Bisbee daily review., 1917-03-07
Committee of Republicans and Democrats Urge Bill! Permitting Two Thirds of Senate to Limit Debate. EVEN REPUBLICAN
 LEADERS FAVOR IT Will Prevent Half a Dozen Thwarting Purpose of Sen- ate in Future-Martin Is Named Majority Leader.
(By Review Leased Wire)


 WASHINGTON. Mar. 6.-Modi-
 fication of the senate rules urged
 by President Wilson to prevent
 future filibusters like the one that
 killed the armed neutrality bill,
 virtually was agreed upon tonight
 by conference committee of ten
 senators. five Democrats and five
 Republicans named by the party
 csucuses.
 Two-Thirds to Rule
 The change proposed would put the power in the hands of two-thirds of the senators present at any time to shut of debate and prevent dilatory tactics. The committee will meet again tomorrow probably before the senate convenes at noon and is eX- pected to reach a final agreement on a resolution embodying this proposal which was approved by the rules con- mittee several months ago but was never called up for consideration at the last session.
 Expect it to Pass
 Leaders championing the change expect the resolution to receive the necessary caucus endorsement and to be presented to the senate as soon as possible for consideration and action. How such proposal will be received by the senators opposed to any modi- fication of the present procedure which allows unlimited discussion none of the conference committee knew.
 Blow at Eitjbusters
 A majority of the senate has long favored the resolution considered fav- orably by the conference coTmittee and its approval by both parties in caucus undoubtedly would pave the way for its ultimate adoption. Both party organizations working together could make it uncomfortable for any small group of senators who might undertake a filibuster.
 The way was cleared to some ex- tent today for any fight which may come up over the rules or over the question of whether the senate is op- erating now under its old rules or general parliamentary law.
 Senator Owen, leader of the fight for an absolute cloture rule under which a majority would control de- bate, brought the subject up by giving notice that such proceedings as are conducted for the present must be by unanimous consent and on the theory that it is a continuing body the sen ate in the part has not adopted new rules for each congress like the house of representatives. If it were com pelled to adopt them in doing so it l..- rls ,raraf ary law and the majority could adopt such rules as it pleased in short or der.
 Marshall Non-Commitai.
 Vice President Marshall virtually served notice on the senate today that he did not propose to become party to any rules light. He declared in connection with another matter that the constitution makes it exceedingly plain that the vice president is a pre- siding officer and that he has nothing to do with the rules beyond seeing that they are enforced.
 Re-elect Salisbury.
 The Democratic caucus indicated it's support of the opinion that rules stould be adopted each session. It re-
 
 president pro tempore although he was elected to that office last session and ordinarily would have held over.
 Both of the caucuses did the usual possession business. and discussion on the Democratic side developed vigorous speeches in which there were decided declarations about the pro- minence the west played in the Demo cratic success last fall and the recog milton is should receive by the senate majority.
 Martin Leads Majority.
 Senator Martin. of Virginia, was chosen unanimously as majority floor leader.
 The Republicans spent most of their time discussing cloture and it became apparent that while most of the thir- ty five present were vigorously Op- posed to a rule which would tie the hands of the minority completely, they might be willing to agree to milder form of restricting debate
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