New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-24
Unwilling to Make Any
Compromise Endanger-
ing Programme.
PARTISAN DEBATE is
ON IN THE HOUSE
Representative Floyd Asks Sup
port of All Parties in War
Against Monopoly.
From The Tribune Bureau

Washington, May 23.-That President
Wilson viii be satisfied with nothing less
than tho passage through both houses
Of Congress at the present session of the
antitrust legislation recently agreed
upon was made clear to-day by officials
close to the administration. This attitude
was made known In answer to sugges-
tons that some leaders at the Capitol
believed it would be sufficient to pass the
antitrust bills in the House and only
agree on a time for a vote next session
In the Senate.
II was said at the White House that the
President was firmly OF the opinion that
antitrust legislation should be enacted
at this session and was not willing 10 make
any compromise which might endanger
the programme determined upon by the
House Democratic caucus. Although he
realizes the desire of many members OF
Congress TO adjourn early. he believes the
antitrust legislation can be expedited in
both houses
Partisan debate on the programme be-
gan in earnest to-day when Representa-
tive Floyd, an Arkansas Democrat. as
serted that Democrats, Republicans and
Progressives should Join in the war on
"damnable monopoly"
Members should vote in spirit OF
patriotism and not partisanship," shouted
Mr.. Floyd, who said that "damnabe
monopolies have brought suicide and
financial ruin to men in this country"
III this is not a partisan matter" in
terJected Representative Nelson, a minor
ity member of the Judiciary Committee,
why was no Republican named on the
subcommittee which wrote this bill?'
II am not responsible for the naming
Of the subcommittee, said Mr.. Floyd,
after a moment OF reflection. THE gen
tleman should not bubble about these
things"
Mr.. Floyd touched only briefly on the
provisions I'm the bill relating to organ
lied labor, and did not refer to the con-
troversy between the labor leaders and
the administration regarding the language
of the section to exempt labor unions
from prosecution under the law. He said
he would discuss this phase later. Repre-
sentatives OF labor unions were in the
galleries during the debate.
When Mr. Nelson arose to reply ne ex-
pressed regret that the situation in the
Judiciary Committee had been such that
a non-partisan bill was impossible. lie
referred to a restraining influence"
What do you mean by restraining In
fuence?" asked Representative Sloan, OF
Nebraska.
You must know" said Mr.. Nelson,
that the pending bill was framed by a
subcommittee consisting of three Demo-
cratic members of our committee NO
Republican member was allowed on that
subcommittee. II we are TO believe re-
ports, this subcommittee consulted the
President frequently, and the bill you
have was drawn in accordance with the
instructions of the President. Members
of the House must certainly be aware
OF this"
Mr.. Nelson characterized the Demo-
cratic measure as one OF "truckling COM
promise" He averred that It would not
restore competition and that the harm
resulting from the proposed Legislation
probably would far outweigh the FEW
benefits derived.
I'VE are but marking time" said MT.
Nelson. Competition must be restored In
this country. II It is not restored, II
monopoly Is not soon curbed. II means
move toward socialism. 1t cannot be de-
MED that socialism is increasing as the
trusts increase, and there is significance
I'm this"