The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-03-05
Partisanship Breaks Forth In Last Session Great War Congress, Eliminating in Filibuster Which Blocked Important Appropriation Measures.
By Associated Press

President Wilson and the Senate over the league of nations and a filibuster. by a few republican senators seek ing to force an immediate extra session marked the pass ing at noon today of the Sixty fifth, or great war Congress.
 Called in April, 1917, to throw Ameri- ca's weight into the conflict overseas, the Congress held three momentous and historic sessions. Partisanship lay dormany during the war, but 1t broke forth in the last session to eliminate in final filibuster which successful ly blocked passage of half of the IA reg ular appropriation bills, including the s750,0 900 railroad administration re- volving fund and the huge army, navy and merchant marine budgets.
 Although unsuccessful In their efforts to record the Senate in favor of amend ment of the constitution of the league of nations as now drawn, the republic an senators left in the record reso- lution approved by 39 of them opposing acceptance of the charter in it's present form. Republican Leader Lodge and other spokesmen said this was notice to the President and the peace confer ence that the necessary two- thirds na- jority in the new Senate for ratifica- ton of the present plan could not be obtained Democratic leaders private ly expressed belief that amendments would be made soon after the President reached Paris.
 '. fH capitol before adjournment. Later he formally announced, despite the death m the filibuster of the railroad and oth- ar bills, he would adhere to his re- fusal to call the new Congress before his return from France and criticized "a group of men for their obstruc- ton. As result of the filibuster, which held the Senate in continuous session for 26 hours, the President had little to do at the capitol except sign the $1000, 100000 wheat guarantee bill and exchange leave takings with mem bers and friends.
 TO REASSEMBLE JUNE
 Because of the Presidents decision on the extra session, members who crowded outgoing trains tonight felt as- sured that Congress would not again assemble much before June 1. Lead CTS predicted then it would remain in continuous session until the 1920 po 1itical convention. During the recess business will be virtually suspended, except for resumption tomorrow of the Overman committees propaganda in- vestigation and the meeting at the same time of the House republican commit tee on committees
 With the ending of Congress scores of statements on the results of legisla- tion and the league of nations were is sued by members, with democrats and republicans disputing responsibility for failure of important measures. Most republican members urged the calling of an early extra session.
 Despite the death of Congress, con troversy over the league of nations constitution promises to be agitated continually by advocates and opponents. Prominent democratic and republic an congressman already have speech making itineraries planned, with Sena- tors Borah of Idaho. republican, and Reed of Missouri and Thomas of Colo rado democrats, to speak soon at New York; Boston and other cities in crit icism of the league constitution. Re- publican Leader Lodge does not plan to engage in the speechmaking.
 Chief interest at the finish centered in the Senate filibuster and the league of nations controversy The filibuster continued from 10 o'clock yesterday morning until 80 o'clock today, with Senator Sherman of Illinois, LaFollette of Wisconsin and France of Maryland occupying most of the time of the long session. It even prevented the custom t ary exchanges of courtesy at the finish In the House, however. the usual riotous scenes marked the close of the session.. The clock was stopped a few minutes for final felicitations and for an hour after adjournment House members ex changed good-hys with music, songs and imDrOmDtu sDeeCheS
 During the final hour in the House an effort was made to pass bill establishing an insurance reserve fundIn the war risk insurance bureau, and permitting designa- tion of persons other than immediate rel atives of policyholder as beneficiary. s The bill had passed the Senate. but Rep-a resentative Parker of New Jersey and Fordney of Michigan. opposing it, talked until hear adjournment and Represents tive Rayburn of Texas withdrew it from , further consideration, declaring diliatory tactics of the republicans prevented it's passage.
 MUCH MERRY-MAKING
 Merry making continued for an hour s and half after the formal adjournment After patriotic and popular songs had been sung by members and the spectators in the galleries, contest was held be- Z tween tne republican and democratic members tc see which side of the House could sing best Keep the Home Fires | BuiI,ing.'
 Tho democrats sang the first verse of the song anc were vigorously applauded Led by Miss Jeannette Rankin of Mon- tana, the republicans sang the second verse so well that it called draw.
 To celebrate the passage by the House of the resolution which failed in the Sen ate requesting the American delegates at the peace conference 10 urge for the in dependence af Ireland, Irish members of the House demanded "The, Wearing of the Green"
 Representative Gallivan of Massachu- oetts and Representative Donovan of New Jersey sang verses and were repeatedly encored.
 Miss Lowering Jones, Philadelphia, was called from the gallery to the speakers stand to sing several solos. Members of k the press gallery were called upon to sHsins Its Long. Long Way to Tipper vary,- and Albert J. Stofer. dean of the correspondents sang the Watermelon Is R:nd."
 l. f1oSin.r tte members and f1e gaIler-