The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-03-18
GREAT BATTLE FOR
CONTROL IS Still
ON IN HOUSE
Insurgents and Democrats Fight All
Night To Effect Change in Kules
and Continue Struggle This
Morning.
Cannon Is Caught Of Guard and
Rep. Nixon Introduces Resolution
Which Precipitates Fight.

WASHINGTON, March 1s.-Streaka
OF dawn petering through the windows
OF the capitol this morning lighted up
100 heavy-eyed and careworn. but az
gressive statesmen wrangling In the
chamber OF the house OF representa-
tives.
little later when old Sol peeped
In he blinked with surprise when he
observed that the house was still
doing business after a continuous ses-
sion OF Is hours.
1t was strange sight and porten-
tious; an extraordinary situation
brought about by fight over the big
gest stake In congress.
Speaker Cannon and his band OF
regulars were making heroic stand
70 retain their control OF the rules
committee which meant their grip on
the house. In one battle after another
In the long session the Cannon stan
dards were struck down by the allied
insurgent Republicans and Democrats.
only one resource remained to save
the regulars from complete rout and
that lay In the power Of the Speaker
TO block proceedings. He closed the
throttle and 1t became q test OF en-
durance
Engage In Mock Proceedings.
Al o'clock this morning the hardy
elements OF the contending forces
consisting mostly OF Democrats and
insurgents who agreed to clinch their
preliminary victories with a complete
triumph. occupied the floor. At inter-
walls the wranglers engaged in mock
proceedings and pestered Dalzell, who
presided while Cannon was taking O
nap In his ONCE. On the fringes OF
the active crowd were members asleep
In their seats. The gallery presented
scene such as the rising sun dis
covers In Madison Square garden dur
ing six-day bicycle race. Homeless
citizens had found II a comfortable
place to spend the night.
| The cloak rooms OF both parties
were converted into dormitories. On
the Republican side the lights had
peen extinguished to promote sleep.
Members slumbered ON the divans.
Dig leather chars, on mahogany tables
and even on the floors. $1,000
i At 6 o'clock determined steps were
taken to arrest congressman who had
sion TO enjoy the comfort OF their
homes. This move was undertaken
by the insurgent Republicans and
Democrats who had maintained Q
steady control of the situation, and
who sought a quorum In the hope that
they might achieve one of the most
revolutionary victories in the history
of the house.
| Sleepy Representatives Brought IN.
Four hours before the Republican
sergeant at arms had been instructed
to arrest absentees, of which there
were over 200. He sent out four
deputies with automobiles and as
result of their efforts a dozen sleepy
representatives reported for duty.
The patience Of those who had been
present during the night was exhaust
ed by o'clock and Hardwfck (Dem.
Ga) moved that Joseph Sinnott. as
sistant sergeant at arms be instructed
to get after the strikers. Acting
Speaker Dalzell ruled that the motion
was out OF order. He was promptly
overruled and the motion was adopt
ed. Sinnott then proceeded to swear
In twenty deputies with instructions
to get results and that the house
meant business. Speaker Cannon re-
fused 10 issue formal warrants for the
arrest of members, but the deputies
got after them anyhow.
Pending returns, proceedings were
suspended and the members opened
story telling session as they gathered
In groups in the chamber.
Nicholas Longworth was one or the
first victims OF the raid and was greet
ed with round of laughter when ne
put in an appearance.
| The continuance session since noon
yesterday. was due to an attempt TO
destroy the present committee on
rules. through which the Speaker has
maintained absolute control OF legis-
lation The committee now consists
OF five members. appointed by the
| Speaker, having large authority and Is
under the complete domination OF tho
| Speaker.
"UncIe Joe" Caught OF Guard.
Ever since the insurgent movement
began one OF its chief objects has been
TO get committee on rules elected by
the members. An effort was made
year ago 10 bring about this result. In
surgent Norris rep, Neb) thought
yesterday afternoon that the psyche
! logical moment had arrived. and draw
I ing from his pocket creased AMI
/ frayed paper. which he had carried
with him since the opening OF the ses-
sion in December. ne asked permission
I to introduce "a resolution privileged
under the constitution OF the United
| States"
Uncle joe. for once. happened To-
/ be of his guard and the resolution
was read.
IA NEW CORPORATIONS.