The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1917-05-29
DEFEAT0F GAG
IN HOUSE SEEN
Republicans to Vote as Unit
Against Section-Many
Democrats to Bolt.

WASHINGTON, May zs.-Defeat for the
censorship provisions Of the espionage
bill when the measure comes to a vote
In the House tomorrow is confidently
predicted by censorship opponents In
both parties. With a solidarity which
has not characterized the legislative
actions of the Republican party in years
the minority In the House will vote prac-
tically as a unit tomorrow for elimina =
ton Of section Of the espionage bill
as agreed on by the conferees.
Enough Democrats-it ia estimated
that from 10 to 20 per cent OF that
party in the House will desert the Ad-
ministratlon on this qsestion--are ex-
pected TO vote against the conference
agreement to insure its complete defeat.
II would mean the first Administration
defeat since the war Congress assem-
bled.
In the Senate little change has taken
place in the general sentiment In regard
to censorship during the last two days.
The following of Senator's johnson and
Thomas. leaders Of the opposition to any
censorship. has been growing ever since
the convincing defeat administered to
the Administration two weeks ago to-
day.
liberations the House shail run. true to
form and decline to accept the compro-
mise amendment which the conferees
offer as the least obnoxious form in
which they can express the wishes Of
the Attorney-Generai with regard TO
Federal regulation OF newspapers. the
. censorship section will be out Of the bill
for good. The Senate having already
voted II out. the only standing which the
compromise section now has ia that OF a
substitute fpr the Gard amendment in.
serted in the House when the bill war
being considered there
1t Is regarded as unlikely that further
efforts will be made by Administration
leaders to proceed further with their
plans to control and regulate the press
through the inclusion of censorship pro-
visions In general legislation.
The Administration Is anxious to get
the rest OF the proposed espionage law
on the statute books as soon as possible
The events OF yesterday IN Cleveland
and Chicago have convinced the White
House and Department Of Justice that
to daWdle longer over the regulation of
the press may endanger the nation from
another source.
as accepted by both houses the rioters
and disturbers In the cities named would
be liable under the law 20 twenty years
each In the pentcntiary or a $4,000 fine
for interfering with the processes OF en-
listment in the army and navy OF the
United States. with registration day
only a week on the need of something
to forestall repetitlons OF the Cleveland
and Chicago dlsgraces Is frankly ad-
mitted
Representative Mccormick. Of Illinois,
one OF the leaders of the fight against
censorship. who fortnight ago was
hoping for some compromise. is now
convinced that the fight has been won
Before leaving Washington Saturday
Mr.. Mccormick predicted the defeat OF
censorship. He expressed qualification
that the practically unanimous adverse
decision Of the Republican caucus left
no excuse for any charge OF inconsist-
ency to lie against any Republican In
voting against even the least drastic
regulation of the press.