The Washington herald., 1908-04-15
PRESIDENT DEFIED
BY HOUSE LEADERS
Whip Watson Conveys Col
leagues Declaration.
NOT TO BE DICTATED TO
Will Not Brook Executive in
Interference Of Lawmaker.
Refuse Appropriation for More Thaa
Two Battle ships. and VIII Not
Pass Civic Federation Bill Propos-
Ing Important Amendments 10 the
Anti-trust Laws, Both Pet Projects
of President Roosevelt.

On behalf of the leaders of the House,
Representative Watson. of Indiana. the
Republican whip. last night held an ex-
tended conference with President Roose-
veIt
It is understood that Mr.. Watson indi-
Gated that the leaders of the House, dur
/ ing the remaining days Of the session,
would not consent to the passage Of any
important legislation aside from the AID
rich currency bin and the regular sup
ply measures.
Pet Projects Denied.
The leaders. it is stated. through Mr..
Watson. informed the President that Con-
gress would not agree to appropriations
for more than two battle ships. Also. that
no action would be taken at this time on
the Civic Federation bill proposing i'm
portant amendments to the Sherman anti
trust act.
In a word, the Republican leaders gave
the President to understand that they
would not submit 10 Executive interfer-
enee in matters OF legislation.
The leaders of the House are preparing
for a red hot fight to-day over the battle
ship provision Of the naval appropriation
bill
Both Sides Claim Victory.
Backed by the President. who sent a
special message on the subject to Con-
gress yesterday. those who propose 10
double the Naval Committees recon-
mendati0n that two battle ships be auth
orized, are claiming victory. The leaders
ana the conservative Republicans ana
Democrats. who are concerned over the
danger OF a depletion Of the Treasury
surplus, are confident that only two bat
| tie ships will be authorized.
| To Representative Richmond Pearson
Hobson, hero Of the Merrimac. credit is
given for having obtained the help Of
| the President In the effort TO ges an ap-
preparation Tor four hrst-eIass armor-
elads Naturally. the old Republican
warhorses are angry over the fact that a
new member and a Democrat at that
has more influence with the President
| than Representatives Of the Presidents
own party, including Speaker Cannon,
Chairman Tawney. Of the Committee on
| Appropriations. and Chairman Foss, Of
the Committee on Naval Affairs.
Hobson Influence Resented.
It is said that the President did not
seek the counsel Of the leaders, but gave
frequent audiences to Ar. Hobgon, and
| that to those veteran Republicans of the
House who tried 10 dissuade him from
| sending IN the message he constantly
cited Mr.. Hogsons arguments as reasons
| for the necessity OF making provision for
four battle ships.
Mr. Hobson and few Republican
members who are in favor OF the battle
/ ships eanv9ssed the House
Mr. Hobson said afterward he was
sure to win. One Of his associates n the
work of canvassing admitted that those
/ who were for two battle ships were in the
majority.
According to what is regarded as con-
| seryGtive estimate, the fOur-battle ship
| contingent viii not have more than 100
votes out of an expected go.
Message Hastily Prepared.
/ President Roosevelt's message shows
/ signs of hasty preparation. It did not
get back to the White House from the
Government Printing Office until 1 O'Clock
| yesterday afternoon. and was then rushed
| to the Capitol
1 Under the rules adopted in the House
a vote on the naval bill and amendments
vii be taken to-day. II was necessary
| In order that the message might be ef-
/ fective, to have it before the House yes
terday.