New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-24
Wagner Asks
Senate to Cite
Mayor Mitchell
Republican Sentiment Ia
vors Demand for Sat
isfaction
Fort Bill Is Upheld
Whitman and Brown Back
Democrats - Action EX-
pected Monday Night
Fort Bill Is Upheld

fr-o, s,sr Co-respondr-' O. T, Trbunel
Albanv. March 23.-If the sentiment
now apparent among the Republican
Senator's prevails on Monday night the
Senate will demand satisfaction from
Mavor Mitchell for the charge that Sem
ator Robert I. Wagner, Democratic
leader. appeared TO be working in the
interest of Germany in the Rockaway
fertilization project. The Mayors cx-
PLANTATION to-day is regarded as reflect
irr upon tho whole Senate rather than
softcning the accusation against SEN
ntor Wagner. Even the majority lead
or. Elon T. Brown. declared that some
action should be taken.
Senator Wagner offered 4 resolution
this morning to subpoena Mayor
Mitchell before the bar Of the Senate
20 substantiate his charge. Discussion
Of it was postponed until Monday
night. because this was merely legls-
lative day and only about dozen ine'"-
hers were present ,.-,.+
81 rise 10 question Of the nlgnes'
personal privilege said senator as
ner. "Thc Mayor OF the City OF NV
Work has given to the press state
mont in which he makes against me the
vilest and most serious charge that can
no made against an American citizen,
7 donouncc this charge as wicked ana
atrociously false"
The Wagner resolution was drawn
under Section OF Article OF the
legislative law on contempt, which
givos either house the power 10 pun
isb nv IMPRISONMENT, not extending
bevond the session Of the Legislature,
for "the publication of a false ana
malicious report of its proceedings or
Of tho conduct of a member IN ms leg
islativo capacitv." and for neglect 10
attend or 10 be examined as a witness
before the House or committee thereol
Uben dulv required in a legislative pro-
ceeding. inquiry or investigation:
There appears 10 be no disposition 70
minimize or excuse Mayor Ml'chel
statement on the part Of any legls4a-
tors or even on the part OF governor
Whitman, who is Thoroughly IN syn
rathv with Senator Wagner. Inc onIS
uncertainty about the adoption OF w
Wagner resolution arises over tne
CdutOQS0eSS OF othdSol -
i regarded as matter Of most SER,
ous Importance. No one here conIo
recall a citation of high public ON
ciaI like the Mayor of New YORK, for
contempt of the Legislature ..
The Mayors charge, however, IS
looked upon as the more fragrant m
asmuch as the Republican caucus TOOK
the same stand yesterday agains: inc
original Mills bill for which the Mayor
denounced Senator Wagner. In ire
Democratic caucus yesterday Mr.. Nag.
ner was willing to accept the Mis- Dlh
10 prevent any interference with the
fertilization project, and Senator Brown
tried 10 get the Republican members 10
follow a similar course, until General
Wotherspoon assured them thai wlat-
ever action the Legislature to1k III"
War Departments work would not be
delayed.
Senator Brown introduced a bill this
afternoon designed 10 negative the
Rockaway Pacific Corporations inlurc-
tion suit against the seizure Of the land
required by the government and 70 pro-
vide for the erection Of a right of way
for the landowners around the govern
ment reservation. To meet the consti-
tutional provision cited in the suit the
Brown bin appropriates $2,5OO,OO0 as
contingent fund TO cover any award TO
the Rockaway Pacific Corporation.