The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-14
United States Senate Is In Favor of Such a Law
FIGHT AGAINST MEASURE
Discussion in the Senate Brings Out the Fact That a Majority Will Vote to Amend the
 Constitution

Washington, January 13.--That the Sen ate at this session must face the ques- ton as to whether the constitution shall be amended so as to require the election of senators by direct vote of the people was made apparent today. A vote which many senators considered a test of the Senate was taken and resulted largely in favor of the proposition.
 The matter arose in connection with the joint resolution for the amendment of the constitution recently reported from the committee on the judiciary. When that resolution was reported on the calendar MT. Kean was ready with an objection, which would have had the effect of pre- venting immediate consideration under the then order of business.
 Then" said Mr. Borah. with quick ap preciation of the situation, 'I move to take up the resolution notwithstanding the objections of the senator rom New Jersey"
 "Oh, don't do that" pleaded MT. Gal- finger, in charge of the ocean mail sub sidy bill, ''the effect of favorable action would be to displace the ship subsidy bill as the unfinished business, and l know the senator does not want to do that
 He appealed to MT. Kean to withdraw his objection. The New Jersey senator consented, and the Senate election resolu- ton w.. launched upon its legislative voyage.
 Interesting situation The situation was such as to arouse the immediate interest of the senators. MT. et.- t1 tla ton so as to strike out the provision giv- ing the state legislatures supervision of elections and making other changes. | MT Rayner, a staunch advocate of the committee resolution, suggested that as the amendment went to the heart of the question there should be time for con sideration.
 l No" stage whispered dozen demo- crats in his immediate vicinity. No, we'll vote it down!''
 Mir Rayner did not press his point, but his plea was taken up by Senator Hale of Maine, whose position on the merits of the measure is diametrically opposite. He was sure the resolution could not be act ed upon without protracted debate. He precipitately moved an adjournment of the Senate.
 The first vote was viva voce
 The ayes appear to have it. an- nounced the chair
 Never" exclaimed a half dozen sen ators. Let us have the ayes and noes.
 Accordingly roll call was ordered with the result that 43 out of 50 senators pres ent voted against adjournment.
 Encouraged by this, Senator Borah en- deavored to obtain the consent of the Senate to name a day for a vote on the resolution and all amendments He sug- gested Tuesday. January 24. For a time it appeared that he would be successful.
 Senator Hepburn Refuses
 MT. Borah's colleague, Senator Hepburn, had not said a word up to this time. but when the chair put the request for unanimous consent he said No" and spoiled the entire scheme.
 Evidently MT. Borah was displeased. He considered the Senate prepared 10 proceed
 MT. Carter did not agree. He wanted time for consideration and digestion of the Sutherland and other amendments. MT. Borah accepted the remarks of MT. Carter as a lecture" and said he was convinced that some senators were de- termined to prevent a vote at this ses- sion.
 Then Mir. Culum proffered a request for an executive session. This was agreed to.
 'I yield" said MT. Borah, but I give notice that unless time Is agreed upon for vote, on this resolution very little other business will be done"
 He said he would call the matter up again next Monday or Tuesday.
 After brief executive session the Sem ate adjourned until Monday.