The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-15
DEMOCRATS IN OPEN
REVOLT IN CONGRESS
Take Issue With Administra-
ton in Fight for Rural
Credit Bill.
DISASTER IS PREDICTED
Underwood, Pleading for Peace,
Warns Followers Of
Party Split.
DISASTER IS PREDICTED

WASHINGTON, May 1i.-An insurgent
ton that threatens the legislative pro-
gramme adopted at the party caucus held
Tuesday night has been organized by radi-
cal Democrats OF the House.
For the first time since the Democrats
came into control the Underwood leader
ship fnds Itself confronted with n situa
ton In the House that may knock the
legislative plans of the Administration
into a cooked hat. The flibuster begun
yesterday morning was continued to-day.
As II became evident that Democrats,
resentful because President Wilson di-
rected that the rural credit bill be side
tracked, were bent on obstructing all other
legislation. Leader Underwood delivered a
speech in which he warned them that po-
litlcal disaster would overtakc them II
they persisted In their present tactics.
There were evidences to-day that an in
surgent faction such rs resulted in the
dsntegration of the Republican party Is
forming among the House Democrats.
Radical members Of the party in the
! secrecy of the caucus denounced Mr..
Wilson for executive domination" They
denounced him publicly to-day.
THE time has come apparently when
| legislation Is to be initiated at the White
| House." said Representative Ragsdale. OF
| South Carolina, an aDti-Administration
Democrat. THE President does not like
the pending rural credit bill. Therefore
| he gives orders that the measure shall DE
pigeonholed lie does this in the face
| of promises made by himself and platform
pledges made by the Democratic party"
The nsurgent leaders declare that un-
less time is allowed to consider the rural
credit bill they will resort to every expc-
don't Ohio tis1ti.r IN. rttiag Ia nntA nv,
the antitrust bills. Time aud again IN
the course Of debate on the diplomatic APP
preparation bill points OF no quorum were
made by Representatives Wingo of Ar
kansas and Thompson Of Oklahoma.
Leader Underwood occupied his seat In
the House keenly observant OF the tactics
OF the insurgent. After the roll had been
called for the fourth time NJ. Underwood
delivered "A sharp lecture to his colleagues.
He declared that II obstructive tactics
were continued the House would be de-
| layed in its work. His speech did not
bring the insurgents to order. 1t aroused
! Representative Thompson to fury. lie
had made two points Of no quorum" and
took MIR. Underwoods talk a. u pers onal
| rebuke.
81 want to say that intend 20 see tina,
| a quorum Is here always unless We are
going to pass a rural credit BILL" shouted
Mr. Thompson.
Mr. Underwood replied that he favored
rural credit legislation.
Tile gentleman's position in caucus
does'not square with his talk on the floor
now" responded Mr.. Thompson angrly.
The gentleman Is dreaming returned
Mr. Underwood.
While the fliDuster and tn" row were
| in progress In the House. the sub-commit-
tee having the rural credit bill under con-
slderat!ou was holding IA war dance. All
OF the Democratic members Of the sub
committee favor the rural credit bill de-
| spite President wilson's objection TO Il.
| Taey made a report TO the fun committee
tonight and insisted that the full COM
| nlttee act on 1t promptly
| President Wilson has been advised OF
| the present state OF Affairs in the House.
| In previous controversies with factions in
Congress Mr.. Wilson nevor has shown a
disposition TO yield his views or his po-
| sitlou. If he stands pat in the present in
| stance the insurgents predict that tho rest
| OF this session will be lively