Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-03-11
BIPARTISAN SCHEME
NOW NOT SO PROBABLE
All Five of Independents in House
Expected to Ballot With
Old Parties.
BOTH STILL CLAIM MAJORITY
Senate Leaders Expect That Special
Session VIII Continue for Several
Months-Forcign Situation VIII
Play Part in Shaping Legislation.
LRv Associa,eh pres.l

WASHINGTON. March lO.-The nos
sibility OF II coalition agreement he
tween Democrats and Republicans In
the incoming House Of Representatives
was considerably lessened to-day. MANY
members believed. by the announcement,
of Representative Schall, Progressive.
OF Minnesota. one OF the five so-calIed
independents, that he would not be n
party TO an independent movement
which would block important Iepis,,-
tion.
AS the bipartisan plan originally
was broached only with tho view or
defeating II deadlock by the refusal OF
the independents TO support either A
republican or Democrat for Speaker
leaders of both big parties tonight
foresaw an abandonment OF tho move
'nent. They predicted that Mr. Schalrs
withdrawal from the independents;
probably would he followed quickly
by others. and that before tho ballot
ting for Speaker had proceeded far an
i've of them would be voting with tho
Old parties. The coalition idea has re-
ccired much dscussion however. and
tentative plans sufficient for carryin.
II into effect soon can br laid If, in
che opinion of leaders, it becomes
necessary
Republicans generally accepted Mr.
Schalis announcement as meaning an
additional vote for Representative
Mann for Speaker after the first few
ballots are east.
MANY REI'uniICANS
OHJECT TO COALITION
Many objections to the coalition plan
were heard to-day among the RcpubIi-
cans, who argued that the party, now
| in the course OF reorganization, could
not hope 10 profit by compromise
with the Democrats.
flasty surveys of the situation to-
day. following the call for Il special
session OF April 16 found obth sides
session on Apri 16 found both sides
hoping for tho voto OF Representative
Martin. Of Louisiana. Progrcssivc- Dem
ocrat but II was admitted that he
WAS not pledged to either side If the
indcpc ndcnts do not maintain their or
GaniHation. II was generally believed
that Representative Randall. rrohibi-
zionist. of California, and Representa-
tive London. Socialist, OF New York,
probably will vote with tho Democrats
and Representatives Elect Fuller, OF
Massachusetts. Progressive. with tho
Republicans.
Announcement to-day by Governor
Whitman that he will call "a special
election to select :; successor Ia tn.
late Representative Conry, Of the Elf
tccnth New York District. Was u wei
come diversion for the Democrats
! They say there is no doubt that In
the overwhelmingly Tamnany district
another Democrat will he elected.
That would bring the Democratic total
to "l5. within three OF enough 10 re-
elect Speaker Clark.
PROVIDES EQUAL DIVISION
0F COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS
The suggested bipartisan plan or
Champ Clark as Speaker. the commit
tee chairmanships then to he awarded
in rotation between the Democrats aud
{! Republicans the membership of tho
| committees 10 be in even, instead of
odd numbers. equally divided between
Democrats and Republicans. The
! House patronage also would he equally
| apportioncd.
Tho bipartisan suggestion il at this
! time merely tentative and largely con
tingent upon a Threatened deadlock or
II state of war, which would unite both
| parties into an american party" so
TO speak. for the conduct or the affairs
| Of government.
| Senate leaders indicated to-day that