Political observers here were unanimous in the opinion that the inclusion of the Vorys Amendment in the Neutrality Act meant a severe defeat for the present Administration.
The Secretary of State, Mr. Cordell Hull, had proclaimed in various occasions the desire of the Administration not to be restricted in the sales of war material to nations at war; the Vorys Amendment entails certain restriction in trade with belligerent countries although these restrictions have as yet to be clearly specified.
The defeat suffered by President Roosevelt in his foreign policy is attributed to the fact that for the first time in many months, the Republican Party has achieved almost complete cohesion, all Republican Representatives but two voting against the Government desires; that ' the number of Democrats going over to the other side has been much bigger than expected and that the leaders of the Democratic majority have waited up to the last moment to point out to the House the profound international repercussions which a modification of the Neutrality Act would entail and the encouragement the Vorys Amendment might provide for aggressor countries in Europe.
Political commentators considered Passed today by the House, was not yet final as they expected the Senate to bring important modifications in it; it was however, generally believed that the Upper Chamber would not discuss the Neutrality Legislation during the few remaining days of the present session,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.