Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1912-12-19
DEMOCRATS OPPOSE
CONF F|RMATIONS
BY SENATE
Hoke Smith Explains Reasons
Which Led TO Fi|ibuster
Against Executive Session
Proposed by CulIom,
0uy NatnIng gpurunI sr.eInl I.en.ea wIrea


WASHINGTON, Dee. 1S.---The long
threatened fight in the senate over the
confirmation of President Tafts nomi-
nations broke on the floor of the sen-
ate today and in the first skirmish
the democrats were successful In pre-
venting an executive session demand
ed by senator Cullom. u republicans
The results Of the encounter were un-
certain tonight. but the republicans
threaten to continue efforts tomorrow
to secure an executive session for ac-
ton on the scores OF appointments
now pending.
\ democratic caucus early In the
day, in which the democrats agretN
to permit the confirmation only OF
army and navy appointments, paved
the way for the fight In the midst of
u speech by senator smith, of Georgia,
Senator Cullom, representing the re-
publican forces, demanded IN eNeru-
tive session. The democrats filibustrr-
ed against the motion. rushing out INTO
the cloak rooms on the roll call to
break a quorum and succeeded In de-
laying action until the court of im-
pcachment convened fer the Archibald
trial
Republican leaders said tonight they
would continue to demand that all APP
pointnients he treated IN executive ses-
sion on their merits.
awe will move for an unrestricted
executive session again at the lirst
opportunity ana we Sll continue our
efforts until something GENES from
them" said senator Cullom.
'lf the democrats want 20 take the
we are willing, but they
will have To take II before the coun-
try"
1--WE are not going to let the repub-
licans put us IN corner without
warming said senator Hokc smith.
"rhe president has dumped upon us
the nominations that have been ac-
for the last six months.
We have committee making an IN
Of them, but there are nun
,Ireds of them and we have not been
able to procure the information nee |
essary to enable us to act on them IN /
We are willing to take
the responsibility If that is what Is ,
wanted.
'.The democrats are anxious for the
of the army ana navy /
| have prepared - mo-
ton for an executive session Tor ac-
ton only upon those appointments
which | viii offer as Il substitute Tor
any motion the republicans may
make
"On the oasis Of figures they have
compiled from the records. rcpuDn-
AN leaders are claiming that their
democratic colleagues are violating an
Drccedents In holding up the r"ni'na-
ions of President TAFT During IN"
'inal sessions Of the Arthur. Harrison
md the two Cleveland administrations
hey cite figures 10 show tn" sulk ot
he nominations were givcn approval
" tho senate.
''The figures show what the prered-
.nts In American history are. saih
;cnator Smoot. Of Utah. They SHOW
low the democrats are violating thr
'rccedents in taking action to prevent
he confirmation Of these nomina-
ions. The republicans are rot at
rmpting to have confirmed OFFICIALS
Fhcse terms expire after the next ad-
begins. They are insist
ng that the senate follow the custom
nj confirm nominations To I'LL places
here commissions have expired or !
'hich will become vacant before the
aft administration Is eaded. In some
asses the commissions have already .
xpred. in others the places VIII be !
acant unless nominations are con- {
rmed at this session of congress. III
such nominations. and these alone.
ie republicans are seeking to nave
pnfirmed. -