The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1914-03-28
WILSON IS VICTOR
IN FIRST CLASH
FOR FREE TOLLS
House Adopts Special Rule for
Repeal Bill
PARTY LEADERS ALL OPPOSE
Vote of 200 to 172 Showed That Presi
dent Dominates the Present
Congress

Washington, March 2S.--President
Wilson yesterday won the opening
skirmish of the greatest legislative
battle of his administration when the
House, over bitter protests from the
recognized democratic leaders, and
almost solid minority opposition,
adopted a special rule for the consid-
GRAFTON of the bill repeating the free
tolls provision of the Panama canal
act. Speaker Clark, Democratic Lead
er Underwood, Republican Leader
Mann and Progressive Leader Muir
dock were at the head of those lined
up against the administration, but
the House responded to the presi-
dents personal appeal for prompt
consideration of the repeal bill as
means of supporting his administra-
tons foreign policy.
Two votes demonstrated the presi-
dents commanding influence with his
party in Congress. One, the first
test, a motion to end debate and pre-
clude amendment on the rule, carried
by a vote of 207 to 176; the rule it,
self was adopted, 200 to 172. Moth
ing to compare with the scene yes
terday had occurred in the House
since the famous Cannon rules fight
four years ago. In vain Representa-
tive Underwood took the floor of the
House and urged his colleagues to
vote against the rule. The rank and
file democrats after listening to three
hours of passionate argument swung
into the presidents column, 1a9 of
them voting to prevent the amend
ment of the special rule, while only
So followed the leaders in joining
with the minority in opposition.
Last night administration support
ers considered the crucial point pass
ed and jublantly predicted the pass
age of the repeal bill itself Tuesday
or Wednesday by a majority of more
than 100. Several of the 20 hours al
lowed for debate under the rule had
been consumed when the House ad-
journed and with the speechmaking
continuing without interruption ii
was thought the final vote could be
reached late Tuesday afternoon.
The roll.call was taken in silence,
the crowded floor and galleries tense
with excitement after an hour of de-
bate Throughout the day the cham
Der had been crowded and the CALLER
les filled to, overlooking. Following
the announcement of Speaker Clark
Thursday night against the rule high
feeling had appeared on both sides of
the controversy and every influence
available was brought TO bear on the
doubtful ones in the House. As re-
suit when the struggle began both
sides were keyed up to high pitcn.
With Representative Underwood
the floor leader, Speaker Clark and
Representative Fitzgerald on the mi
nority side, the democratic majority
for the time recognized as leaders
Representatives Henry, chairman on
rules: Adamson, chairman on the
interstate and foreign commerce com
mittee; Palmer OF Pennsylvania,
Hardwick of Georgia, Sherley OF Ken
lucky, and other prominent figures,
supporting the presidents position.
Only eight republicans Joined with |
the majority in support of the admin
istraticn's program. but it was con-
ceded last night by leaders on both |
sides that many republicans who |
voted against the preliminary admin.
istration plans would vote eventually |
for the repeal. The solid progressive |
delegation of the House, led by Rep
resentative Murdoch of Kansas. was
aligned against the majority.