New Britain herald., 1917-03-07

Washington, March 7.-Two-thirds of the senators might limit debate at any time, according to a proposed rule fer prevention of future fili- busters by a small minority, drawn up by a joint committee of democratic and republican senators today in the form of 8 resolution to be presented soon to caucuses of both parties. With the necessary caucus tndorse- ment. the rule likely would be adopted by the senate and possibly pave the way for the calling of g. special ses- sion of congress to act on the armed neutrality bill
 The suggested rule would permit an hour of debate instead of unlimited time by each senator even after adop- ton by two-thirds of the senators present of motion to bring debate to a close. At both republican and democratic senator caucuses yes-, terday there were indications that a rule to limit debates would be ap- proved. .s
 President Wilson had conference early today at the White House with Senators Owen. Reed, Walsh, Swan
 
 mittee. named by the senate demo- cratic caucus, and discussed the pro- posed changes in the senate rules which would prevent unlimited de- bate and fllibustering such as killed. the armed neutrality bill.
 Secretary Lansing walked into the White House just before the departure of the senators. The conference was afs6 att9nded 4by tt5e0rStaEy &McAdoos v 1f0diHed Clotnrc I'lan.
 After the White House conferences the democratic senators hurried to the capitol for a conference with republi- can leaders to lay before them 8 plan for modified cloture which the democrats hope to bring before the senate tomorrow. The democrats said they expect prompt action.
 The senators agreed that the pros poets were good for quick action in the senate.
 Senator Owen said he desired a rule under which the senate rules could be changed by a majority vote. All of the senators agreed. however, they would not haggle over details if a req sonable clotute plan could be agreed upon.
 The conference lasted an hour, and half and all details of the senate situation were gone over. The presi- dent told them he was anxious for action as promptly. as possible. He said the country was deeply aroused over the situation and that a few senators should not be allowed to in terfere with the welfare of the country. { Although MT. Wilson has been ad-I vised by some government experts that he has the authority to arm ships without waiting for action by congress, others among his advisers believed it would be the better policy l to wait to see whether the senate will act.
 Expect Extra Session by June.
 Members of congress today look forI an extra session to be called to meet \ not later than June as a result of i, hints said to have been thrown out by officials close to President Wilson.
 Aside from any action on the armed ships bill the need of an extra 1 session to pass the bis supply | measures. which failed ct tho. last 1 session, is regarded by officials as inn perative.
 Nearly all of the executive depart | ments of the government. will suffer. l particularly the army's defense plans. ! unless congress supplies the necessary 1 funds.
 In addition. there are other meas ures the administration regarded as | almost imperative which failed to l pass. They included amendments to | the shipping and federal reserve laws, legislation to strengthen the Adamson law, conservation, foreign | selling commissions and enlargement of the interstate commerce commits 1 sion.
 Many members of congress still in- l sist that President Wilson will call congress together soon.
 May Not Press Austria.
 Some administration officials today ] were urging President Wilson that lie | may legally arm merchant ships now 1 without awaiting express authority l which congress might give if called in special session. They argued that ! the old law passed in 1919 forbidding American merchantmen. to fire on "a | pursued vessel of a nation in amity | with the United States would not | apply to the present situation. The ! president indicated that he is seeking | some legal means of acting promptly l but would prefer congressional ap- prOval. | ssiNs.s