The Washington times., 1914-03-22
STORM OVER TOLLS
TO BREAK THIS WEEK
Bitter Debates Expected in
Both Houses of Congress
Over Canal Measure.
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Continued from First Pase)
fear the effect of switching positions
ano going back on the tolls exemption
plank of the Baltimore platform. Demo
crets who have large numbers of Irish
American voters in their districts are
sfraid of the effect OF the charge thai
ihis is a surrender to Great Britain.
One prominent member of the House
said a day or two ago that he had beer
wake all the night before worryins
over what to do. He did not want Il
"iffer from the White House. and yet he
feared public sentiment in his district
He did not know how he could ade-
auately explain his failure to live UP tC
the platform.
All Eyes On Underwood.
Leader Underwood is much under dis,
cussiou in this connection. Members are
wondering how vigorously he Is Soing
to speak out for tolls exemption. His
influence with the House is great, and q
commanding speech from him on the
question would have much weight,
though it would not, in all probability
change the outcome.
Congressman kirkpatrick of Iowa is
one of the Democrats VINO VIII not ylelo
20 Administration pressure on the tolls
question.
Il shall support tolls exemption" said
he Il have seen no adequate reason
~reSenteQ why L SnOulu 1dii 10 aaueTe W
the Baltimore platform
1t is the general feeling at the Capitol
that the White House is bringing strong
pressure on the leaders Of the House
and the Senate To hurry the repeai
measure through. Opponents OF repeal
say the. more action is delayed the weak
er the Administration cause will be-
come. But while the House deba<e ap-
parently will be limited. because of the
insistence of the President, there will be
prolonged discussion in the Senate.
Fiibuster In House.
That a House filibuster is on against
the repeal bill is charged by Congress
man Thetus w. Sims. author of the
Administration measure, who is in an
Indignant frame of mind today regard
ing the slow progress made by the
House Oh the rivers and harbors appro-
priation bill Mr.. Sims believes the
advocates of tolls exemption are play
ing for time and are seeking mean
willie. to win votes against the repeal
measure.
WIN the House adjourned late yes
rerday, only twelve of the siXty-siH
paces OF the rivers and harbors budget
had been completed, although the
House had discussed the measure for
rhree days. Just before adjournment
Mr.. Sims arose and protested against
;iently until Congressman Moore of
Pennsylvania arose to say few words
about Raccoon creek, in New Jersey.
Al, day the House had talked of little
rivers and creeks.
When are we going to vote on the
rcpeal bill," demanded Mr.. Sims:
Sometime next week. maybe said
AZ. Butler of Pennsylvania
Sims Is Indignant.
Turning to Congressman Moore. who
. an ardent advocate of better water
ways everywhere, the indignant Mr..
Sims said:
"The gentleman rises here to defend
Raocoon creek when it has not been as
sailed. He talked about the plains oi
the West and othsr things. 1t was a fine
speech. but lot of time is being wasted
On this rivers and harbors bill AfteI
nine and one-half hours general debate
we have now spent six and one-half ad-
JitioTial UNDER tine tive-minute rule and
nave read but ten pages OF this bill Nev-
cr before have l heard debate under the
five-minute rule when members were al
lowed to talk about everything. i was
given TO understand that this bill would
ne passed in A day and half but there
seems TO be a iiijbuster OH here"
Mr.. Moore retorted that he had heard
40 arguments not geTmane to the pend
ing bill except the speech of AIR. Sims,
who has intruded himself here and is
undertaking to browbeat the Panama
anal toll repeal bill through this body,
while we are discussing an important APP
DropHatiOn measure.
He has given one of the best instances
Of Dossism we have seen in many a
ear continued Mr. Moore.