The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1912-07-27
DEMOCRATS FACE BOLT
ON BAHlESH|P VOTE
At Least Thirty-five Will 1g.
uorc Caucus Action Against
Bigger Navy.
CONFERENCE TO BIZ HELD
Effort Will Then Bc Made to
l,c>cind Action Of Previous
Meeting.

NAs,liNuroN. July 26.--At least thirty
,yc Democratic members of the House
,oye determined to ''bolt'' il the Demo-
cratic caucus continues to hold out
against additions to the battleship fleet.
Indications are that the caucus Will be
,easscn,blcd and another effort made to
force the adoption Of resolution de-
.ar!ng for the Incorporation In this
yera's naval bill Of an authorization for
It least one dreadnought.
Tho House Democrats are badly split
over the naval programme and the lead
.rs are attempting to restore order.
'rhey have given assurances that are
not entirely satisfactory to the battle
shin advocates that a compromise will
10 made with the Senate. which pro-
noses the construction of two first class
men II war.
An effort is being made to call the
caucus tomorrow or Monday. This
haste is due to the announcement that
the Republicans intend to force the is
she on Tuesday. The naval bill will be
called up in the House on that day
REPRESENTATIVE Foss Of Illinois. ranking
Republican member of the House Naval
committee will move tn concur in the
senate amendment providing for two
Uattleships.
Under the rules Of the caucus no man
is bound to subscribe 10 decision or
he organization on constitutional
question or any proposition upon which
he may be obligated by promises made
To his constituents or declarations in
his platform. one plea or the other Will
tc urged by Democrats who have de-
,ided to follow their own devices. Rep
rsscntativc Sulzer. who is leading the
fight for battleships. addressed u letter
to Representative Burleson Of Texas,
chairman Of the caucus. reading as fol-
lows.
in order that there shall be no question
n the future about the matter ! advise
Won that | promised my constituents when
was a candidate for Congress to stand by
our naval policy and to do all In my power
10 promote its efficiency. In this matter.
therefore | reserve the right TO vote as
deem proper.
II shall vote for two battleships when
ever the opportunity presents itself.
he said. The caucus cannot hold me
IN question of such great moment to
his country"
Mr.. Sulzcr's frame Of mind Is shared
ny at least thirty-four other Demo-
Gratis. Every sort Of influence is being
.Xerted to bring members into line
behind the hattleship programme.
The pork barrel members have been
iold that an omnibus public buildings
hl has been framed in committee and
that it authorizes appropriations foot
ing mp about s5O,0O0,O00. These men,
bers have been informed further that II
they will assist the party in getting out
of hole by voting for one or two
ba,tesh!ps the omnibus measure will
lie reported and passed at the December
session Of Congress.
This promise has had a good effect
n fact the belief is general that In
'he forthcoming caucus resolution
will bc passed providing for one and
possibly two battleships.
The controversy has assumed a po-
iItical significance that has caused a
good deal of alarm among a ma ajority
II the Democrats. Members are being
bombarded by labor leaders and others
ufginc them to support naval extension
rs provided In the Senate amendment
authorizing two battleships.
Two petitions calling for another
caucus on battlcshlps are in circulation
"re is In tho hands of Representative
iurley Of Massachusetts,. The other was
prepared by Representative Sulzer.
Representative Sulzcr said to-day his
petition would bind every member tc
bolt u the caucus failed to reverse
its"lf He will present In the caucus q
.iesolutlon reading az follows:
RSphrd. That the action heretofore
's,en by the Democratic caucus regard
ing appropriations for battleships at thi,
session OF Congress be and the same i.
hereby repealed
Judging from the kilograms and let
ters received, the country Ia stirred uy
o}e7 TIE Democratic naval policy. TIL,
s',ltudo Of Representative Fitzgerald o.
Brooklyn. one Of the House leaders, ha!
apparently excited resentment In New
York, For example, Representative Sui
7tr received a telegram from j. Sargen
\ 'ram of Tammany Hall reading as fol
,JTs:
Hearty congratulations. Keep on unit
'oE win. More than 50 per cent. of tn
COS of battle.h hips Is paid to American
'a'or Hence those voting against th
navy not only repudia,e the Monroe Doe
nm" and the Democratic platform. but ar
- irl"nds oi American labor.
speaker Clark's vote against the bat
'.I'p resolutions in the last caucus /
''i' ho subject of comment amoni
'"mporats. His friends deny he ha
'Adrg'd front. 1t was assumed that hi
fc IN Wednesday meant he was op
,"'l L" any additions to the fleet a
.1's 'ln", nut his friends say he favor.
f.i Nill vote for one battlcship.
NJ me coming caucus, 1t was sald up
\ N'r'unity will he given To vote for tw,
'''N'Shps and the alternative VI one.
Nn effort was made by Democrats t.
"sc"inl reports about bad feeling bc
'"" speaker Clark and Leader Under
"'"1 N"aIly every Democratic mcmbc
"' ''' House Is aware that. since tn
''' mare convention, there has been
.",in- of restraint whenever Clark an
rd"rWood happen to meet.
tu' battlcship advocates among tn
p"'n'yrala are determined To press IN
AghI a." prospects for the incorporate
"a. Il ...1t : 1, 8.