The Washington herald., 1912-07-26
HOUSE LEADERS
ARE AT WAR IN
WARSHIP FIGHT
Continued from Page One.

pointed at the Capitol yesterday. It was
charged that Mr.. Burieson repeatedly vio-
lated the rules OF parliamentary pro-
cedure in his rulings. The steam roller
was reversed and applied TO its natural
engineers. and they were not pleased
with the experience. Mr.. Burleson, 1t
was charged, ignored the demand for
division on the vote to adjourn the meet
ing. although there were enough votes
to defeat the motion.
Party Split Possible.
That the Wednesday caucus may re-
suit in a serious split in the hitherto
united House majority was apparent
Many members took the position that
the matter resolved itself into a decision
between misguided party loyalty and
patriotism, and that they would be gov
erned by the latter influence rather than
by the former in any future action in
the primaries. Others, taking into con-
sideration the Democratic platform,
which declared for "an adequate navy
and one which will uphold the dignity
and prestige OF the United States. de-
clare that even party loyalty directs
them to disregard the caucus pledge.
The questionable motives of many who
voted against further battleship construc-
ton this year offer another reason for
disregarding the caucus pledge. That
'arge number OF members snoUld make
their SporUval OF battleship construction
contingent III on Their ability TO reap per-
sonal benefits from a pork barrel" pub
lie buildings bill is looked upon by many
as sufficient Justification for breaking
through party ties in this instance. That
Representative Underwood, whose lead
ership has been the principal factor IN
the excellent record the Democratic House
has made, sides against the no-battleship
programme is considered further tusti-
fication for an independent stand in the
controversy by many who have been
Mr. Underwood's strongest supporters OF
the side of party regularity in the House.
May Mean Two ships.
In view OF the independant attitude
which a large number OF Democrats as
sumed yesterday. IL is not believed the
possibility OF re-enacting the 1e11-12 naval
bill. and thus providing for two battle
ships. will materialize, though It Is pos
sible that strong bolt in the Democratic
majority may result in two battleships
instead OF one. as suggested as basis
OF compromise with the Senate.
Just what significance attaches TO the
fact that Speaker Clark and Majority
of the controversy IS problematical.
Speaker Clark is known as an advocate Of
a small navy. and the pork barrel
buildings bill can have no bearing upon
his attitude.
On the other hand. as a leader OF the
House and the national Democratic party.
he should be expected to support the
party's platform and follow as closely
as possible the desires Of the party's
new leader. Gov. Wilson.
\ refusal on the part OF the Democrats
OF the House to sanction the continual
ton OF the battleship construction pro-
gramme in the face of the party's plat
form might prove a handicap in the
campaign, and one which the party's
legislative leaders should stand ready TO
obviate.
However. It is probable that when Mr..
and his no pork barrel, no bat
tleships' followers again are called upon
to meet the issue. they will find them |
selves pitted against an organized force
under the able leadership of Oscar Tn |
derwoOd and his lieutenants.