The public ledger. [volume] (Maysville, Ky.) 1913-1968, 1917-02-24
F|LIBUsTER BY REPUBLICANS
Begun In Observation-Disclosures
Schedule for Remaining Eight
Days Of Congress Is Thrown
Into Air-Extra Session
Is Thought 10 BE Aim.

Washington, February 23-Republi-
cans of the Senate began fllibuster
today that threw into the air all plans
for the remaining eight working days
Of the session, threatening essential
pending legislation and foreshadow-
ing opposition to any request Presi-
dent Wilson may make for authority
to deal with the international crisis
after Congress adjourns. They did not
challenge charges on the floor that
they deliberately were seeking to force
the President to call an extra session.
Although the Democrats believe the
fight is aimed chiefly at the admins
tration's emergency revenue bill, it
drew prompt and hearty support from
those opposing any grant of additional
power to the executive which might
result in aggressive action to protect
American rights in the war zone.
Trouble Begins
The trouble began when the major
ity rejected an amendment modifying
the excess profits tan provision of the
revenue measure. There was con-
ference Immediately, presided over by
Senator Lodge and participated in by
leaders Of both wings of the Republi-
can party including Senators Pen
rose, Smoot, Weeks and Brandegee, of
the regulars, and La Toilette, Poin-
dexter and Norris, Of the Progressive
group.
Returning to the floor, the Repub-
licans began killing them, speaking one
after another for hours, on perfume
tory amendments, while the exasper-
ated Democrats in charge of the rev.
enue bill listened helplessly. No pro-
gress was made during the day or at
a session lasting far into the night.
Democratic leaders are considering
forcing all night sessions in an effort
to tire the filibusters out and they
may began tomorrow. 1t is realized
that the Republicans by persistent OBJ
struction tactics can prevent the en-
actment Of the revenue bill and the
necessary appropriation measures and
thus make an extra session impera-
tive. Some of the Democrats hope
however, that the real leaders of the
movement are but maneuvering only
for compromise on bitterly opposed
features of the revenue bill, and may
not carry out their threats against the
whole legislative program.
Fight to End
Today's gathering of the minority
leaders was one of the few Senator
La Toilette has attended for some
time. 1t was learned later that some
Of those present insisted that the
President sought too much power in
handling the strained international sit
uation, that he should be compelled to
call an extra session through en-
forced failure of legislation. and that
any request for special authority
should be fought to the end of the
present session.
Besides the revenue bill. necessary
to meet an expected treasury deficit,
the army and navy appropriation bills
are among the measures which also
would fail should the filibuster prove
effective
President Wilson's proclamation to-
day for the usual special session of
the Senate beginning March 5 appar-
emily had no effect in weakening the
Republicans attack, but some admins
tration Senators tonight were inclined
to think that it might serve to placate
the Republicans and clear the way for
legislative action in day or two.
If the. Democrats start their con-
inuous session program tomorrow, II
would break up farewell dinner par
| ty planned by the Republicans to their
colleagues who retire to private life
on March 5.