Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-02-15
OPPOSITION DETERMINED
Senator Lodge Threatens an Extra
Session.
BOTH SIDES SAID TO BE FIRM
Yield-Latter Takes the Floor
This Afternoon. *

Apparently the conflicting interests in the
Senate are in deadlock over the conference
report on the immigration bill, and no one
on either side will undertake to say what
the outcome may be. Senators Bacon and
Tillman are even more determined today
than they were yesterday in their Oppo-
sition to the bill, on account Of the pro-
vision which would prevent state organize
lions. associations and societies Of any kind
from aiding in securing immigration to their
states.
1t is understood that they are supported
by a number Of democratic senators from
southern states which have been especially
active in securing immigration. On the
other hand the republican advocates Of the
conference report say that it is impossible
for them to yield this point. An informal
conference was held on the floor of the Sem
ate today, with the above result. Speaking
after this meeting. Senator Lodge said that
1t was quite impossible to accept the dem
ocratic contention.
What the outcome may be at this time I
cannot foresee. he said, but If the report
Is defeated 1t looks to me as If an extra
session of Congress would be necessary, for
it is absolutely necessary that something
should be done to settle the Japanese ques-
tiOn."
Mr.. Bacon Continues.
The Senate resumed consideration of the
conference report on the immigration bill
today. Mr.. Bacon continued his speech in
opposition to certain provisions which he
regards as inimical to southern industries.
His was not factious objection, he in
sisted, but one highly material.
Explaining the precise point of his objec-
ton to the report, Mr.. Bacon said that un-
der the ruling of the Department of Com
merce and Labor the contract labor clause
or the immigration laws has been SO con-
CT 70 b. et,<1 ~:
agent of South Carolina to receive contri-
buttons of funds from private individuals
and use the money to encourage and assist
immigration. Extended preparations were
take advantage of this construction Of the
law. All that was asked. he said. was that
the law be allowed to remain as it now is.
The conference report would prevent any
action by state.
No Intention to Modify.
Inserting a reply in Mr.. Bacon's speech
Mr. Lodge said there had not been the
slightest intention on the part of the con-
ferees to modify In any way the clause
which gives power to a state to take steps
to induce immigration. ''There was" he
said. mo intention on the part Of the con-
ferees to limit the power of the state II
those clauses which limit contract labor
have been strengthened, it has been with
out any reference to the sta ,es'
Referring to the South Carolina system
Mr.. Lodge maintained that If that system
was to be extended there was not a state
which could not under the guise Of a state
agency, with funds provided by railroads
and manufacturers, introduce any num-
Der of contract laborers Mr.. Lodge had
no doubt that many states would be quick
to take advantage of the South Carolina
ruling. This ruling Of the department he
regarded as a close case" and believed
1t might have been presented differently
and with a different result
If the present bill strengthened the con.
tract labor law, ne was glad of 1t.