The sun., 1917-02-24
'G.O.P.SENATORS
IN FILIBUSTER
Republicans Threaten to
Stop All Legislation,
Wilson Supports.
SPECIAL SESSION Is AIM
Hope to Force President to Call
Congress to Get Full
Authority.
SPECIAL SESSION Is AIN

WARRINGTON. Feb. 23. Republicans
began a filibuster on the Senate floor to-
day 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 in
ternational crisis after Congress ad-
journs. They did not challenge charges
on the floor that they are seeking to
force the President to call an extra ses-
sion.
Although the Democrats believe the
fight is aimed chiefly at the Administra-
tons emergency revenue bill II 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 modifying the
excess profits tax provision Of the reve-
nue. measure. There was conference
presided over by Senator Lodge and
participated in by leaders of both wings
Of the Republican party, including Sem
ators Penrose. Smoot Weeks and Bran
degee Of the regulars and Poindexter
and Morris of the Progressive group.
Orators Kill Time.
Returning to the floor, the Republic
cans began killing time, speaking one
after another for hours on perfunctory
amendments. while the exasperated
,,, % hi
listened helpessly. No progress was
made during the day or at session
lasting far into the night.
Democratic leaders are considering
forcing all night sessions In an effort to
tire the flibusters out, and they may
begin tomorrow. 1t IL realized that the
Republicans by persistent obstructive
tactics can prevent the enactment of the
revenue bill and the necessary appro-
priation measures and thus make All
extra session imperative. Some Of the
Democrats hope. however. that the real
leaders Of the movement are maneeuvring
only for n compromise on bitterly op-
posed features Of the revenue bill. and
may not carry out their threats against
the whole legislative programme.
To-day.s gathering OF the minority
leaders was one OF the few Senator La
Toilette has attended for some time. 1t
was learned tnat some Oh lHost present
insisted that the President sought too
much power In handling the interna-
tional situation. and that he should be
compelled to call an extra session
through enforced failure Of legislation,
and that any request for special author
ity should be fought to the end OF the
present session.
To Force Special Session.
On the floor Senator Simmons openly
declared the Republicans were seeking
to defeat important bills in order to
force n special session. and said he did
not doubt they could do II. Besides the
revenue bill. necessary TO meet an eX'
pected 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 Sen
| ate beginning March apparently had
! no effect in weakening the Republican at
tack, but some Administration Senators
were inclined tonight to think that Il
might serve to placate the Republican.
and clear the way for legislative actor
| In day or two.