Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-03-28
SENATE SHIFTS DRIVE
TO SHIPPING PROGRAM
Tonnage Much Less Than
First of Year, Nelson, of
Minnesota, Declares
CONSIDER \ DRAFT BILL
Politics Again Revived, but Recur-
renee of Partisan Fight Yes
terday Avcrted
Mashlngton, March %

4
reopened in the Senate today when
Senator Fletcher. OF Florida. moved to
have the speech of Edward II. Hurley,
chairman of the United Statcs shipping
board, made in New York on March &c,
printed as a public document
Senator McCumber, OF North Dakota.
Jumped to his feet and declared that
he would not object to the printing of
the speech. but he wanted the public to
know that the statement made by Hur-
lev needs explaining" ut indicates
n state of affairs that is not realized
in actualities,' Senator McCumber de-
clarcd.
Senator Nelson. OF Minnesota. then
I broke In that he believed Mr.. Hurley's
statement that 1903 ships have been
launched was misleading. All but three
or four of these are commandeered
ships. he said.
"The end of the present year will find
us three or four millions of tons worse
of than we were. at the beginning OF
the year" Senator McCumber said
He then advocated concrete construc.
tion Senator Nelson took exception to
the concrete ship proposition and de-
y ClnTCu IL was pioBhbbhhd Va NohN'N''
manufacturers cit IL Just another way
10 get into old Uncle Sans pocket"
Senator Fletcher attempted to explain:
the statements made by Hurley, and Sem
ator Martin of Virginia, the minority
leader, attempted to end the debate by
calnns for the regular order. He was
unsuccessful.
Senator Chamberlain also attempted
TO stop the debate in order that military
bills might be taken up, but Senator
McCumber insisted that he would COM
plete his argument for wider shipbuild-
ing policy.
The debate turned to politics. and for
few minutes it appeared that there
would be a recurrence Of yesterdays
partisan fight. Senator Fletcher of Flor
Ida, paved the way when he remarked
'it comes with poor grace for the gem
tlemen on the other side of the chamber
(Republicans) to criticize the shipping
board when they blocked the shipping
bill three years ago"
This opened a general bombardment
from the Republican side and the old
fight over the shipping bill was reopened
with Senators Fletcher and Reed, of Mis-
souri,, on the defensive for the Demo-
Gratis, and Senators Smoot. Gallinger
and McCumber on the offensive for the
Republicans.
Senator Thomas. of Colorado, took ur
the role of the dove of peace. He re-
called to the Senate that this is the
eighty-first birthday of Senator Gallin.
ger. and characterized him as the most
lovabe member of the Senate"
In a short speech he spoke in glowine
words of the long services of the New
Hampshire Senator, Senator Gallingei
responded, Senator Knox offered the con
ordinations of the Republicans, ant
senators Fletcher and Reed also Offered
short congratulatory speeches.
Senator Reed, of Missouri. rose T.
severely criticize those who hav
brought partisan politics into the de
pate and at the same time to call t
book what he termed 'overstated facts
Republican Senators, frankly declar
Ing all bars down." openly counter
charged President Wilson with play
ing politics."
An old-fashioned knock down an,
drag out" political fight was a-brewins
sitting quietly on the side lines an
watching the row was Senator Cham
berlain, of oregon, chairman OF the Mill
tary Committee, and other Democrat
who warned the Senate last Decembe
that the war progress was not adequat
to the emergency. They have taken n
part In the debate of the last few day.
vote was expected late today o
early tomorrow on the measure for III
drafting of young men who have reache
the age of twenty-Sne years since Jun
8. In this connection, Senator Harr
New. Of Indiana, will demand a roll
call on his universal military trainin
amendment. At the same time, Senate
Chamberlain expected to put through II
resolution requiring the registration {
aliens made subject to the draft
treaty. These two measures are expec
ed to add more than 100000 to Il
number Of men available for the ne,
draft.