The Washington herald., 1914-04-21

showed a disposition to let the resolution
pass without struggle a gag" rule
would be reUorted.
| Every seat in the House was occupied
when Chairman Flood arose TO report the
i resolution from the Committee on For
| eign Affairs Mr.. Underwood and the
other Democratic leaders gathered about
Representative Flood. The situation was
| tense and there was very indication that
spirited fight was brewing.
Mr.. Flood was wildly applauded by
Democrats as he sent the resolution to
| the desk to be read. Republican Leader
| Mann arose and inquired:
what proposition do you propose to
! make for debate on this measure?'
Underwood in Command.
Before Chairman Flood could reply
Leader Underwood jumped to his feet
and took command OF the administration
forces. Usually, Mr.. Underwood begins
legislative battle smilingly. and in the
best of good humor. On this occasion
he was grave in demeanor and cautious
in speech
at is the desire of the Democratic side
of the House to put this resolution
through as speedily as possible in order
that it may become a law tonight" said
Mr.. Underwood. emphasizing every word.
I'VE are willing TO allow a reasonable
length OF time for debate. How much time
will you require?"
Il understand that the Committee on
Rules has prepared a rule to be used if
necessary" returned Mr.. Mann.
The Republican leaders jaws clicked as
Mr.. Underwood informed him that a
! gag" had been devised and would be ap-
piled if the Republicans tried to obstruct
Chairman Flood interjected the statement
that he thought an hours debate would
suffice, One-half hour to he controlled by
the Democrats and the rest of the time
to be used by the minority. There wa.
sparring back and forth for a time. Mr..
Mann finally suggesting four hours de-
Danger to Soldiers.
Il would not attempt to put this reso-
luton through tonight he remarked. IF
it was not for the serious state of affairs
that exists on the border. With the ad-
dress of the President of the United
States spread broadcast. our troops may
be fired on at any moment
Il am not at all alarmed about that"
snapped Mr.. Mann. Il do not think that
will happen. The President has told US
that he wants our advice. Certainly, be-
fore we commit the government to war.
We ought at least to have time to draw
our brcaths."
lhls sentiment was applauded by the
Republicans.
Il will remind the gentleman that we
are facing a condition such as has al
ways impelled the legislative branch of
the government to sustain the Chief
Executive OF the nation" replied Mr.
Underwood, graveIy
Mr.. Underwood was enthusiastically ap-
plauded by the Democratic side Com
tinuing. he said:
Would Resent Dictation.
II would not insist upon the Immediate
passage of this resolution were it not
for the fact that the President himself
has said that II is of the utmost i'm
portance to he nation that it should be
put through at once
Mr.. Mann maintained his attitude of
resistance, encouraged by Republican ap-
plause
'If the President comes to US asking
for advice that is one thing" returned
Mr.. Mann. IF he comes to tell us
what We have got to do. that is another
thing / am always willing to sustain
the President in our foreign relations.
But I place allegiance to country above
allegiance to any President"
A crash of applause from the Repub-
licans greeted this statement. Leader
Underwood attempted to conciliate his
antagonist by asking II three hours de-
bate would satisfy him. At this point
Bull Moose Murdock. who had been I'D
getting in his seat. jumped I'D. He sue-
gested that in the division Of time he
must be considered.
Where do you stand on this proposi-
tom" shouted a Democrat.
Democrats cIapped and yelled as Mr..
Murdock replied:
II am for the resolution"
Sisson's Lungs Victorious.
Leader Underwood assured Mr.. Muir
dock that he would be given time for a
brief speech in support of the measure.
Satisfied, Mr.. Murdock took his seat.
There was a suspension of hostilities as
the leaders on the respective sides held
consultations to decide upon their next
move. 4
$50 far as am concerned. am will