New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-03-05
Armed Neutrality Bill Is
Talked to Death as
Session Ends
La Toilette Leads
Pacihst Victors
Wisconsin Senator Baked
in Grandstand Play
at Finish

Washington, March 4.-Heedless OF
American ships blocksded in port, re
gardless of American citizens murdered
in peaceful pursuits on the high seas,
willing to be kicked and cuffed to any
degree that the imperial German gov
eminent may decree, little group OF
pscifst Senators, headed by Robert NJ.
La Toilette, of Wisconsin, and William
Joel Stone. of Missouri, triumphed to-
day in preventing the American gov
eminent from taking any step toward
the protection of American rights.
Under the rules permitting endless
debate in the Senate. the flibusters
talked against time until it was seen
that there woui6 De no possible oppor-
tunity for vote IN the measure per-
hitting American ships to arm against
unlawful attack, and authorizing the
President to supply them with arms.
Under the direction and pleas OF La
Toilette the pacfists talked, one after
another, during the long all-night ses-
sion. La Toilette was saving himself
for the death blow--to be delivered in
the last few hours before noon to
crowded galleries. Then he planned TO
demonstrate his power
Play to Gallery Spoiled
So the friends OF the bill took q
sweet revenge. Just as the galleries
had been filed to capacity-for they
mad cleared out during the dreary
early morning hours-Senator Owen, n
advocate Of cloture, obtained the Moor.
When he had finished Mr.. Hitchcock, IN
charge OF the bill, was recognized by
the chairman, Senator Lea.
Mr.. La Toilette had been decidedly
nervous. He began to fear that he
would not get the chance TO make his
spectacular closing speech. So when
Mr.. Hitchcock was recognized he pro-
tested. .
81 have been trying TO get recognized
herel" he shouted.
In a quite audible voice Senator Hoke
Smith, Of Georgia, intimated this was
lie.
"Does the Senator from Georgia say
that is not true?" Mr.. La Toilette
shouted. advancing menacingly across
the aisle toward the Southern Senator.
yes" snapped Mr.. Smith.
"Th.n the Senator from Georgia
says what is not true" said Mr.. La
II call the Senator from Wisconsin
10 order" cried Senator John Sharp
Williams amid wild confusion on the
floor. Regular order, Mr.. President"
La Toilette Wanted to Talk
Mr.. La Toilette then appealed TO Mr..
Hitchcock 20 yield, so that Senators
opposed 20 the bill might speak.
"Will you agree TO vote, II do so,
at any time before II o'clock" inquired
Mr.. Hitchcock.
Senators must be afforded an oppor-
tunity TO be heard" evaded Mr.. La Fol-
lette.
II regret that the Senator from Wis
consin, who has appeared on this floor
and engineered this scheme and has put
forward other Senators az speakers, has
left no time for himself" said Mr..
Hitchcock.
At another time Mr.. La Toilette en-
deavored 70 talk after rising to ques-
ton Of parliamentary inquiry. He
merely asked IL his name we're record
ed as one Of those TO be recognized by
the chair.
THE Senator has not stated a par
liamentary inquiry" shouted Senator
Robinson. ale is out Of order"
81 am stating a parliamentary in
curry" replied Mr. La Toilette. II will
continue on this floor until complete
my statement unless somebody carries
me of, and l should like to see the man
do IT,"
Senator Salisbury, In the chair, cut
Mr.. La Toilette Oft, and Mr.. Hitchcock