The Washington times., 1915-02-14
FIGHT ON SH|PB|tt-
BECOMES PARTY WAR
Probability Of Extra Session
Grows as Appropriation
Measures Are Blocked.
Continued from First Page.)

Continued from First Page.)
economize on which means either addi-
tional revenue legislation or a huge
deficit when the next fiscal year closes.
June 30. 1916. In the very midst of the
Presidential campaign.
To make the situation more acutely
interesting. a situation unparalleled in
years, there are looming up more omi-
nous than ever before since the Euro
dods moment relating to the treatment
OF American ships cargoes, and pa S.
engers by the belligerent nations, especi-
ally Germany and England.
Cast Long Shadow.
These matter cast a long shadow
across the Capitol and are compelling
members of Senate and House to do
deep thinking. Nobody can predict what
will come Of them. But everybody who
knows anything knows they bristle with
possibilities. as high Administration
The President and the Democratic
chieftains who follow him have decided
to so to the country ON the question Of
ship purchase and cloture in the Senate.
This has been becoming more appar-
ent for several days. 1t has been made
increasingly clear by the decision of the
senate Democratic caucus Saturday
night; This decision was to press for
2 cloture rule in the Senate. Senator
Kern. floor leader. gave 1t out the de-
cislon to press for cloture was unani-
nous on the part of those present. The
chase bill will engineer the effort to get
cloture.
Caucus Action Binding.
The caucus action, although no formal
vote was taken. is looked on by the
Senate Democratic leaders as binding
The seven Democratic insurgents did
MT - hA rN.>,,
support cloture. The caucus did not
fndorse q particular cloture rule. The
possibility exists that when 1t comes to
voting for a general cloture rule differ
ences will arise among the Democrats
who were at the caucus.
The cloture rule pending before the
Senate is the Norris general cloture
Plan which Is offered as an amendment
p the Reed special cloture rule. fixing
chase. x number Of the regular Demo
cratic Senators do not like the Norris
A good many Democratic Senators.
too. do not like to be compelled to
swallow a legislative dose administered
H q progressive Republican. Senator
Norris Norris has long been working
70 get general cloture into position
where the Senate would have to vote on
wants it. in the form Of proposed
amendment which under Senate rules
cannot be further amended.
Fight Will Last Days.
The decision Of the Democrats to
nght will go on for days unless ended
leaders are prepared 'toD to debate peeae eloture
to March 4 II need be. While cloture
is under discussion as the unfinished
business. ship purchase in the Senate
is sidetracked. So are the appropria-
In deciding to force cloture as part
Of the fight for ship purchase legis-
1ation the Democratic leaders in the
Senate are well aware they are stir
ring the Republicans to filibuster to
the limit and that the chances are
March 4 will arrive with a number
OF appropriations not passed. They
also know it Is doubtful whether
cloture and ship purchase or either
But the President and the Senate
leaders think they can afford to go TO
the country on ship purchase and
cloture. The House leaders are re-
will do so and. after the Monday
night caucus. drive through a bill
unless there Is an unexpected hitch.
The Democrats will make use of IN
extra session. If there Is one. in try
ing to reduce appropriation bills. In
deed, some of the Republicans charge
the President wants an extra ses-
sion for this very purpose and Is Sc
cretly anxious to have one.
Great Fight Sure.
. The attempt to change the traditional
procedure Of the Senate SO as to have
Z rule for cloture or the limiting Of
debate will cause a great fight there.
Tho Republicans will filibuster against
1t earnestly. They see that II tho Demo-
Gratis are going to use the caucus to
shape legislation and to bind their
membership. and then to apply cloture
TO pass it In the Senate with the White
House giving directions on legislation
TO the caucus and the Senate leaders
then the minority might as we'll quit
business. 1t will be as helpless as if it
did not exist.
Consequently, in connection with the
discussion of cloture. there will be a
discussion of the caucus. especially the
secret caucus on legislation. Senator
Cummins will lead fight to prevent
cloture, from applying where the caucus
Is employed to gag Senators to support
q bill. He will propose an amendment
to this effect to the Norris plan.