New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-07-08
NO REST FOR SENATORS
Effort to Adjourn Over to Mon
day Defeated.
DULL RECIPROCITY DEBATE
Cummins Sarcastic Over Presi-
dents Cruise-No Agree
ment to Vote.

four SpeeCheS-tMO on reciprocity, one on
good roads and one on municipal govern
ment--the Senate. seeking a respite from
the long Grind of oratory delivered under
the most trying conditions sought in vain
to-day to fix time for voting on the Cum
minis amendments TO the reciprocity bin
and TO adjourn over until Monday. 1t was
evident in the debate on the question OF
sdjournment that the pace of the last few
days was beginning TO tell. Many Sen
ators wanted a rest. but others. notably
Senators Smoot, Martin and Stone, were
apparently determined that no rest should
be taken until an agreement could be
reached fixing a DAY for beginning the
voting.
senator Stone proposed that vote be
taken on the reciprocity bill with all amend
rnents on or before July %. To this Sen
stor Cummns objected. but as q counter
proposal suggested that his amendments
he disposed of on the legislative day OF
Monday After some debate on this pro-
posal, complicated oy qualifications sug-
gested by Senator Hepburn, Senator Cum
Minis withdrew the request, and the Sen
ate. on the motion of Senator Smoot, ad-
journed until the usual hour tomorrow.
At that time the grind win be resumed.
with the possibility that an effort may be
made 10 force a vote on the Cummins
amendments to the reciprocity bin, which
constitute the pending question. There
was some question whether quorum OF
the Senate would be present. but by taking
count it was calculated that ffty-three
would remain in Washington, a number
sufficient TO keep the legislative wheels
turning in the upper house II 1t comes TO a
crisis. Although there are no speeches IN
prospect for tomorrow, it is probable that
some Of the opponents Of reciprocity VIII
occupy the floor to prevent voting on the
amendments, unless the Senate is more
successful in coming to an agreement than
II was to-day.
Debate on Adjournment.
In the debate over the question Of ad-
journment to-day Senator Cummns suG-
gested in a sarcastic vein that II was only
proper that the chairman OF the Committee
on Finance. Senator Penrose, and other
leaders OF the Senate should he present
when a question so important as his
amendments TO the reciprocity bill was dis
yosed Of 1t was only proper, he said, in
view Of the fact that there were no
speeches in prospect. that certain Senators
who are to be the guests Of the President
on the MayfloWer should be allowed 10 en-
Joy the ocean breezes after the heat in
which the Senate has sweltered for the last
few days
Rapid progress was made to-day in dis
posing Of much of the oratory which stood
IN the way of action on the reciprocity
measure. Senator Gronna finished his
voluminous speech against the bill, Sen
stor Thornton. differing from his col
leagues on the Democratic side, also spoke
in opposition to the reciprocity bill. on the
ground that it would injure the American
farmer. Incidentally. he advocated the es-
adjustment of a permanent tariff board or
commission as the only proper course TO
be followed in settling tariff problems
Senator Thornton reiterating views ex-
pressed before the Louisiana Assembly,
said
I said that ] considered the tariff ques-
ton to be most intricate one on &C
count Of the diverse conditions existing
in country Of such great area and varied
productions and industries as our own,
and they who felt II TO be an easy ques-
ton readily solved by themselves possessed
mental capacities far superior TO my own.
/ said further that the longer | lived and
studied existing conditions the more salts
fed ] became that the tariff question, with
all its complex problems, should not be
made partisan political question, but its
differences should De adjusted through the
sid Of a non-partsan board. so that tariff
bills could be framed along scientific and
business instead Of political lines.
Senator Swanson advocated federal as
sistance in the establishment Of good roads
through the improvement of highways
used for the transportation Of the mails.
He urged an annual appropriation Of So
10000 for FIVE years 70 improve post roads
ana rural delivery routes.
Owen on Commission Government.
Senator owen read long speech in sup
port Of the policy OF municipal government
by commission. although the subject ap-
rarently elected little interest. IS the
chamber was practically empty. He out
lined as his ideal the municipal govern
nent Of the city Of Des Mones, where, he
said. the general plan is that the citizens
by primary NAV nominate candidates for
mayor and four commissioners who shall
have complete charge Of town business.
legislative. executive and judicial ANY
person can be nominated by q petition OF
twenty-five citizens. The ten candidates
having the highest vote at the primary two
weeks later are submitted 70 the citizens
for an election. and the five candidates
having the highest votes at this election
comprise the city council, with fun powers
legislative. executive and judicial. They
manage the business Of a bank. There
are FIVE departments, as follows. First,
department OF public affairs second.
department OF accounts and finance; third.
department of public safety; fourth.
department Of streets and improvements.
and. fifth, department of parks and pub
lie property
The Mayor, by virtue OF his Office said
Senator Owen, has charge Of the depart
ment OF public affairs, with general super
vision over the other departments. and re-
oeives a salary OF $500 The other com
nissioners receive a salary Of 5000. The
council. BY majority vote, appoints all
other oflcials Of the town-city clerk. So
Ncitor. tax assessor, police Judge treas
urer. auditor, civil engineer. city physician
marshal chief Of fire department, street
commissioner. library trustees and all
other necessary officers and assistants.
These selections are made under a board
Of civil service commissioners, who con-
duct examinations Of a practical character
10 determine the fitness Of applicants.
Each commissioner appoints the subordi
nate employees IN his own department. and
each commissioner Is held responsible for
the successful management Of his depart
nent"
Incidentally Mr. owen advocated direct
primaries and tho initiative, referendum
and recall.
NOMINATED FOB ASSEMBLY.
Waterfowl. y. Y. July John G. Jones,
Republican. Of Carthage, was to-day re-