New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-05-10
PARTY SPLIT SCARES
DEMOCRATIC SENATORS
First Attack by Republicans on
Tariff Bill Develops Weak
ness of Majority.
FEAR FIVE MAY BREAK AWAY
Situation So Critical Leaders
Dare Not Permit Vote on
Motion to Give Hearings
on the Measure.
LFrom The TrIbune BuTesu. ]

From The Tribune Bureau
Washington. May 9-The Wilson-C IN
derwood tarif bill after sailing a smooth
course through the House struck d
snag which upset all calculations oil
Democratic leaders and threw the ma
jority into furry the moment II
reached the Senate to-day.
The doors Of the Senate had barely
closed behind the clerk who carried the
measure over from the House before the
formal motion TO refer it TO the Finance
Committee. made by Senator simmons
was blocked. at least temporarily, by the
Republicans.
Senator Penrose moved 20 amend the
motion by directing the Finance Com
mittee TO hold hearings on the measure
on this question the Senate plunged at
once into vitriolic tariff debate, led by
Senator Smith of Michigan. and the
Democrats. with their narrow majority
were so uncertain of their ground and
so doubtful OF the featy Of the men In
their own ranks that they made no ei-
fort 20 obtain a vote.
Five Democrats-Senators Ransdell'
Thornton, MARITIME, Lewis and Shepard
were reported ready 10 support the de-
mand OF the Republicans for hearings
and I'm the face OF possible defeat the
Democratic leaders. VINO long ago de-
clared that no hearings would be held
halted the progress OF the bill and by
adjourning over until next Tuesday
gained time in which to round up their
weakening forces and bring the recall
citrants into line. There is some ques-
ton whether they will succeed in doing
this. although three Of the five Senators
are reported tonight to be wavering
II the Republicans win this first Skin
mish over the measure the final vote
will probably be delayed for many weeks.
Means Long, Stormy Debate.
The vigor Of the assault on the Demo-
cratic position. the weakness Of which
was disclosed I'm the preliminary
manouvring. gives promise of a long
and stormy debate when the bill Is finally
reported by the Finance Committee.
The threat Of Representative Under
wood and the President that manufactur-
ers who attempt to Offset the tariff reduc-
lions by proportionate reduction IN
wages was bitterly resented by Senator
William Alden Smith. of Michigan. and
other Republicans who took part in the
debate.
Notwithstanding the fact said Mr..
smith. referring 20 the Presidents mes
sage 10 the House on the tarin that
ue had q moose Ia his pocket ready TO
adjust To the neck OF any man VINO hAgh
lind II necessary TO read)ust wages. me
thT,lt would not alter the fears mat be-
set the cOuntT,.
lis the Depal tment Of Commerce" the
Senator continued. referring TO the sugar
industry of Michigan, TO spend its time
chasing the men who lost their money in
ihis industry from one end OF the country
% thc other
Tie attempts Of Democratic Senators
Co reply leo 10 the stormy clashes, which
lasted for TWO hours.
Thomas Starts the Storm.
Senator Thomas inadvertently paved
the wa for the tumultuous reception Of
the Underwood bin by calling attention
To an anonymous communication to a
newspa; er from an alleged employe OF
the United Shirt and Collar Company.
charging that attempts had been made
20 coerce employees to sign protests
against the bill lie referred particularly
to the protest made by a delegation in
Guiding the Mayor OF Troy. and advo-
Gated that the articles Of any industry In
which employees were coerced TO protest
against the bill should be placed on the
free list
Immediately afterward the clerk Of the
House appeared with the bill. and with
Senator Simmons's motion the storm
growing out of Senator Thomas's speech
broke Senator Smith declared. Shaking
mis- fist at the majority. that the Demo
cratic policy was TO knock a man dowr
end sit on him to prevent him from get
ting up.
1T is brazen effrontery," he shouted
'for the Senator from Colorado 10 forge
irons for the manufacturers Of the coun-
try. Orders have been cut down almost
half by the threat Of the passage Of this
bill" he continued. referring TO the furni-
ture business. IF you think that by This
threat you can enforce silence upon the
manufacturers. you are mistaken"
: Senator Smith charged that the Demo
tratic party had made an alliance with
the sugar trust and refners 10 abolish
The duty on sugar. There hasn't been q
barrel Of sugar shipped by Mr.. Spreckel;
;n the last year and a half he said
.that hasn't contained a circular urging
that sugar be made free.
If the American Sugar Refining Com
pany and the Federal Sugar Refining
company have made an alliance with IN,
Democratic party, it is an unholy ALI
snce. Man who have not shirked il
committing crimes TO increase the volume
Of their business. and who are now re-
Spending 10 the will OF the law. make
very poor allies for any political party
Stir Up Another Rumpus.
. Another storm was started by Mr.
Thomas when he declared the laborers In
the beet fields in Colorado received only
& cents a day.
! Il am greatly astOnished at the Senator