The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-03-28
Special Rule for COnsidera- tion of Sims Repeal Bill Won. by President
 Wilson's Forces
PARTY LINES ARE
 LOOSED TO WINDS
 IN BITTER FIGHT
Majority Leaders Jubilant and De- clare Crucial Moment Is Passed. Final Vote May Bring an End to Bitter Struggle
 Thursday

Washington, March 25.-President Wilson today won the opening skir- mish of the greatest legislative battle of his administration when the House, over bitter protests from recognized democratic leaders and almost solid rule for the consideration of the bill repeating the free tolls provision of the Panama canal net. Speaker Clark, Democratic Leader Underwood, Repub- lican Leader Mann md Progressive Leader Murdock aided those lined up against the administration, hut the House responded to the Presidents personal appeal for prompt consider ation of the repeal bill as n means of supporting hIs administration's foreign policy.
 Two votes demonstrated the President s commanding influence with his party in Congress. On the first test a motion to erd debate and preclude amendment on the rule carried by vote of POT to 176; the rule itself was adopted, POO to 172.
 Nothing to compare with the scene to- day had occurred in the House since tEe famous Cannon rules fight four gears ago. In vain Representative Underwood took the floor 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, 195 of them vot- ing to prevent the amendment of the special rule, while but 55 followed the leaders in joining in with the minority position.
 CRUCIAL POINT
 BELIEVED PASSED
 Tonight administration supporters con sidered the crucial point passed, and jubiantly predicted the passage of the repeal bill itself Tuesday or Wednes- day by a majority of more than 100. Sev- eYal of the 20 hours allowed under the rule for debate had been consumed when tic House adjourned, and with the speech-making continuing without inter- ruption, it was thought the final vote could be reached late Tuesday
 The roll call was taken in silence, the crowded floor and galleries tense with excitement, after an hour of debate. . Throughout the day the/ chamber had
  overflowing. Following the announcement of Speaker Clark last night against the rule, high feeling had appeared, and every influence available was brought to bear on doubtful ones. As result when the struggle began both sides were keyed up to a high pitch.
 With Representative Underwood, Speak, ! CT Clark and Representative Fitzgerald, on the minority side, the democratic ma jo,ity for the time recognized as leaders Representative Henry, chairman on rules Representative Adamson, chairman of the interstate and foreign commerce commit- tee; Representatives Palmer of Pennsyl- Kentucky and other prominent figures supporting the Presidents position. REPUBLICANS
 JOIN MAJORITY
 only eight republicans joined with the majority in support of the administra- tion's programme. but leaders on both sides tonight conceded that many repup- lieans voting against the preliminary ad- ministration plans would vote eventually for the repeal. The solid progressive del- eIs.tion of the House, led by Representa- tive Murdoch of Kansas, was aligned against the majority.
 President Wilson's triumph was con- sidered most notable by the rank and file of all parties because of the unusual alignment of forces within the demo- cratic ranks. Two men who had sought with him the presidential nomination at
 (C0ntinued on Page NineD