The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1917-02-16
NEWSPAPERS WIN
MAIL RATE FIGHT
Amendment Increasing Rates
0VerruIed After Bitter Strug-
gle in Senate.
BROUGHT UP AS SURPRISE
Debate Cut off by Lodges
Warning to Pass Appropria-
ton Bills.
BROUGHT UP AS SURPRISE

A long and bitter struggle in the
Senate over second class mail rate
in connection with the postoffice ap-
preparation bill was practically con-
cluded this afternoon when, by a
vote of As to %, the decision of Vice
President Marshall, that the Bryan
amendment to increase second-class
rates on newspapers and periodicals,
was in order, was overruled.
This decision was reached after
protracted discussion this morning
and last night. The effect of it was
to block the consideration of the
Bryan amendment, intended to i'm
pose greater second class burdens on
the magazines and newspapers of the
country.
Brought Up Unexpectedly.
In the early stages OF the consider
alton of the opstoffice bill in the Com
mite of the Whole the Senate re-
fused to suspend the rules and allow
the Bryan amendment to be consid-
cred. 1t was generally supposed this
ended the matter. But late yesterday
afternoon, by an unexpected piece OF
parliamentary strategy, Senator Bryan
got unanimous consent for the consid-
GRAFTON of his proposal in connection
with Senator Shoots amendment for
one-cent postage, on local letters.
wrangIe Lasts Hours.
This resulted in a long wrangle last
night which was continued for about
three hours throughout the forenoon
session and well into the afternoon.
After a long and complicated series
of parliamentary maneuvers the SEN
ate finally held by the vote already
given that the amendment was not in
order. Senator Hitchcock of Nebraska
raised the point of order against it
on the grounds that it was general
legislation.
trying to open up the second-class
mail rate question, by presenting an
amendment intended to increase the
rates on newspapers. Senator Lodge
headed it of with a sharp objection.
He declared the Senate could keep on
debating until next December over
the second-clsss rate question.
''If. the Senate is to get through by
March f." said Senator Lodge, aft
must cut of debate and pass these ap-
preparation bills"
Charges on Senate Floor.
Charges of snap Judgment" ''un-
fair tactics" and others equally re-
markable when made on the floor of
the Senate were freely voiced last
night when by a sudden maneuver
the friends of higher second class
rates forced that question once more
to the front in connection with the
postoffice bill. 1t was supposed that
the matter had been disposed of
when in Committee of the Whole by a
substantial vote Senators refused to
suspend the rules and take 1t up.
But after a day Of debate on the
postoffice bill, when few Senators
were in the chamber, the coup was
sprung. The postoffice bill had been
reported to the Senate proper from
Committee of the Whole. Senator
Smoot reoffered his amendment for
1-cent postage on local letters. This
would reduce the revenues upward
of $2O,o0O,000 year.
Magazine Rate Again Up.
Senator Bryan. a member Of the
Postoffices Committee. said he would
not make a point of order against
II II Mr.. Smoot would accept the pro-
posal, previously rejected. to increase
rates on second class matter. Senator
Smoot accepted the suggestion, and
Senator Robinson. in the chair. sub
mitted the question. No objection
was made and the amendment was
declared agreed to.
Goes Over Until Morning.
Quickly the news spread and Sena-
tors came buzzing like wasps out of
the cloal1rooms. Angry disapproval
was instantly voiced, and charges OF
do IN, 4
heated debate
Finally, Senator Smoot moved a re
consideration of the vote. Senator
Bryan opposed this unless it was
agreed no point of order would be
made against the entire proposition.
The motion to reconsider at length
prevailed and after more discussion
and the submission of various pro-
posals recess was taken until this
morning for the purpose of threshing
out the controversy.