Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1911-04-23
DEMOCRATS HOLD
WHIP HAND IN
SENATE
Republican Insurgents Dis
rupt Majority and Minority
May Be Called Upon to
Straighten Out SnarI,
tBy Morning Journal special Leases wire,


lBy Morning Journal Special Leases Wire,
Washington, April 22,-Democrats
| of the senate may be called upon 70
| arbitrate the differences between
| the republican regulars and pro-
gressives' over the question of com
mittee assignments.
This unprecedented situation was
predicted tonight following the ad-
| journment of u meeting Of the re-
| publican committee on committees, al
which the demands of the progress
| ives for the right to dictate one of the
four of the republican members on
all committees was again denied.
The progressives did not ask for a
formal recognition. but this made no
difference In vote of seven TO four.
by which their original demands were
defeated.
II was said the progressives will ap-
peal to the senate from the assign
ments of the committee on commit
tees, and in this way the democrats
will be called in to settle the diff
Guilty.
Neither Of the republican factions
is disposed to shirk the responsibility
Of the situation. II the dispute gets
into the hands of democratic senator's
the result may be far more conse-
quential. The snarl would be that no
one could forecast the legislative re-
suits of the session.
Just what action the democrats
would take as arbitrators Is speoula-
tive. Several are known to sympa-
thize with the insurgents, while many
unquestlonably would vote to sustain
party regularity.
At todays meeting resolution
adopted yesterday which provided for
the organization of the committees In
alphabetical order was reconsidered
and Senator Gallinger. as chairman OF
the committee was instructed to
bring In tentative list of assign
ments. But this action was not taken
without opposition from the progress
ives. who insisted upon their right TO
designate their representatives on the
committees.
When they were voted down the
progressives retired from the com
mittee room. They do not relish the
prospect of having Mr.. Gallinger name
the progressive members of the com
mittees. and while they make no dec
laration to this effect, II Is plainly
their purpose to oppose the chair
mans action whenever II fails to meet
their requirements of one-fourth Of
the republican committee assign
ments. In such conflict In the
committee as then would ensue 1t Is
expected the seven regular members
would stand together In supporting
the "Gallinger selections" The de- |
feat of amendments offered by the !
progressives would follow, and In that |
event II Is expected the progressives,
refusing to accept the situation, would |
take the case to the senate.
As an indeterminate step the ques- |
ton would be considered by the re-
publican caucus, but as the regulars |
outnumber the progressives two to |
one the committee regulars would be |
sustained.
Tho progressives contend that II
tho democrats favor reform they |
would be compelled to support their |
slate. but the regular republicans be- !
lieve the conservatives would stand |
by them.
The principal contention In the
committee on committees is over the
to che committees on
appropriations, finance. postoffices,
judiciary and foreign relations. The
progressives contend they were prom
sed two members Of the finance
committee In advance OF the organi-
zation of the Gallinger committee and
they are especially anxious TO have
this pledge carried out.
The progresslves are anxious to In
fluence the committee on approprla-
tions as means TO controlling the
on expenditures. They
want larger representation on the
postoffice committee as a cheek on
appointments, and they de-
sire 10 aid In shaping the settlement
of the Mexican imbrogllo through
the committee on foreign relations.
They also hope to insure another
favorable report from the committee
on judiciary on the resolution proyld-
ing for the election OF senators By d.
eot vote and are desirous OF influ-
entail representation on that commit
tee.