Great Falls tribune., 1922-03-16
SPEAKER SPLIT
BONUS LEADERS
IN THEIR PLANS
Threat to Block Bill
Monday Divides Them
as to Best Course.
One Set Favors Consult
ing Harding Before
Asking Rush Passage.

Washington, March 15.-There de.
veloped Wednesday difference Of
opinion among republican leaders in the
house as to the method Of calling UP
the soldiers bonus bill on the floor
One group still favored consideration
next Monday under suspension OF
the rules, which would cut off all
amendments, while another held the
pinion that delay in action would be
preferable
On all sides it was stated that a
decision would await the return here
Saturday Of Speaker Gillett, who is in
Florida with President Harding. Mean
time there was speculation among house
members as to whether the speaker
would entertain a motion to suspend
the rules and pass the bill.
Chairman Fordney Of the ways and
means committee disclosed that he had
been informed by Mr.. Gillett before
the speaker left Washington that he
had better not depend entirely on a
suspension of the rules as the proceed
ure. for getting the bill before the
house.
Speaker Can Block Measure
Since he, has been in Florida, the
speaker has indicated that he might
not entertain motion for this pur-
POcCs UC0huDC VI luF lupOILduCG Ol IuO
bonus measure.
Representative Garner. Texas, the
ranking democrat on the ways and
means committee, declared that if
Speaker Gillett were persistent
against the passage Of the bill, he has
the power in his office to prevent its
considerations"
IF Speaker Gillett objects to the
consideration Of the measure on sus-
pension day because it cannot be
amended he said. " to be consistent
he would have to decline recognition to
consider rule that would cut off the
right of any member to offer an amend
ment"
Fear Springing Tax Feature
In the discussion in house cloak
rooms and corridors, some of those ad-
vocating consideration of the bill under
a suspension of the rules. advanced the
argument that to take it up under a
special rule might result in complica-
tions. They said there was the posi-
bility of motion to recommit with
instructions to the committee to re
insert the cash bonus feature and pro-
vide for an excess profits tax to fl
nance it, Some, contended that such
motion probably would prevail
Those counselling delay beyond next
Monday think that before the house
acts there should be an informal con-
ference by house leaders with Presi-
dent Harding. Their idea is that after
this conference. the house republicans
could have a party conference, at which
there could be an agreement to reject
all amendments except such as the ma
jtrity party might agree upon.
May Be Minority Report
1t was Indicated in some quarters
that the presidents views would be
sought by house leaders Immediately
nfter his return from Florida Saturday.
There also is to be a conference with
Speaker Gillett on that day, and many
members Of the house are Of the opin-
ion he will be able to give first hand
Information as to how the president
regards the bill in its present form and
also whether he looks with favor on the
plan to put it through under suspen-
sion Of the rules.
Representative Garner obtained
unanimous consent Of the house for the
filing of minority report up to the
time Of adjournment of the house on
Saturday. He said privately he would
not file any minority views but added
that he could not say whether any
would be filed by Representative
Kitchin Of North Carolina, who voted
against the bill in committee by proxy.