New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-06
arties in Senate
United for Plan
To End Filibusters
Leaders, Angered by Defeat
of Armed Ship Bill, to
Draft Closure Rule

Washington, Mdrcn O.-roT bnf
first time in the history of the
United States Senate, it appears to-
night that its sacred rule permit
ting unlimited debate, under which
the armed neutrality bill was talked
70 death by small group of paci-
fists and pro-Germans, may be re-
vised.
Resulting directly from this illl-
buster. which has caused more feel
ing and resentment than probably
ever any flibuster caused before,
scores of Senator'S who never before
were willing for cloture are now de-
termined that the rules shall be
changed.
The Democratic Senator'S have
con called for a caucus tomorrow
night. with the avowed intention OF
working out some cloture rule. In
all probability it will not be a dras-
tic measure. but nevertheless VIII
strip a small minority of power to
Gefeat the will Of large majority
Many Republican Senators de-
clared tonight that they would sup
port this change. as there is much
anger in the Republican camp at tne
success of the progressive Republl-
cans. aided by Chairman Stone oil
tbe Foreign Relations Committee, IN
preventing the nearly eighty Senator'S
favoring the armed neutrality meas
ure from voting on 1t.
Predicts Cloture Rule
Much Of the time of the extra ses-
sion Of the Senate. which was cailed
bv President Wilson to meet to-day
will be taken up in forcing this revision
Of the rules. Senator Simmons ci
North Carolina. who has led more
fghts for the Administration than any
other Senator and who is regarded as
ono Of the shrewdest leaders on the
democratic side. told The Tribune cor
yesnondent to-day that he had no DOUBT
some method Of preventing a recur-
renee of the filbuster just ended would
be worked out
81 would not favor any rule when
,,ould deprive Senators OF an opportu-
pitv to be heard. but there must also
be an opportunity to vote ne declared
"For the frst time. the defeat OF the
armed neutrality bill has revealed the
utter helplessness OF the Senate WIKI
its present rules
Similar views were expressed oy Re
nnblicans. particularly bv the old line
Senator's. who hitherto have been Jesl-
ous Of the tremendous power which the
present unlimited debate rule gives.
Fear Effect in Germany
Barred from doing what they consid-
cred .heir patriotic duty. the majority
Of Senators now realize that through
/ tho vocal endurance Of few pro-Ger-
NAV be blockaded; and they fear tnat
Germany may think that she can go TO
any length and murder any number o.
AMERICANS on the high seas, DeieNinS
,bat no matter what happens her pstl-
fst allies in the United States senate
will prevent this country taxing any
stem which could even hamper ner SUD-
marine campaign.
81 don't want any drastic gag rule.
declared Senator Warren 6. Harding. Of
ohio. but there must De some rule
which will permit a vote after reason
able debate
The fight on the confirmation OF Or.
Cary T. Grayson, President " Wtson
private physician, 70 be medical dIree-
for Of the navy. with the rank OF rear
admiral. enters into the cloture fight
a. complication. II IS probable that
this fight will continue, but some Sena-
tors said tonight that u the vote on
This nomination could be obtained first.
before the fight on the floor OF the SEN
ate on the cloture rule should be begun.
+, would have the effect OF weakening
the opposition TO cloture.
A point in connection with the rules
revision is that Senator Norris. OF Ne
braska. one OF La Follette's lieutenants
i'm the flibuster, has always been an ad-
yocate OF cloture. He introduced
cloture rule several years ago.
Could Win in Extra Session
There is some resentment among the
Republicans AZ the assertion Of the
President that il would be useless 10
call an extra session Of Congress. They
point out that. as matter OF fact. II
would be simple matter for an extra
session 20 pass the armed neutrality
bill. as they could speedily wear out
the fiibusters by inaugurating twenty
four-hour sessions.
In placing the blame for the defeat
Of the bill the Republicans point out
that il was very unfortunate the Pres
ident waited so long.
The President, they say. should have
come 10 Congress Immediately on the
heels Of the German note declaring her
intention OF resorting again to ruth
less submarine warfare. The spectacle
to the world OF that bill dying would
not have occurred, in their opinion.
CARDINAL GIBBONS NEW BOON