New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-08
President Summons Democratic
Senators and Demands That
Action Be Taken.
TOLD OUTLOOK IS DOUBTFUL
Wilson Warned That Immediate
Passage of Measure Will Be
Difficult - Republicans
Blamed for Trouble.
From The Tribune Bureau

confronting revolt in the ranks OF his
own party. indicated to-day that he re-
lies on caucus rule 10 force currency legls-
Iation through the Senate. He summoned
TO the White House several Democratic
leaders OF the upper house and demanded
that action be taken.
In response the President was advised
that there was much doubt that the
Democratic caucus could be persuaded 10
stand for the immediate passage OF the
administration bill. Although the lines
are being drawn taut on the currency
question, the course that will be eventual-
" followed seems TO be as uncertain As
Al has been for several weeks.
The impression was given at the White
House that the President would be con-
ciIiatory If he could have his own way.
How this way is to be achieved is the
perplexing question for those VINO are
commissioned TO carry out the adminis-
trations purposes.
There is much doubt. even among the
Democrats, that a majority can be oo-
tained in caucus 10 force the currency Dill
20 passage in It's present form. Even II
this course should be decided upon ana
followed, the opposition that would be
stirred UP would be such that the Dill
would probably be debated for months
instead of weeks in the Senate and that
A. would not be ready for signature until
FAR into the regular session of Congress.
Facing a Dilemma.
supporters Of the administration take
q roseate view Of the situation. but IT Is
evident that the President faces a dilem-
ma. Opponents of the bill passed by the
House believe that the suggestion OF
caucus is merely a feeler. and that II IL
Is found that this course is impracticaole'
the President will consent 10 compro-
mise. accepting such amendments TO the
bill as will overcome the greater part OF
the opposition and pave the way Tor lts
passage by largely non-parusan vote
II is probable that the hearings VIII De
continued according 20 the programme
adopted by the Senate Banking and Cur
rency Committee If at the END OF a
reasonable time the committee rails 10
agree on the bill. or on measure wmch
will meet the views Of the adminlstra-
ton. a caucus probably will be held 10
decide the question, unless IT Is demon
strated. I'm the meantime. that this course
is impracticable. For the present, at least
the President will insist that quorum
Of the Senate remain at the Capitol but
II is doubtful whether this wish will be
complied with unless the majority invokes
the aid of the sergeant-at-arms In pre-
venting Senators iron going home.
There is no longer any question that
the President is much concerned over the
signs of trouble in passing the admins
tration bill. He is extremely nettled be-
cause of the opposition of Senators OGor-
man. Reed and Hitchcock, and ultimately
his displeasure probably will be felt by the
recalcitrants.
Senator Kern, Democratic leader In the
Senate. and Senator James were early
callers at the White House to-day, with
Senator Clarke They were summoned for
a conference regarding ways and means
10 bring the baking Senators into line, al
though It was emphatically declared AFTER
the conference that President Wilson had
no present intention of trying TO intlml"
date those who opposed his programme.
Senator owen also held 8 long confer
ence with the President on the same sub
5ect. Senator Lewis. of Illinois, admitted
that he had foregone an engagement IN
his state TO remain in Washington to help
ptraighten out the plans for the speedy
passage Of the currency bill.
Blame Put on Republicans.
That there Is danger OF a serious ruction
an the Democratic ranks before the cur
rsncy legislation advances very far is adj
rnitted Friends of the administration say
that much i'll feeling has been caused by
erroneous reports about the Presidents
plan TO exert pressure on the opposition
in the Senate. but they assert that the Re
publicans are causing the trouble.
The President told several Senator'S TO-
day that he did not intend to permit the
Republican Senators 10 have any impor-
tant part in the Democratic currency re-
forms. lie believes that the Republicans
are melting the dissension among the
Democrats, and his policy will be to urge
their exclusion from further participation
In the administration programme.
Senator owen gave out this statement
at the White House:
81 shall insist as strongly as l know
how on the earliest possible action on this
bill, and l do not mind saying that ! think
that Il should be party affair. This at
tempt OF Republicans 10 hamstring this
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