The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-05-19
PRESIDENTS STAND
STRENGTHENS PARTY
LINE IN THE SENATE
Uncompromising Attitude
on Tariff Reform Causes
Much Discussion
EFFECT FELT IN
VOTES IN SENATE
Uncertainty Which Charged Legisla-
tive Atmosphere at Capital Dealt
Tremendous Blow by the
Statement

Washington, May 1S-The effect of
President Wilson's public declaration that
there would be no compromise on free
wool and free sugar in three years in the
new tariff bill, has been the subject of
constant discussion since the chief ex-
ecutive made his announcement in the
presence of assembled newspaper corre-
spondents last week. Administration lead
ers declare that the Presidents vigorous
assertion has served to strengthen the
party line up In the Senate, and they
point to the vote on the question of pub
lie hearings of the tariff bill as an indi-
cation of the solidarity of the majority
Before the President came out so strongly
In the face of the tremendous lobby infiu-
ence that completely surrounds the capi-
toi, the legislative air was surcharged
with uncertainty. On every hand was
heard the report that the finance COM
mittee was planning to put duty on wool
or to leave sugar at the end of three
year period with small tariff
Tightens Party Ropes
So thick and fast did the rumors fly
that the President decided that a little
Tightening of the party ropes would do
no harm. Taking a firm grip on the
executive end of the strings that lead to
Capitol Hill, he called in the CORES spond-
ents and in their presence gave a strong
pull Up to that time several democrats
had been reported to be wavering on the
subject of public hearings. AT least flve
democrats were considering voting for
the Penrose-LaFollette amendment But
vhef the President reaffirmed his deter
miraton to stand by the schedules which
he virtually dictated into the tariff bill,
l'orfy Senators Ranscfell undeffhornt0n OF
Louisiana broke through the sparty lines
to remain outside until the end
Another phase of the tariff discussion
in the Senate served a further indi-
Gator of the exact situation. That was
the Interpretation of the democratic plat
form as relating to free sugar, given by
Senator Ollie James of Kentucky, as the
spokesman for the administration. When
the Louisiana senators attempted to put
Pi esident Wilson and the party on record
as opposed to free sugar, the executive
| head of the party took notice again and
on Friday morning Senator James deliv-
cred.
What amounted to q flat denial of The
allegations made by the insurgent dem
ocrats who are fighting to break up the
|
Senator James declared that the pally
did favor free sugar that it campaigned
on that issue, and with the knowledge
of the President, he challenged any one
to find man who could truthfully as
sert that Woodrow Wilson ever said he
opposed free sugar. Again the admins
tration scored
No Changes Made
Now the democrats of the Senate have
. h.. IA -
or perhaps three weeks the bill will he
in the hands of the finance committee,
and whatever other schedules may be al
tered, the assurance has gone out that
no change in wool or sugar will be rec
commended when the. bill reaches the
party caucuses.
Then, behind closed doors the demo-
cratic senators will have their final con-
ference on the bill. The caucus, 1t is
understood, will be "A binding one. West
ern senators who would like tariff
on wool and those who want a change in
sugar will make their last stand. There
are some who believe that some change
in one schedule or the other will even
tuate, while others maintain that no
change will be made and that not more
than one other senator will join the
Louisiana salons outside the party lines.
That would leave the majority in a sale
position.
This week the finance subcommittee
will be busily engaged with tariff experts
and the representatives of protesting in
terests. The private hearings also will be
continued the following week, ly which
time Chairman Simmons hopes to have
the bill ready for the full committee, If
not for the caucus. 1t will get to the
senate as soon after June /. as the lead
ers possibly can get it there. Consid-
cradle changes in the metal, cotton and
will necessitate conference after the
ties give indications that 1t will be some
time in August before the task is cpm-
pleted.
While the finance committee is at work
the senate will be marking time, after
the Kern resolution tor an inquiry into
West Virginia coal mine conditions is dis
posed of. That matter probably will be
settled tomorrow.
Committee Organization
The organization Of committees is the
principal business confronting the house
leaders Majority Leader Underwood has
nearly completed his preliminary slate
of committee assignments. and he expects
to call meeting OF the democrats of the
ways and means committee either Tiies-
day or Wednesday to go over his slate.
Mr.. Underwood has arranged the men,
bership of the various committees to,
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