Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1917-03-08
Forty Democrats and 30 Re- publicans Vote for Two
 thirds Plan.
L'FOLLETTE LIKELY
 TO FIGHT CHANGE
Sherman of Illinois and France of Maryland Only Two Republicans to Vote Against ClOture in
 Party Caucus.

Washington, March 7.-Democrats and Republicans of the senate, in caucus today, cleared the way for early modification of senate procedure so as to make filibuster such as de- feated the armed neutrality bill inn possible in future. Democrats voted unanimously to support rule under which debate could be limited by a two-thirds vote, recommended by a conference committee of ten-five Re- publicans and five Democrats-as the best way to solve the filibuster prob lem. The Republicans voted 30 to 2 to support the change.
 The resolution embodying the pro- posed rule probably will be reported to the senate tomorrow by Majority Leader Martin, with view to pressing it for prompt adoption.
 LaFollette and Gronna Absent.
 Senators LaFollette and Gronna, who were among the 12 who failed to sign the manifesto approving armed neutrality. did not attend their party caucus. How much significance is to be attached to this neither Republican nor Democratic leaders could foretell tonight, although the Democrats had the impression that the appearance, of the proposed rule would be the signal for speeches by these two senators on armed neutrality.
 A few Democrats had views differ ent from the large majority, but while they may contribute few speeches on the subject of the change in the rules, no prolonged opposition is ex- pected.
 In the Democratic caucus were more than 40 senators, and with the 30 Re- publicans who voted for the change this makes about eight more than two-thirds of the senate. Several sena- tors are absent, some out of the city and some i'll, so that the proportion of those here for the change is over whelming.
 Sherman and France Oppose Change.
 Senator Sherman of Illinois and France of Maryland were the two Re- publicans who cast negative votes. Senator Sherman declared the Re- publicans would be put in the position of acceding to it because of the de- mand by President Wilson in his pub lie statement on Sunday on the defeat of the armed neutrality bill, and in the conference today with Democratic members of the conference commit tee. Senator France said he opposed any kind of cloture rule.
 Senator Owen gave notice that he expected to address the senate tomor- row on majority rule in the senate, which he advocated against the two thirds plan, but later he apparently abandoned the idea.
 Senator Smith of South Carolina talked about the possibility of force bill under Republican domination of the senate if cloture rule is put in effect, and Senator Smith of Georgia also discussed cloture.
 The party conferees, however, made it plain that the two-thirds plan is the best they could hope to get with out a prolonged struggle, and when put to a vote the Democrats voted unanimously for the proposed rule.
 Democratic caucus adjourned after electing Senator Hitchcock as vice chairman and ex-officio member of the steering committee. With Sena- tor Martin as chairman of the com mittee. the following senators were named: Williams. James, Reed Simons, Smith of Georgia. Walsh Thomas, Chamberlain, Owen and Rob- inson. They went to work at once to reorganize the senate standing com mittee.