UNITED STATES AND GERMAN PLOTS.

ANGER WITH THE SENATE.

FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. NEW YORK, TUESDAY. Americans have pondered upon the description applied to them by the President of “helpless and contemptible” because of a small minority in the Senate, and they are now demanding such a revision of Parliamentary procedure as will prevent a repetition of the scandal. It seems certain at the time of cabling that some form of closure will be adopted, as demanded by Mr. Wilson, and if this safeguard had existed American ships to-day would, be fully armed for self-defence. Apparently the debate in the Senate regarding the proposed revision of the rules must be carried on under the old rules, which permit, as we have just seen, of obstruction of every kind dear to a selfish minority, and there is no prospect of an immediate decision. Public opinion here, as in England, believes firmly that the majority should rule, and will bring pressure to bear to that end. The eleven Senators who spiked the American guns and made their fellow-countrymen for the time being “helpless and contemptible” are being bombarded with petitions requesting their resignation. Criticism of their unfitness for office is frank and free. Mr. William Stone, of Missouri, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, is described as “a notorious incompetent, holding office by grace of seniority alone.” Several of the obstructionist eleven are now in permanent retirement, their terms concluding on Sunday, amid the rejoicing of their fellow-citizens. They include Mr. James Aloysius O’Gorman, of whom the New York Times says that “in his most notable votes and acts he has faithfully and conspicuously represented the Fenian Brotherhood and the Sinn Fein.” Mr. La Follette, who led the obstructionists, has been denounced in his home town as a traitor to the country, and a petition has been started asking him to resign. In New York last night at a great mass meeting thirty pieces of silver were collected for presentation to Mr. Stone. The resolutions endorsed the President’s demand to arm American ships, and urged him to give authority, without waiting for the Senate. A Coalition Cabinet was demanded, with Mr. Elihu Root as Secretary of State and Mr. Roosevelt as Secretary of the Navy. President Wilson, as well as the obstructing Senators, cannot escape criticism. Since Germany by sinking the Laconia provided the overt act of war which Washington awaited, “why,” it is asked, “should Mr. Wilson persist in the theory that peace still exists? The issue is plainly one of war or of acquiescence in Germany’s submarine practices.” On the latter point Washington’s decision is firm and irrevocable. There is to be no turning back, say the best-informed White House correspondents, from the resolve to defend American rights on the high seas. Since, however, the matter is of such tremendous importance, and the fact of the entry of the United States into the world war is hardly realised yet by many Americans, the President must feel his way warily. The New York Tribune says: Shameful as have been recent events, there is reason for hope, not despondency. In the same way as the democracies of England and, Franco have brought their Governments to book when confronted by the world crisis, so also Americans can “follow the example that lies splendidly before their eyes.” WASHINGTON, TUESDAY. Senator Lodge introduced the Armed Neutrality Bill in the Senate. It was ruled out of order. The Senate, in a special session, confirms nominations and treaties, and any action except this must be ratified by the new House. – Exchange Telegraph Company. The Telegraph’s coverage of the First World War up to this point can be found at: telegraph.co.uk/news/ww1-archive