Norwich bulletin., 1915-02-03

can senators in regard to their ideas
 on the proposed legislation. the demo- cratic majority considered methods of procedure to regain its lost ground, and the seven reCalcitrant democrats conferred alnuuS themselves with the avowed purpose of standing firm uu- til satisfactory terms could be pre-
 sented to them.
 To Negotiate With Opponents. As a result of this complicated sit
 uatiOn, the democratic conference ap- pointed a special committee of three members, Senators Fletcher. Simmons
 and Martin. to conduct negotiations with senators of both parties with a
 View 10 ascertaining what support
 could be gained for the bill and upon
 what points of revision. This special committee was prepared to report pro greSS at the second caucus tonight and | held out hope to their colleagues that ultimate success would be theirs Revoting Democrats Firm. :. Revolting democrats. Senators Bank | head. Clarke. Camden. Hardwick. , Hitchcock O'GofTnau and Nardaman. Were approached by the caucus com mittee several times during the day and asked for a stipulation of terms
 upon which they might reconsider ; their attitude. With a reservation that If might fICSt be wise to TecOnlrnit the ] bill. the committee Was given to un- derstand that there would he mo ! change iu the revUlterS' attitude to- ward the measure, unless it was strip ped or government ownership features. with provision that it be understood 1 to be an emergency undertaking with positive limitations. One suggest ion ! offered was that provisions he made that the government retire from the proposed operation of ships after two years. Another stipulation was said { to be that the government should pur- chase or acquire none of the ships of belligerent nations.
 Want Government Corporation Per- manent.
 In so. far as prohibition of purchase of foreign ships HOW laid up in this country is concerned. such d, stipula- ton also was proposed by some of the progressive republican senators. They, however, do rot favor the government shipping corporation as a temporary : measure. and suggested amendments whereby it would be instituted as a permanent venture. Here the propo- suls of progressive republicans and
 revoiting democrats clashed
 , President Satisfied With Permanency. ! After Senator Norris and Senator ! Kenyon had talked with President | Wilson, it was understood that the ! president had looked with favor upon some amendment that might satisfy ] NAlEf4i NlChS NItLA itS1tu u ltAInaiIHIf1 of the project \ direct stipulation ] that ,he government he prohibited 1 from acquiring ships from beliiger- ! Cnts. it was said, however. was not fa- VOrabiy received. although the inti- nation was given that there might be TO objection to q declaration of policy 1 on the subject and that the govern e meut did not contemplate purchasing 1 any shinS that might be the subject { of international controversy.
 Government to Lease Ships.
 Another amendment proposed by 1 Senator La Toilette. who is expected ! 10 support the bill was suggested as ' a middle ground with relation to the proposed leasing of ships to private , corporations by the government It would provide that the government shipping corporation in 1easiug ships should do so for a period no longer than six months and that all such i leases should specify the rates. { charges and fares to be observed by ] tho lessees.
 1 Republican Senators Confident. ! After all angles of the situation had i been canvaSsed during the day, the ! senate having adjourned to await the i outcome of the skiEmishing, republi- ! can leaders were confident that their 1 fight against the measure had been won. Senators Shoot, Lodge Weeks | and others declared that the bill was 1 dead. Democratic leaders. or the oth- | CT hand, still were hopeful.