Jasper County Democrat, Volume 17, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 January 1915 — WILSON ASKS $250,000 [ARTICLE]

WILSON ASKS $250,000

PRESIDENT REQUESTS SUM PANAMA FETE. i ; Leaders Are Called to the White House for Conference on Canal Opening Celebration. Washington, Jan. B.—ln a conference with Democratic and Republican leaders ■of congress, President Wilson asked for an appropriation of $250,000 to defray expenses of the celebration planned for opening of the’ Panama canal next March. The president summoned to the White House just before he took the train for Indianapolis Senators Overman, Smith of Georgia and Gallinger, and Representatives Underwood, Sherley and Mann, and laid before them tentative plans for the celebration submitted to him by Secretaries Bryan, Garrison and Daniels. The plan includes the entertainment of visiting officers of foreign fleets which are to participate in the naval review and pass through the canal, if that is possible, and the*transportation of the fleet and visitors. Democrats and Republicans alike approved the plans and the expenditure. It was determined that no presidential message would be necessary in order to procure funds, but it was agreed that another conference should be held with regard to the matter as soon as returned from Indianap-. olis. • Possibility that the naval parade through the canal cannot be held, as suggested recently by Colonel Goethals, on account of slides, was discussed at the conference, but it was agreed that preparations should go forward without regard to such a possibility.