Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1912-07-25
Caucus Decides By Vote Of 70
to 62 Not to Accede to Sen
ate Bill or to Compromise On
One War Vessel.
FITZGERALD LEADS
FIGHT FOR ECONOMY
Action By Representatives
Greatly CompIicates Legisla-
tive Outlook and May Pro-
duce a Deadlock.

nv Morning Journal special Leased wirel
Washington, July 24.-Democrats
of the house In caucus, voted tonight.
| 20 TO 62 not 10 recede from their mo
battleships" program in the naval ap-
preparation bin determined effort
was made to have the caucus approve
a compromise with the senate where
hy the house would agree to the con
struction of one sea fighter. Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald chairman Of the
appropriations committee, led the OPP
position to the proposal on the ground
OF economy.
The action OF the caucus further
complicates the adjournment plans of
the leaders OF both the senate and
house. The naval appropriation blll
Is In conference and todays caucus
was ordered in an effort TO break n
deadlock that has prevailed for some
time with no apparent chance that It
could be broken.
The senate, committed to a two
battleship building program was Will
ing to compromise on one vessel this
year. Ii has expressed its determine
ton not to recede further
What will be the effect of today's
action?' Chairman Padgelt, of the
house naval affairs committee and
leader of the house conferees, was
asked when the caucus adjourned.
Heaven alone knows" he answer
ed I'm Just going To sit on the log
and ] don't know what the outcome
win be. However wen probably be
here until frost arrives.
The caucus was noisy one.
Through the guarded doors the voices
Of those for and against the battie-
ship plan came plainly. Those in fav-
or of a greater navy because Of the
approaching opening of the Panama
canal wasted impassioned oratory ana
sought the support Of the country"
members.
Those opposed insisted that the
democratic pledges of economy made
II imperative that the naval program,
as already approved by previous
house democratic caucus. should he
adhere to.
Chairman Sulzer. of the foreign ar
fairs committee, offered resolution
that two battleShips be provided and
that objections to the senate amend
ment be withdrawn Although Mr.
Sulzer had number OF supporters,
Chairman Padsett moved to amend
this proposition By substituting one
such vessel, which would be the last
word" In naval construction.
Majority Leader Underwood, Rep
reseniatives Murray, of Massachusetts,,
and pou, of North Carolina. with scv-
eral others supported Mr.. Padeett'
suggestion. Mr. Murray, who repre- |
sents the district IN which The
Charlestown navy yard is located con
fessed he was in faVrr Of TWO big /
fighting crafts. but that in the present
temper OF the two houses Of congress.
he believed compromise was neees
sary to expedite public business.
The debate was growing acrlnonl
Gus when Representative Burnett OF
la abama, moved that the entire mat
Ter he tabled. There Immediately en-
sued a scene of confusion. but the de
mand for roll call on the propose
was carried with the result that the
,aucns voted to stand by its previous
IccisiOn. Several Intellectual attempts
we're made to have the caucus vote
o release Its members from the
pledge exacted by the previous eau
.us not tn vote for battlcshifx' this
ypHI