New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-05-07
LIABILITY BILL PASSED
Democratic Opposition Fails 10
Defeat the Measure.

Washington, May 6-Another important
progressive measure urged b. President
Taft-ths employers liability and work
mems compensation bill-Wss passed nv
the Senate to-day BY a vote OF 81 TO 20,
after running the gantlat OF Democratic
opposition in the guise Of numerous amend
ments and a motion TO postpone consider
alton.
Three hours we're CONSUMED IN voting on
the bill and amendments offered Nineteen
times the roll was called on the demand 81
the Democrats who tried persistently 10
wreck tho measure by changing It's provl-
sions. The Republicans, however, With the
exception Of Senator Poindexter, stood SOL
idly together, and, aided b. several Demo
Gratis, carried IT through the fusillade of
amendments without damage At no time
was the persistent opposition dangerous.
There is prospect that the House will
also pass the bill.
The most serious crisis was reached when
a motion TO postpone consideration until
May q was made by Senator Overnran.
This was lost by vote OF a 10 20, only
ten Democrats standing with the Republi.
cans. When this subterfugo was defeated
several Democrats changed front and voted
with the ma jority on insl passage Among
then, was senator O'Gorman, who voted
for every amendment intended 10 defeat the
PURPOSES of the measure, In company with
senators JEFF Davis, Reed. Overman and
TIoke Smith While the others remained
firm in their purpose and vOred against the
bill. the Senator from New York went over
10 the majority on the final vote
81. ush
continued for four calendar days, was
taken up by Senator Root, who delivered
strong speech IN support of the bill, and
Senators Reed and Smith, OF Georgia VINO
continued their persistent attacks upon It.
Senator Root read score or kilograms
from railway employees ORGANIZATIONS IN
all psrts OF the Stat" of New York urging
the passage OF the bill. These were sup
r,emented by kilograms referred TO by
Senators Lodge and Works. With lew ex-
ceptions the railroad employees in all parts
OF the country appeared 10 be OF the same
mind II was probably because OF the al
most unanimous approval OF the bill by the
vorkmen who will be affected by II that
the Democrats resorted TO the scneme OF
defeating the purposes of tho measure by
Offering al least thirty amendments TO in
crease the benefits 10 be conferred on in
,ured employees. hoping to throw IFS pro
visions out OF balance.
IT is constructive measure Of prog
ress." said Senator Root, after recountine
the history OF the bill and the painstaklng
investigation made in connection with II.
"It will be benefit not only 70 the labor
ms men and the industries in which they
are employed, but 10 the people OF the
country as a whole. II will eliminate the
delays in litigation, lasting sometimes TOT
months and for years, with the certainty
that from % 10 30 per cent OF the award
will be taken up by the costs OF litigation.
The persistent demand OF the Democrats
for rolleals only served to accentuate the
solidarity OF the Republican side In
sureents and regulars for this occasion at
least stood shoulder TO shoulder. senator
Foindexter was the only Republican VINO
voted with tho opposition TO amend the Dill