New-York tribune., 1913-10-22
Both Branches Eager for Rest,
but Wilson Holds One and
Republicans the Other.
WON'T AGREE TO A RECESS
Minority Refuses Even Three
Day Adjournment of House
Absent Senators Ordered
to Return Forthwith.

Washington. Oct A.-The legislative
farce, which is a tragedy to many mem
bers entitled Saving the Face of Wood
row Wilson" was on the boards at both
ends OF the Capitol to-day, while an untlr'
ing stage manager in the White House
spurred unwilling actors in the politlcai
drama to further efforts.
The House tried to take a recess. but
It's minority leader. Mr.. Mann. and the
Senate wouldn't let It, There was bit
Of skirmishing in both sides. the net re-
suit being that Congress is still nominally
in session. seeking to make good the
Presidents prediction that the currency
bill will be passed next month.
The Senate. after remaining quorumless
for most Of the day. finally corralled the
necessary forty-eight Senators. Then a
summons was sent to all absentees ana
adjournment was taken until tomorrow.
The majority Of Senators present to-day
were on hand through no wish OF their
own; nor do they agree with Mr. Wilson
that currency legislation is possible at the
extra session.
Two thirds Of House Empty.
In the House, where It was impossible
to obtain an agreement TO vote recess
of thirty days, only 12l members were In
attendance. The membership is 4SS. the
rollcall showing that more than two
thirds had gone home
The majority leader, Mr.. Underwood
encouraged further absenteeism by an
nouncing on the floor that there was no
further business to transact for the pres
ent and that members might 90 home
without fear Of criticism"
Mr.. Mann asserted that there would be
criticism. and renewed his threat that the
roll must be called each day TO show the
Democrats who are absent from their
posts regardless Of the dictum Of their
President that they must not adjourn un-
I'll the currency bill is passed.
Both houses presented the spectacle OF
weary legislators secretly rebellious
against the White House mandate Open
" the Democratic leaders talk OF uphold
ing the hands Of the President. and then
quietly advise their followers TO go home.
In view Of Mr.. Underwoods statement
to-day It is expected that fewer than one
hundred members of the House will be at
the Capitol tomorrow.
When the House met to-day Mr.. Under
wood had read the Presidents letter ex-
pressing the belief that currency legisla-
ton would be enacted in November Mr..
Underwood said he regretted that II had
been impossible to arrange with Mr.
Mann for a recess OF the House until the
ha ri fy0rr, tha Sen
ate. He spoke feeifngly Of the "tirec
members OF the House who have beer
here almost continuously for year" but
was frank TO say that he doubted the
senates willingness to grant a recess.
Must Fish or Cut Bait.
Members of the House are the same
sort of humans as Senators" retorted Mr..
Mann. IF those in this body should have
a rest. as the gentleman from Alabama
admits, the same statement applies 70
Senators. AS long as the majority side
OF this House cannot act upon its owr
Judgment and quit then we should stay
here and do business. II we ere forced to
stay In session by the President, then we
should fish or cut bait.
The President talks Of obtaining tho
passage OF the currency bill In November.
I am willing TO stake my legislative judg-
ment on the statement that he will not
get a bin either in November or Decem-
Der.
The President in his letter TO the ma.
tority leader of the House also refers tc
conversations with Republican members
of the Senate Banking and Currency
Committee. He gives an erroneous i'm
preston. One would infer that he has
talked to at least two Of these minority
members, yet, from what I can learn, M
has seen only one, and in that converse
ton found no authority for the assur'
ance he expressed about this legislation
Mr.. Mann expressed the prevalent view
that the President would obtain more sat
isfactory results in the end IL he were
70 permit an adjournment at this time
Mr.. Underwood said that the President
was still anxious 10 see currency legisla
ton at this session, although he was no
averse to House recess while the Senate
debated currency.
'I have been unable 10 reach an agree
nent for q recess with the gentleman
from Illinois, Mr Mann" sorrowfully ex
planned the majority leader. land 1 alst
doubt that the Senate would agree to {
recess resolution at this time The Presi
dent, however, has no desire 10 keeI
members OF the House from going to thei