The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-01-06


 Nashville, January 5.-(Special)- Deadlocked and the key thrown away is the situation in Tennessee legisla- tive matters. According to both sets of the controversy, which find 1t impos- sible to obtain quorum in the lower house, the other must give in or there will be session of the legislature at all. Both have issued statements to the public, placing the blame on the other and declaring that each will stand pat or there will be nothing doing. Regular" democrats contend that the "fusionists" have repudiated the agree ment that all contests in both houses be dropped while the fusion" forces state that they will hold no further negotiations and will treat future mat ters upon the floor of the house. Regu lars declare that they will go home unless their demands are met.
 This morning found every vestige of hope for getting together gone and no business was transacted in the upper house. The senate adjourned until Mon day and If at that time the house IS not ready for business the body pro- poses t,t adjouhl every thfee days un- tit sofnrfhing develops.
 Men Higher lip
 In the meantime 1t Is being frssly de- clared that 1t Is not the rank and file of each faction that is the big factor in the blockade prevailing but the men higher up. Both the United States senatorship and state officers are given material credit. jealous rivals sparring for every possible advantage without regard to the business of the state.
 Inasmuch as it is possible that no leg islature will convene there is much gossip as to possible results.
 Should it be impossible to canvass the gubernatorial vote the present governor would have to hold over, leaving the United States senatorship vacant for two years.
 Should the governor resign, Speaker Nat Baxter of the senate would then become governor. The state would be thus left without the machinery for appropriations, and consequently without available reve- nue.
 It is now generally undGstood that G. T. Fitzhugh is certainly in the race for United States senator should that stage be reached. He would appear to be de cidedly the strongest man at the outset should the fusionists dominate on joint ballot.
 Fusion forces declare they are not in the least worried, as should the deadlock continue the two subjects in which they are most interested, the maintenance of the prohibition and election laws, will remain as at present in vogue.
 Statement By Regulars
 The regular democrats of the house is- sued a statement today In which they de- fined their position regarding the legis- lat Eaadlnclx n fhaV
 We declined to participate in the or ganization of the house with the knowl- edge that our position was unusual, and that you would expect us to explain and justify 1t. At the same time we felt con- fident that you would approve and in dorse our course, even though 1t shall result In no legislation whatever by the fifty-seventh general assembly when the facts are known.
 Long before the legislature was to meet it was authoritatively known that there would be two contests in the sem ate-York vs. Davis and Wright vs. Brooks MT. Wright instituted his con- test before the returns were canvassed by the governor, attorney general and secretary of state, but being advised that the board could not go behind the re- turns and records and inquire into the facts, withdrew his contest. giving mo- tce to the board at the time that he would renew 1t in the senate.
 Tt was also well known that there would be contest between Asmus and MT. Day in the house. These contests were understood to be bona fide contests. and on the other hand meant to be en- tertained and considered accordingly.
 I've have stood out and if necessary we will go home before we will submit to this iniquty meant to be committed by bold. reckless majority force."'