New-York tribune., 1911-03-01
From Tho tribune Bureau.l
Washington. ENphrua


l,ORIMER FORCE POTENT. The most
potent force in the United States Senate to-
day is the combination of Democrats and
Republicans which Is standing squarely he
hind William Lorimer in his effort 10 re-
tain his seat In the upper house Of Con-
gress. So potent Is this force that not
only were Senators willing 10 remain up
all night in order to dispose OF a vote on
this case AT this session. knowing fun well
that il a vote were deferred until the spe-
cial session there would be no chance OF
Mr. Lorimers being seated. but even those
Senators who are opposed 20 the Senator
from Illinois. and VINO believe his election
to have been invalid. seem unwilling 10 re-
sort 10 the only practical means Of pre-
venting his being permanently seated, the
prevention OF vote now. In view oil the
TACT that comparatively short time ago
there were not enough votes in the Senate
Ia seat the Illinois Senator, ana that his
friends were filbusterug in mild but SUI
fcently effective way 10 prevent a VOTE
the conversion of Senators TO an opposite
view Is somewhat remarkable. This con-
version has taken place most extensively
on the Democratic side of the chamber
Of Senator Bailey, Of Texas made votes for
Lorlmer As it is generally realized, how
ever. that speeches do not make votes,
and as il is a further fact hat the Texan
uy no means succeeded in presentinS losl-
cal answers 10 the contentious OF Senator
Root. but. on the contrary, devoted him-
sell largely 10 an appeal TO sympathy. chlei-
" effective in the galleries. the curious VIII
doubtless continue TO wonder what mas
made these Democratic statesmen so anX-
ious TO conserve the rights Of the Repuo-
lican blond boss OF Illinois.
PERFECTLY FRIENDLEss.--The most
pitifuI anu friendess object that could he
imagined is the poor little Canadian reel
orocitv agreement now before the Senate.
some Senators frankly admit that If II had
had even a few sincere and earnest friends
to-day. If could have been saved and spe-
Cial session ,,voided. OF course. II has many
friends. but they are the kind of friends
who skilfully manage TO control their M
pulses ami emotions, TO limit all manifesta-
ton OF friendship 20 the utterance OF plau-
tudes and mild and unobtrusive little COM
pliments. always free from anything even
approsChing enthusiasm. and 10 promoting
its welfare in gentlemanly and unobtrusive
WAYS. painstakingly devised so that they
will not in the slightest degree hurt the
feelings Of those who oppose II. In the con-
ferences to-day reciprocity had two stall
wart friends. one was Senator Stone, Of
Missouri. who is heartily in favor OF the
rolicv. ana the other was Senator Money.
OF Mississippi. who is opposed 20 II. but
would prefer an opportunity 10 vote against
II at this session. even though II would pass,
to remaining in Washington for special
session. This does rot mean, Of course, that
there will not he many votes for the agree
ment whenever II comes to vote. but 1t
does mean that most Of those who will
support IL by their votes will DO so only
because they dare not 90 otherwise,
DATE IN THE AIR.-The deferred con-
ference between the President and the Re
publican leaders regarding the date for
special session took place this morning, but
no decision was reached The President
found considerable sentiment for date
earlier than April 4 among the Republicans
and the conference finally adjourned with
ont any conclusion being reached. II is not,
Of course. essential that n decision on this
question no reached for a day or two, but
a. Mr.. Taft expects 30 issue his call for
special session on March 4. as soon as the
gaveI falls on tho close of this Congress, the
Republican leaders cannot too long defer
tho rroposition. or lie will make up their
minds for them. At this mornings confer
epce the President took occasion to ret-
crate the views described in these dis
patches this morning, regarding a vote de-
1a1
closing hours Of this session. lie has no
desire TO interfere with deliberate deci-
sion Of the Senate. he told his callers, but,
on the other, hand, he does not mean TO
have a policy defeated which he knows
majority of the Senate purposed TO vote for
only q few weeks ago, and which some Of
that majority might vote against now sole
" to avoid an extra session. The President