Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1919-03-07
ESTABLISHED 1858
SIXTY.FIFTH CONGRESS dead
Last Hours Characterized by Unusual
Confusion
Much IMPORTANT WORK UNFINISHED

Many of the Money Bills FaiI-Bitter
Controversy Between the Senate and
the President-Rspublicans Soush,
Without Success to Force Extra Ses.
sion.
Washington, March A bitter con-
tho senate over the league Of nations
and a filibuster by few Republican
senators seeking to force an immediate
extra session, marked the passing at
noon today Of the sixty-fifth congress.
Called in April, 1917, to throw
Americas weight into the conflict
overseas, the congress held three mo-
mentous and historic sessions. Par
tisanship lay dormant during the war.
but it broke forth in the last session
to culminate in a final filibuster.
which successfully blocked passage Of
over half of the II regular appropria-
ton bills, including the $750.000, 900
railroad administration revolving fund
and the huge, army, navy and mer-
chant marine budgets.
Although unsuccessful in their ef-
forts to record the senate in favor OF
an amendment Of the constitution of
the league Of nations as now drawn,
the Republican senators left in the
record a resolution approved by 80
of them opposing acceptance Of the
charter in its present form. Repub-
lican Leader Lodge and other spokes-
men said this was notice to the presi-
dent and the peace conference that the
necessary two-thirds majority in the
new senate for ratification Of the pres
ent plan would not be obtained. Dem
ocratic leaders privately expressed be-
lief amendments would be made soon
after the president reached Paris.
Wilson's Plans Unchanged.
President Wilson spent an hour at
the capitol before adjournment. Later
he formally announced, despite the
death in the filibuster Of the railroad
and other bills, he would adhere to
his refusal to call the new congress
before his return from France, and
criticised "a group Of men" for their
obstruction. AS a result OF the hlibus-
ter, which held the senate in continu-
GUS session for 26 hours, the president
had little to do at the capitol except
sign the $1,000, 900, 600 wheat guaran-
tee bill and exchange leave takings
with friends.
Because Of the presidents decision
on the extra session. members who
crowded outgoing trains tonight felt
assured congress would not again as
semble much before June 1. Lead
ers predicted then it would remain in
session until the 1920 po-
Ntical conventions. During the recess
business will be virtually suspended,
except for resumption tomorrow OF the
Overman committees propaganda in
vestigation and the meeting OF the
Republican house committee on COM
mittees.
With the ending Of congress scores
Of statements on the results OF legls-
lation and the league Of nations were
issued by raembers, with Democrats
and Republicans disputing responsible
ity for failure of important measures
Most Republican members urged the
calling Of an early extra session.
Agitation to Continue.
Despite the death Of congress, con-
troversy over the league Of nations
constitution promises to be agitated
continually by advocates and oppon-
snts.
Prominent Democratic and Repub-
Ncan congressman already have speech
making itineraries planned, with Sen
ator Borah, Of Idaho. Republican, and
Reed Of Missouri, and Thomas Of Col
orado, Democrats. to speak soon al
New York, Boston and other cities in
criticism Of the league constitution
Republican Leader Lodge does no,
plan to engage in the speechmaking.
Chief interest at the finish centered
in the senate filibuster and the league
Of nations controversy. The filibustel
continued from 10 o'clock yesterday
until 11.3o o'clock today. with Senators
Sherman of Illinois; LaFollette of Wis
consin and France Of Maryland, occu'
pying most Of the time Of the Ions
session. It even prevented the custom
ary exchanges Of courtesy at the fin
tsh. In the house, however, the usua
riotous scenes marked the close OF the
session. The clock was stopped few
minutes for final Fluctuations and fol
an hour after adjournment house
members exchanged good-byes WITH
music, songs, and impromptu speech
eS.
Effort Made in House.
During the final hour in the house
an effort was made to pass a Dill es
tablishing an insurance reserve rune
in the war risk insurance bureau. ane
permitting designation Of persons oth
er than immediate relatives Of poll
cy-holder as a beneficiary. The bill
had passed the senate, but Representa-
tive Parker OF New Jersey, anu Foiu
ney of Michigan, opposing it, talket
until near adjournment and Represen
tative Rayburn Of Texas, withdrew
from further consideration.
Merry-making continued for al
hour and a half after the formal ad
1ournment. After patriotic and pop
ular songs had been sung by member
and the spectators in the galleries.
contest was held between the Repuo
lican and Democratic members to se'
which side Of the house could SIM
best Keep the Home Fires Burning
The Democrats sang the first vers'
of the song and were vigorously ap
plauded. Led by Miss Jeanette Ran
kin, the Republicans sang the secon'
verse so we'll that it was called draw