The herald-advance. (Milbank, S.D.) 1890-1922, 1914-04-03
INDICATES
WILSON WILL WIN
PRESIDENT is VICTOR IN OPEN
ING sKiRMlsH OVER CANAL
TOLLS REPEAL.
ALL LEADERS DISREGARDEH
Clark, Underwood, Mann and Murdoch
Oppose Rule Which is Adopted
200 to 172-Excitemen
is Intense.

Washington, March 3O.-President
Wilson 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 entire
minority opposition, adopted a special
rule for the consideration OF the bill
repeating the clause e%xempting AM
erican ships from the tolls provision
of the Panama canal act.
Leaders Vote Together.
Speaker Clark, Democratic Leader
Underwood. Republican Leader Mann
and Progressive Leader Murdoch were
at the head of those lined up against
the administration but the house re-
sponded to the presidents personal
appeal for prompt consideration CT
the repeal bill as a means of sup
porting his administrators foreign
policy.
Two votes demonstrated the presi-
dents commanding Influence with his
party in congress-. On the first test a
motion to end debate and preclude
amendments On the rule carried b. a
vote Of 207 to 176, and the rula itself
was adopted. 200 to 172.
Like Cannon Rules Fight
Nothing to compare with the scene
has occurred in the house since the
famous Cannon rules fight four years
ago In vain. Representative Under
wood 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, 1919 of them voting to prevent
the amendment of the special rule.
while only 50 followed the leaders in
Joining with the minority in opposi-
ton.
Administrator supporters now rom
slider the crucial point passed, and
j%ubilantly predict the passage of the
repeal bill itself on Tuesday or We'd
nesday by a majority of more than
100. Several Of the twenty Eours al
lowed for debate under the rule had
been consumed when the house aa-
iourned. and with the speechmakine
continuing without interruption it was
thought the final vote could be reach
ed late Tuesday afternoon. The ro}'
call was taken in silence. the crowded
floor and galleries tense with excite
ment, after N hour Of debate.
Throughout the day the chamber had
been crowded and the galleries filed
to OVERLOOKING.
High Feeling Appears.
Following the announcement or
Speaker Clark 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 a re-
suit. when the struggle began. both
sides We're keyed to a high pitch.
With Representative Underwood
the floor leader, Speaker Clark and
Representative Fitzgerald on the mi
noritv side, the Democratic majority
Tor the time recognized as leaders
Representatives Henry. chairman on
rules: Adamson, chairman of the in
terstate and foreign com
mlttee; Palmer Of Pennsylvania:
Hardwick Of Georgia, Sherley Of Ken.
1'SAs uHu ctHeis supporting a pres
ident,s position.
only eight Republicans joined
with the majority in support Of the
administrations program, but it was
conceded by leaders on both sides
that many Republicans who voted
against the preliminary administra-
ton plans would vote eventually for
the repeal.
Inc solid Progressive delegation OF
Inc mouse. led by Representative Muir
aoch OF Kansas, was aligned against
the majority.