The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1917-02-25
PROTECT j. s.
LIVES, SAYS
SENATE BILL
Motion Introduced BY Re-
publican Senator Com
p1icates Situation
FILTBUSTER ON
PREPAREDNESS
Excess Profits Tax in Rev
enue Bill Is Cause
Of It All
BY Assoc1ATrn pRrss.

Washington, Feb. 24.-After BIT
ter debate on the international situa-
ton In which the republicans dis
claimed any desire to withhold sup
port from the President, Senator Fall
introduced resolution TO authorize
the president to use armed forces OF
the United States to protect Ameri-
can rights on the seas. It is such a
resolution as the president expected
to ask congress before adjournment.
but coming at this time from a re-
publican senator, It is a complete
surprise to administration leaders. It
promises to further complicate and
embarrass the already much mixed up
situation.
Republicans started today a stub
born filibuster against the excess
profits tax of the revenue bill.
Senator Falls resolution authorizes
the President "to direct commanders
of armed vessels of the United States
to protect American ships and prop
erty" and ITO take, seize or destroy,
if unable to take, armed vessels Of
the central powers, particularly Ger
man, which commit or threatan to
commit depredations against ships
carrying Americans or American
property" The president further
would be authorized, in the event of
declaration of war against the Unit
ted States before the next session of
congress, to call into service, in addi-
ton to the regular army and national
guard, half million men
Fight Fflibuster.
Democratic senate leaders decided
hte today to hold the senate in con-
tinuous session from this time on IL
an effort to break the republican
filibuster against legislation. It wa.
determined to hold the session
throughout tonight and all day Sun
day, and longer If necessary.
eve viii remain m session without
recess or adjournment as long as I
is necessary either TO break this fiji
buster or to demonstrate that It can
not be broken" said Senator Sim.
mons, chairman of the finance com.
mittee.
Washington, Feb. 2K-Ths mos
spectacular fihbuster the capital ha
seen in years kept the senate in SEES
sion until midnight and was endeC
only when the republican leaders di
recting it, secured pledge from tn,
democrats that the administration
revenue bin win not be urged to
vote until Wednesday
Democrats, facing what they de
clared republican attempt to breal
fown the administration program an,
force an extra session of congress
threatened 10 keep the senate in con
tinuous session over Sunday if it wa
necessary to secure the passage O
the revenue measure. The debate in
cluded hot exchanges between demo
Gratis and republicans on the presi
dents policy in dealing with the in
ternational situation and the suhma
rine crisis. Finally the republican
leaders submitted proposition for
vote on Wednesday night provided i
the meantime the appropriation bill
may be brought up by unanimou
consent. Democrats accepted, be
lieving the arrangement gave
chance to save enough OF their legis
lative Program and avert an extr
session. Besides other Legislation
however, three most important sup
ply bills. the army, navy and sundr
civil, carrying appropriations aggre
eating almost billion, have not ye
been taken up in the senate. Sewers
senator's feel that a vote on the reve
/, nue. bill Wednesday will not necessaI
I lily avoid an extra session.