Pine Bluff daily graphic. (Pine Bluff, Ark.) 1893-1942, 1917-03-28
MANN'S PROPOSAL
NOT FAVORED BY
The DEMOCRATS
Offer for Non Partisan Or
ganization of Congress
Is Opposed.
MISS RANKIN WILL
PROPOSE SUFFRAGE
First Woman Member Of Congress
Proposes to Introduce Susan B.
Anthony Amendment OH First
Day Of Extra Session.

Washington, March 27.-Prelimi-
nary conferences of house leaders to-
day developed little hut opposition
to Republican Leader Mann's propo-
sition that he withdraw from the
speakership race in favor of Speaker
Clark, and that the house be organ
lied on non-partisan lines. at the
opening of the extra session Mon
day.
Representative Lenroot of Wiscon-
a conference with Representatives
Longworth of Ohio and Towner u
Iowa, that he could not consent to
such a program, because it would
constitute an admission that if the
Republicans organize the house, the
country will suffer-"
Speaker Clark discussed the Mann
proposition with many Democrats and
said he found only ono who favored
it. The speaker is advising the
Democrats to make the organization
continue as party, unless it is fully
demonstrated that the Democrats can
not win, and in this the rank and
file of the party are supporting him.
They declared today that Representa-
tive Mann's proposition implies an
admission Of doubt of Republican
strength.
Representative Randall of Cali
fornia, Prohibitionist, who has been
active among the Independents, who
have the balance of power in the
matter of the organization of the
house, declined to add to his declara-
ton of last night that four of the five
independents will vote for Speaker
Clark and the Remocratic organiza-
ton.
Although President Wilson did not
call any Of the Democratic leaders
into consultation about the legisla
tive program, leaders are proceed
ing on the theory that he will not
ask for the consideration of general
legislation. None of the prohibition,
suffrage and railroad bills, 1t is gen
orally believed will be brought up at
the extra session.
Pros. will Not Press Fight.
That the temperance forces have
no intention to try to crowd in pro-
hibition legislation, unless such might
be considered emergency business, as
was the case with prohibition in Rus
STA early in the war, was declared in
statement tonight by Daniel Polling,
president of the National Temperance
council, which met here tonight.
"The temperance forces of the
country will do absolutely nothing
to embarrass the government in this
moment of crisis" said Mr.. Polling,
adding that the council tomorrow will
discuss united action in the congress
sional campaigns of 1918.
Suffrage leaders are urging con-
gress to take some action on the con-
stitutional amendment at the extra
session, but there appears little hope
for it, Miss Rankin, Representatives
elect from Montana, expects to intro
duce the Susan B. Anthony resolution
on opening day.
Mrs. William Kent of California and
Miss Anne Martin of Nevada members
of the Nation Woman's party, dis
cussed the resolution today with
Speaker Clark, who told them he die
! not believe general legislation should
| be considered at the extra session
II want to get home, get out of my
| good clothes, and loaf around the
house in an old suit, and never viii
get there If we begin to discuss gen.
eral legislation" said the speaker.
1