safe and shield it from war, by the aggression of otbeis, notion is impossible. Tha impression abroad will be that cth-'v governments can act as they pleare with no fear of our government aefir g The explanation seams incredible. The Senate is the only legislative body in the world which cannot aet when the majority wishes. A little body of wilful men have thus rendered the great Government of United States helpless and contemptible.

The remedy lies in altering the rules of the Senate so that they are' able to act. Ha believes the Senate can be relied on to do this and eave the country from disaster. What has rendered the situation graver, was the discovery that while it had been thought the President could do much what he had aeksd of Congress the doctrine of the old statutes had raised insuperable, prac tical obstacles, virtually nullifying his powers.

A Further Statement. (Received March 6, at 9.40 a.m.) Washington, March 6 In a later statement, the President added that hia reference to the old statutes, whioh now reads—“ May raise insuperable obstacles and may nullify the President's power.” The Senate minority comprised six Rspublioaus and five Democrats.

When tbe Senate meets on Monday for the inaugural ceremonies, au attempt will probably be mads to amend tbe rules, Meanwhile the matter is not to be discussed, to the disappointment of the public, which expected the President io act on his own responsibility. New Yoik and other newspapers vehemently condemn " the filibustering.