New-York tribune., 1912-01-31
From The Tribune Bureaul
Wa chinrin IAnmf


Washington, January 80.
DEMOCRATIC DlSSENslON.-Every ell
fort 70 patch up the irreconcilable diher-
opca between Representatives Underwood
aud Henry has failed, and the Democrats
have now decided to hold another caucus
next Wednesday night to decide, first, II
general investigation of the alleged money
trust shall be undertaken at TINS SESSION.
and. second, whether, If undertaken II
shall be conducted by a special committee
or by the standing Committee on Banking
and Currency. Mr.. Underwood mas ABOUT
given up hope of defeating the determlHeo
purpose Of Mr.. Henry TO compel such an
investigation, but he is insstent that at
least II shall be conducted by the stahulhs
committee of which Representative PuJo'
of Louisiana is chairman. Mr.. henry
wants 10 have the investigation confined 10
n special committee of which, presumably
MIR Henry would be the chairman ana
which would be composed of those who' IN
Mr. Henry's estimation, constitute the
heavyweights of the Democracy, but VINO
are termed by the irreverent the pralh
trust" MIR. Underwood regards the entire
investigation as unwise, and he is extreme
" irritated by the fact that his views Woulu
easily prevail were It not that William D.
Bryan has spurred his disciples into action
on the subject. The persistent interference
of the Nebraskan In the aHairs OF the
House is a constant occasion of irritation
to the Alabama statesman. especially when
he finds himself wholly unable to resist the
influence of the Peerless leader Many
Of the Democrats dread the prospect OF an
other caucus, contendlng that these meet
ings only serve 10 emphasize the wide DIFF
ferences and dlssensions in the Democratic
ranks.
DEMOCRATS FRIGHTENED. - There
are many Democrats who are badly frlght-
ened to-day at the possible results OF the
hasty action Of the Democratic caucus IN
forbidding the authorization of any battle
ships this year. The Democrats have no
love for the navy, but already some OF
them have heard from home in terms
which indicate that II was the height OF
folly to show their a~imosity at this lime.
Democrats in the viclnity OF Norfolk have
not lost time in telegraphing their pro-
tests and some too, have rea led Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald. Some Of the Demo-
cratic Senators have pointed out TO thelr
colleagues in the lower chamber that II
WAS most unwise to take the action which
marked last nights caucus, and the House
leaders themselves realize that there is
considerable likelihood that the sentiment
in favor OF maintaining an adequate navy
may assume such proportions as TO over
rule the decree of the caucus. For In
stance. 1t is pointed out that OF the four
teen Democratic members of the Naval
Affairs Committee at last nights caucus
eight voted against the Burnett resolution
prohibiting any battleships Should these
same Democrats decide to disregard the
mandate Of the caucus and vote with the
Republicans. the naval bill would unques-
| tionably contain provision for at least one
| battleship, and were such bill brought
| in il would probably carry, despite the op-
position Of the Democratic leaders. The
| anxious leaders are now more than halt
| disposed to bring the subject again before
a caucus probably that to be held next
! Wednesday. and there to rescind the ac-
| ton of last night, as 1t is believed this
would be less subversve Of party discl-
pline and would reflect less dscredit on
the majority than to have the caucus de-
II
cree oveTruled by coalition of patriouc
| Democrats and Republicans.
| Steel, BILL PROTESTS-The Demo
Gratis are also greatly disturbed over the
flood Of protests against the steel tariff bill
which Is pouring into the Capitol The
numerous manufacturers Of tools, minor
machinery, sewing machines. etc, in Ohio
are panicstricken at the thought that the
Democratic bill may become law, and are
telegraphlng their protests 10 Republicans
and Democrats alike. Furthermore, dele
CATION of some twenty manufacturers OF
this class Of goods came to Washington to-
day and camped at the Capitol, imploring
Senators to save them from the Democratic
bill. The Republicans cannot but regard
the situation with certain degree OF equa-