Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1917-03-13
CHARLES R.CR|SP
TALKS Of NOVEL.
CRISIS IN HOUSE,
(BY E. H. Bradley

OonSTeSSndn CnarleS II. crisp, WHO
with Mrs. Crisp has returned to his
home in this city after having spent
several strenuous weeks in the ma
tional capital as representative in the
lower house of congress from the
Third district, states that the situa-
ton which will be precipitated on
April 18th, when the extra session OF
congress convenes, promises to be one
of the most unique ever recorded in
the annals of the national aw-making
body.
A representative of the Times-Re-
corder calling on Congressman Crisp
found him recuperating from a bad
cold, and while he had remained in
bed since his arrival in Americus Sat
urday night, declared that he would
be up and about today.
Judge Crisp, in speaking of the ac-
tion of the senate in turning down
President Wilson's request for the pas
sage of the armed neutrality" bill and
the refusal to put through the various
appropriation measures, has aroused
much bitterness in Washington, par
ticularly among the house members
and administration officials. The al
teration of the senate rules by the
adoption of the cloture regulation.
however, to a certain extent appeased
the wrath of the house, for it will be
impossible in the future for the upper
house of congress to deliberately
block important legislation by the fill
ibuster method.
When congress convenes on April
10th for the extra session." said Judge
Crisp, the house will undoubtedly
PASS without delay another resolution
approving President Wilson order
authorizing American merchant yes
sells to arm themselves for protection
against German submarines.
The passage of the various supply
bills. upon which the operation of
the government machinery depends,
will next be taken up, believe, and
then legislation supplementing the
present new law touching on strikes"
continued Congressman Crisp.
In describing the composition of the
house, as it will appear ON April
10th, Judge Crisp pointed out the fact
that as the result of the elections last
fall, there will be 214 democrats, 214
republicans and independents max
ing up the membership of the body
with the balance of power in the
hands of these five men, the passage
of partisan legislation is out of the
question" said the congressman.
He indicated his belief that two Of
the Independents will vote with the
democratic contingent in the house,
while two more will string" with the
republicans, thus leaving the balance
of power in the hande of one mai,
Martin. of Louisiana. Congressman
Martin was elected as a progressive
republican, but is expected to vote for
Speaker Champ Clark. since he was
supported in his recent campaign by
the New Orleans Item, a newspaper
owned by Clark's son-in-law.
The question of which party will or
ganize the house is as yet more or
less of a perplexing problem, which
will not be settled until the critical
point is actually reached.
1t is improbable, declared Con-
gresham Crisp, that the house will
discontinue the method of forming
committees that has been in vogue
since the Cannon regime" was over
thrown. Since that time the house has
elected its own committees on the
committees on the nomination of the
Ways and Means committee, the mem-
bers of which are named by party
caucuses. Mr.. Crisp is member of
the Ways and Means committee and
has played an important role in the
workings of the lower house of con-
gress.
A coalition of democrats and repub-
licans has been suggested and serious
II considered in view of the nreseut
critical national situation and the or
ganization problems presented in the
new house. Such coalition would
leave out entirely the five independents
who would otherwise held the balance
of power.
The situation as it will develop in
Washington on April 18th is. accord
ing to Congressman Crisp, one that
will absorb the interest of the entire