Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1913-05-14
After Strenuous Executive
Session Of Senate, Confirm
alton Of W, ], Harris as
Census Director Is Held Up,
OPPOSITION THREATENS
TO BECOME PROLONGED
Are That Any At
tempt to Replace 0fficehoId-
ers Whose Terms Have Not
Expired viii Be Defeated


Washington. Nav 13.--Senate re-
publicans began their first big flght
on President Wilson's nominations to.
night when the appointment Of ". J..
Harris Of Georgia. as director of the
census. succeeding T.. Dana Durund,
vas taken up In executive session. For
nearly five hours the senate played
at cross purposes on the Harris nom
nation. without even entering into "a
discussion Of the merits of the case.
The republicans forced roll call after
roll call on questions of procedure and
Ia support Of tactics which the demo-
Gratis termed dilatory. Motions to put
the nomination over until tomorrow.
until Friday and until next week were
put and defeated and finally when thc
membership of both sides had dwin
died away to almost nothing. adjourn
ment was taken until tomorrow at
noon with the Harris nomination just
where IL was when the doors were
closed shortly before : o'clock.
Republican leaders nave served no.
tice that they expect 10 keep up the
fight against the confirmation until
July / at least, when Mr. Duraud has
announced his intention to quit. Tn
der the senate rules there Is no ques-
tion Of their ability 10 filihuster 10
their hearts content. ana II they are
willing TO go into the long executive
sessions day after day they can pre-
vent confirmation as long as their
talking powers last.
I'm the debate tonight an unsuccess-
ful attempt WIS made 10 invoke the
1 81 "a aaa4N. I.|.4a
bers present IN the chamber but not
voting were counted in an attempt 20
disclose quorum. This brought
forth speeches and before the session
ended. most of the democrats and =
large part Of the republicans had
spoken, although none upon the nom
lnation itself
4 minority report against Harris
was filed by Senator Townsend. and IN
which Senator Ia Toilette and cum
minis also of the census committee
Senator Burton and other republicans
were Interested senator Burton de-
clared after the debate had been pro-
ceeding several hours that he was
willing to review the history of the
census from the present day 70 the
time Of Babylon before he would see
Mr.. Harris confirmed. Mr. Burton
was strongly Of the opinion that Mr.
Durand should have been allowed to
serve out his term.
The republican fight centers largely
on the contention that offices requif-
Ing technical knowledge or scientific
should not be given as
political rewards, but that qualifica-
Ilon and experience should he the only
yard stick.
While no charges have been made
against Mr.. Harris the republicans
that he was not so well quail
fled bv experience, at least 10 hold
the office. as was Mr.. Durand Mr.
Harris was chairman OF the demo
cratic state executive committee of
Georgia in the last campaign and Is
known az an original Wilson man
His appointment was one Of the early
ones to important offices sent in by
President Wilson.
Republicans on the census commit
tee served notice almost Immediately
after the appointment that they eN-
Dected to fight his confirmation. IF
forts were made by democrats who
wished to smooth ont the difficulties
10 have Mr. Durand retained IN Of
ice until July /, but at a meeting OF
he committee ten days ago. the nom
Ination was ordered reported by "a
majority vote Senator Townsend he
ng the only republican present voting
against it and throwing down the |
gauge Of battle for the minority side I
The fight today began Immediately I
lfter the executive session was order I
I'd at the request of senator Bacon I
such persistent opposition to any one ,
nomination has not been
in the senate for many Z
ears. Hundreds Of former President 4
1afts appointments we're held up in (
he closing days Of the last session.
lut attacks We're not directed toward (
my individual nomination and at no \
line did the senate spend SO many
lours behind closed doors IN the dts
'ussion Of such appointments The
asst long struggle over "A nomination
'ecalled by senators tonight was that
lver the appointment Of Leonard .
Wood. now major general and chief
,f-staff Of the army, when he was
Jumped to the rank of brigadier gem
,ral over the heads Of scores Of men
Who had served many years longer
han he in the army. General Wood
sas finally confirmed after the senate
'hamber had overfIowed with oratory
against him and in his support.