The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1915-02-14
SENATE DEMOCRATS
2. ADOPT GAG RULE
Caucus Unanimously for ClO-
ture on Ship Bill, but Seven
Insurgents Are Absent.
HOUSE GETS NEW BILL

wAsuINcrn~. Fob IA caucus OF
H., Democratic members OF the Senate
'o.cd unanimously tonight to press for
tne passage oc a cloturc rule in the
senate Tine seven n mocrnts who de-
te.',H 'h' Administration In the ship
Pc npht lps, week were not present.
The c'mnit'ce Of IN. caucus which
hnd chars, OF the fight for the ship
nu s.r~n hl, was entrusted with the
Gu.. Of pressing IN clojure rule.
Senate Kern. the Democratic leader.
nnrounocd after the adjournment OF
the caucus that the Democrats OF the
Senate would press their fight for clio
turc until it Is approved by vote
OF the Senate
Senator burton expressed n determl-
nation in the Senate to-day to in
vvstigate the rumors alleging that GER
tain Government officers who have afil-
iatlons with New York finance inter-
ests hold options on the informed Ger
man ships and that this Is the main
through the ship purchase bill
Senator Burton proposed two reso-
buttons looking to an investigation.
one of these which he asked to be
referred to the Senate Committee on
Audit and Control Of Contingent Elk
penses and Privileges provides for an
Investigating committee Of five Senators,
20 be named by the Vice-Presldent, and
20 have full powers to compel the pro-
duction of papers and the appearance
and testimony OF witnesses in an effort
to ascertain whether any individual.
Arm or corporation in the United States
holds any options on the ships and
whether any options are held by Gov
eminent officers.
Senator Burton also introduced a
resolution calling on the Secretary OF
the Treasury TO answer certain qucs-
tons concerning the rumors afioat.
This resolution did not receive imme-
dlate consideration because Senator
Fletcher asked that n go over a day.
BY direction of President Wilson the
night for the Administration ship bill
was transferred To the House to-day
and arrangements were made To jam 1t
through that body early next week.
The compromise bill, dictated by the
Administration, WAS introduced by
Chairman padgctt OF the Naval Affairs
Committee. At the same time a call
was issued FOR a caucus W House Demo-
Gratis for Monday night.
At this caucus the bill will be Endorsed
and instructions given for action on a
gag rule under which the bill will be
passed after six hours debate. The
House Democrats are not enthusiastic
over the programme, but they have re-
ceived tbeir orders from the White
House and VIII proceed accordingly.
It is row agreed by everybody con-
CeIueu mat II President Wilson stands
- his guns the APPROPRIATION bills will
fail. thus forcing n special seYs on OF
Congress. President Wilson holds the
key and unless he Iecedes debate on tho
ship bill will be continued in the Senate
until March I, when this Congress will
come 10 is end.
a prominent leader OF the House Is
authority for the statement that Presi-
dent Wilson made up his mind on Jan
uary ! to call a special session OF Con-
grcss. on that date the Treasury
deficit aggregated S69. 900. 600.
Many members Of Congress believe the
Administrator Is convinced that unless
revenues increase or appropriations are
reduced the Treasury balance will lie
wiped out by July l. Even Democrats
who are familiar with conditions look
dor no substantial increase IN the Gov
eminent receipts.
Tho Administration regards II as inn
peratlve TO cut down appropriations.
This must he done before July / II the
Treasury situation Is to be improved.
Republicans believe that the hip bill
is TO be used as n preteXt for calling a
special session and that the real work
OF the new Congress, which Is expected
to meet on March 3, will be TO reduce
the supply budgets s50,000,000 or
$4,000. 900
The ship bill introduced to-day by
Representative Padgett Is a composite
OF the Weeks naval auxiliary bill and
the Gore substitute offered In the Senate.
The Gore bill will be anne 0dcd to pro-
vide that the shirpinE board he terrnl-
mated two years after the European war,
The Weeks h Il would then automati caiiy
become operative.
Under this section Of the compromise
bill the ships in the possession Of the
shipping board would be transferred TO
the Secretary Of the Navy. to b. oprr-
ated by that omGal in the merchant
service m r. discretion or converted for
use az naval auNilaries
II In the latter provision OF the bill
70 which such lead 3 IS Rcnres rntative
Kitchln take exception The bill as
amended is just ~ distas.eful to the
Senate Republicans AS the bill they
succeeded In Straugling.
Lively Caucus.
Mondays caucus H. expected to be the
Nvelest party meeting held by the House
Democrats since Mr Wilson became
President There is not a leader OF
prominence In the House who favors ac-
ton on the snip hiil at this time or who
Is favorable 20 the supposed plan OF the
President To- put the measure through at
special session.
Members regardless of party are bit
terry opposed to a special session, and
much will hc heard on this subject at the
caucus Statements made by Democrats
to-day indicate that the Presidents party
colleagues are out Of sorts with the
Administration, and predictions are
freely W1uo that AN insurgeut movement
against the President will he started IN
the now Congress that viii make ii dim