The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-30

Washington, May 29.-(Special.) .)-En- couraged by support from unexpected quarters, and believing, as he says, that when the country understands the finan- cial bill which the Senate republican leaders are trying to put through, the people will arise against it and demand its defeat. Senator Lafollette of Wis consin today and tonight began a filibus- ter which will go down in legislative history.
 Senator Stone of Missouri reached Washington last night and declared his purpose to assist Senator Lafollette in his opposition to the political emergency currency bill. Senator Gore of Oklahoma will also lend his aid and tonight it is reported that Jeff Davis of Arkansas is speeding toward Washington to join the combina ton.
 This bill should not pass" said Sena- tor Stone of Missouri tonight to your correspondent, For one thing it is the duty of the Senate to pass bill giving publicity to campaign funds. The issue Of Crumpackerism is not involved. The question should be met fairly and square ly and my purpose is to bring this matter prominently before the Senate with other legislative matters of vital importance to the country. all of which the republican party refuses to legisate upon.'
 Stone Is Ready.
 Senator Stone adds that he can speak for 10 or F hours if the necessity arises, so if the Arkansas senator arrives the four members ought to be able to bold
 II | Senator Aldrich says tonight that he has the votes to pass the bill and tha 1t will be passed. The Rhode Island sena tor cannot say when this will be accom- plished but he expresses every confi- dence in the ultimate adoption of the conference report.
 In the meantime the house is in con- stant recess. Fully third of its mem- bers have returned home and it was nearly two hours tonight before quorum could be obtained to recess over until tomorrow morning. The members of the House are practically all over on the Senate side and with packed and jammed galleries the scene in the Senate cham Der is a most animated one. night session of Congress always brings to the capitol big crowd and as in the present instance when a fight is on there is record breaking attendance which is willing to stay as long as the show continues.
 History Recalled.
 The present fibuster recalls to old stagers around the capitol several similar legislative hold-ups, which under the Sen Tn as long as he has the physical endurance, are allowable. The great fight made by German of Maryland against the passage of the republican party's force bill is probably the most memorable. In this instance, however, German had the solid democratic side behind him so the task was comparatively easy one.
 Of the one-man filibusters that of Sem taor Carter of Montana and that of Sem ator Allen of Nebraska stand out in a class by themselves. Allen in October, 1893, held the floor for IS hours on the question of the repeal of the purchasing clause of the Sherman act. It was Car ter who spoke for 18 solid hours against the rivers and harbors hill He held the floor right up to the adjournment hour,
 
 measure failed.
 Two years ago Carmack of Tennessee also adopted the same tactics against the ship subsidy bill and the man who is now candidate for the gubernatorial nomination in the Volunteer state rem dered the country distinct service in that instance. Carmack, in his flibuster- mig, was also about the only man who could make 1t interesting. Your ordi- nary filibuster is a great bore. A senator may read Greek if he desires or what is even worse, stick to his text and dis cuss currency as Allen of Nebraska did.
 Carmack's Wit.
 The wit of Carmack made even the ad- vocates of ship subsidy feel in a good humor. He had been called filibuster by one of the republican senators. Using the word "flibuster'' as a text the Ten nessean asked: What is a filibuster?' There was no reply and Senator Carmack sent for all the dictionaries he could find