The Washington herald., 1907-01-18
WESTERNERS And SUBSIDY
Openly in Revolt Over Pending Ship
ping Measure.
Declare II They Have tO Vote for II
They VIII Tell Constituents the
President Did IL.

For the second time during the Fifty
ninth Congress, Speaker Cannon is con
fronted by an insurrection OF large Re
publican faction. An open revolt oc-
CURED yesterday on the ship-subsidy bill,
10 which the Speaker has now given mis-
approval and the Middle West RepUbli-
cans who oppose IL. in whatever form 1t
may be presented, had conferences with
John Sharp Williams. the Democratic
leader.
Mr.. Williams was assured that enough
Republicans are pledged 20 vote against
The Littauer bin 90 assure rs defeat,
with the sclid Democratic vote Despite
their assurances. however. the bills op-
ponents believe it will get through by a
narrow margin.
Mr. Williams was told yesterday that
he would have the support Of the solid
Minnesota delegation all but one Of the
Iowa delegation. practically all the Mich
igau delegation, and others from Mis-
souri. Kansas. Nebraska. Illinois. and
the interior States.
Two moves have been taken by Speaker
Cannon and his Heuteuants which will
materially help the bill It has been de-
cided 10 get the rivers and harbors bill
out Of the way before the subsidy meas
ure IS taken Up. Chairman Burton Of
the Rivers and Harbors Committee, will
lead the Republican night against the
subsidy bin II is felt by those anxious
TO get the latter through that If the
subsidy bill were taken Up first. Mr.
Burton would WELD tremendous infIu-
ence over those Congressman whose dis
tricts hope to profit IN the rivers and
harbors bill, and who are inclined to
waver on the subsidy proposition Mr.
Burtons friends scout this. They say
he lights in the open, and would not use
the rivers and harbors bill as a club TO
defeat the subsidy measure. Neverthe-
less, the Republican leaders will not take
any chances.
The second step agreed upon is a rule
which will be brought into the House
cutting of debate. and making it awk-
ward for Republican insurgents to CO.
operate with the Democrats. When the
Statehood insUrreCtiOn occurred. the in
surgents, while they worked for the de
feat Of the bill. did not dare to oppose
Speaker Cannon by voting against the
rule by which they were fettered. Mr.
Williams believes they Will fetter them
selves again this tine, and that in the
final analysis enough would-be insur-
gents will be found to vote for the bin
rather than break with the Speaker.
Republicans from interior States. where
the people are bitterly opposed to ship
subventiOns of any kind are being told
that the President wishes the bill passed.
White House visitors from these States
are, It is said being put under pressure.
The Presidents speech Wednesday night
at the banquet of the convention for the
encouragement of foreign commerce. in
favor OF government aid for South Amer
lean, Oriental. and Australian steamship
lines, was well timed. 1t has had much
effect
The Middle Westerners whose cOnstitu-
ents oppose the subsidy proposition say
if they have 10 vote for the bill they
Will go back TO their people and declare
that they We're compelled 10 support
President Roosevelt and the administra-
ton.