Evening star., 1915-01-30
Held On Until Relieved.

Senators of both parties, called from
beds and banquets. had held the battle
line all night, two little armies uni
formed in full dress suits. Through
the long hours while Senator Smoot
held the floor without signs OF fatigue
until the daylight came streaming
down through the glass top OF the
sides snatched maps in the cloak rooms.
on sofas in the chamber or at their
DESKS An array of drooptng-eyed
senator's, with runpled clothing and
crumpled linen held their lines until
fresh forces relieved them.
Just before Senator Smoot gave way
to his colleague, Mr.. Sutherland, he
forced roll call. 1t disclosed quo
rum and it was evident that the re-
publican reserves were prepared TO
night session if necessary and that the
democrats were holding a majority
either in the chamber or within call
of the bells for the first opportunity
to take a vote.
Eager to Drop Gavel.
The slightest relaxation or parlia-
mentary slip on the part of the repup-
licans might give the democrats their
eagerly hoped-for opportunity of dropping
the gavel. They claim to have the votes
ready to pass the bill. The republicans
saw they intend by all means at their
command to prevent tnat' ana tne snaa ssps
est experts of practice on both sides
were ranged in what was battle OF en-
durance and wits.
Senator Kern, the democratic floor
leader, declared that the session would
he continued throughout the day. and
that a decision would be reached this
evening as to holding another night ses-
sion.
Senator Sutherland contended that, SO
far, no fiilibuster had been carried on
against the bill, but he added that, in his
Judgment, any parliamentary power the
republicans might exert to prevent its
uassaee would be of immeasurable value
in the country.
Secretary Tumulty, after brief rest
at the White House, reappeared on the
floor to listen to Senator Sutherland.
The official stenographers began to
show the strain of the grind and the
relays were reduced to twenty minutes.
Shortly after noon Vice President
Marshall got into the chair after SEN
ators Lodge. Borah and William Alden
Smith had appealed to him in confer
ence to preserve the integrity OF the
Senate" and rule against what the re-
publicans characterized as steam roller
tactics.
The Vice President told them he in
tended to be governed by the Senate's
established rules.
Serene on the Surface.
The situation gave little outward evil
dence of the strenuous struggle. At
o'clock this afternoon the debate had
proceeded uninterruptedly for twenty
eight hours, at times fiercely, and then
with long, dull speeches against time.
There was only scattered attendance.
A knot of republican senators-Root,
Of oh hiGra ~
ferred earnestly on plans for further
staying off decisive vote. AS the
caucus substitute for the
original bill was squarely before the
Senate yon last nights order OF the pre-
siding officer to call the roll" the
slightest lapse of the republicans
would force the issue.
Senator Fletcher, directing the demo-
cratic forces. still looked fresh. after
holding the fort through the night and
Senator owen slept on lounge in the
rear of the Senate ready to take
charge if occasion required.
Meanwhile. as the tactical struggle
was going on, Senator sutherland
talked along steadily. in the main with
an argument against the constitu-
of the measure.
Has Right to "Mumble."
Senator Sutherland declared that the
commerce clause of the Constitution gave
no right to the federal government to
embark itself in trade and commerce. He
this view with lengthy cita-
tions from Supreme Court cases. The
low tone of voice in which he read, to con-
serve his voice, aroused the watchful at
tention of Senator Owen. one of the
tactical scouts in forcing the measure to |
a vote.
He made a point of order that |
was not debate. |
Mr.. Sutherland replied sharply that |
the language of the Oklahoma senator |
might be parliamentary, but it was |
offensive.
The presiding officer overruled the |
point of order, holding that it was not |
in his power to control the tone of
voice of a senator.
At 1870 Senator Sutherland ended his |
speech and Senator Lodge Immediately |
took the floor. Mr.. Owen made the |
point of no quorum. and a roll call |
began.
The call of the Senate disclosed a |
quorum present-fifty -four-and Sena- |
tor Lodge proceeded with the debate. |
stating he would be "compar4&ively" |
brief.