Arizona republican., 1917-02-24
F|[|bUSTER IN SENATE STOPS
 WILSON '5PLAN
[ReplbIlcan A. P. Leased Wire]


 WASHINGTON, Feb. 23.-Republ- cans of the senate began filibuster today that threw into the air all plans for the remaining eight working days of the session, threatening essential pending legislation and foreshadowing opposition to any request President Wilson may make for authority to deal with the international crisis after con- gress adjourns They did not challenge charges on the floor that they were de- liberately seeking to force the presi- dent to call an extra session.
 Although the democrats believed the fight is aimed chiefly at the administra- tiOn'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
 The trouble began when the majority rejected an amendment mentioning the excess profits tax provisions of the rev. enue measure. There was a confer ence presided over by Senator Lodge and participated in by leaders of both wings of the republican party, includ- ing Senators Penrose Shoot Weeks and Brandegee of the regulars. and La Toilette, Poindexter- and Norris of the progressive group.
 Returning to the floor the republi- cans began taking up time speaking one after another for hours on perfume tory amendments, while the exasper- ated democrats in charge of the revenue bill listened helpleSsly. No progress was made during the day or at a ses- sion lasting far into the night.
 Democratic leaders are considering forcing all-night sessions in an effort to tire out the filibusters and they may begin tomorrow. It is realized the re- publicans by persistent obstructive tac- tics can prevent the enactment of the revenue bill and the necessary appro- priation measures and thus make an etxra session imperative.
 Today's gathering of the minority leaders was one of the few Senator Id. Toilette has attended for some time It was learned later that some of those present insisted that the president sought too much power in handling the strained international situation, that he should be compelled to call an extra session through forced failure of legis- lation and any request for special au- thority should be fought to the end of the present session.
 Cil tHC 1ioOIs simmons openly declared the republicans were seeking to defeat important bills in order to force a special session and said he did not doubt they could do it. Be sides 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 ,, apparently had no effect in weakening the republi- can attack. but some administration senators tonight were inclined to think It might serve to placate the republi- cans and clear the way for legislative action in a day or two.
 If the democrats start their contin- uous session program tomorrow it would break up a farewell dinner party planned by the republicans to their colleagues who retire to private life on March ,.