New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-10-19
Resent Assertion That Big In.
terests Influenced HoStll.
ity to Currency Bill.
WILSON CHANGING TACTICS
Confers with Republican Sen.
ator on Situation, Indicating
That He May Not Rely or
80 Democrats Only.
from The Tribune Bureau. !


Washington. Oct ia group Of Vir-
gina bankers. both state and national,
who had an Informal hearing before some
OF the members OF the Senate Banking
and Currency Committee to-day, emphati-
cally expressed their resentment against
the charge made by Senator Owen. chair
man of the committee, that their hostility
toward the administration currency bill
was the result OF a conspiracy Of big
bankers.
Senator owen said in the Senate several
days ago that the Virginia State Banking
Association had at first Endorsed the ad-
ministration currency bill. but later. after
there had been time for its members to
lear from the big bankers. had adopted a
resolution condemning the measure.
mo banker in the State Of Virginia, said
one OF the Virginia bankers to-day, has, so
far as know, received line from New
York or any other banker concerning this
bill Any one who says our opposition is
due TO influence OF this kind is either ig-
rorant Of the facts or is lying"
The Virginia bankers opposed the bill as
II stands. II no changes were made In the
measure as il passed the House, the state
bankers said they would not go into the
system. and the national bankers said
that they would surrender their charters
and become state bankers.
Knocks Out One Prop.
The protest OF the Virginia delegation
knocks out one Of the slender props on
which administration leaders had been
leaning to support the contention that the
country bankers approved the Glass bill
Their statement left no doubt as TO the
real attitude OF the bankers. The last spe-
cfc instance cited by the administration
leaders as evidence that the country
bankers favored the measure was thus
dlscredited.
There seemed 10 be no indication to-day
that the Senate committee would agree
10 the Presidents demand that 1t agree 10
report the bill back to the Senate on No
yember 10 or any other fixed date. sena-
tor Nelson, senior Republican member OF
the committee, conferred with the Presi-
dent last night and told him that the
committee was doing its utmost to COM
plete the task before IL, but could promise
nothing definite.
The fact that the President has, for the
first time. summoned a Republican TO the
White House 10 confer on the subject oil
currency is taken as an indication that ne
is relaxing his determination 20 depend on
the Democrats alone 10 put the bill
through.
While the President seeks TO drive a
igfs = N
Democratic Senators. members OF the
House are losing all interest In the legis-
lative situation and there Is gradual
exodus from Washington OF both Demo-
Gratis and Republicans. At the House end
Of the Capitol there IS practically no SYM
patty with the Presidents purpose 10
keep Congress In session. and only the
general determination to preserve as long
as possible the appearance OF party soil
darity prevents open rebellion among
House Democrats.
House Members Leaving.
Tho House will meet again on Monday
for the transaction OF routine business.
but IL is doubtful IL 100 members will
be present Democrats who have appealed
10 Mr.. Underwood to open negotiations
for a recess Of the lower body have been
told that this is impossible so long as the
President maintains his present stand.
but at the same time Mr.. Underwood has
limited that II member wants 70 so
home there is really nothing of impor-
lance to call one back here for the pres
emit"
Taking this tip, dozens Of House mem
bers have left the capital since the begin
ming OF the week. few OF them, dis
gusted with the dragging and pointless
continuance OF the session. have not even
taken the trouble to pair" with Re-
publicans.
Mr.. Mann. the minority leader will per-
sIst in his demands for a quorum when
ever the House meets, but he is making
no attempt to hold Republicans here
against their will. Mr.. Manns demands
for quorum are designed mainly to
show the country that only a handful OF
Democrats are now in Washington, that
the rank and file is not behind the party
leader and that the attenuated session
Is simply farce.