IN SESSION.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17939, 6 December 1923, Page 9

IN SESSION.

THE AMERICAN CONGRESS.

HAMPERING TACTICS USED.

(BT CABLZ—PSES3 ASSOCIATIOS—CCPrFLIGHursTa_x_AK A'-;a x.z. cable association-

(deceived December sth, 9.40 p.m.)

WASHINGTON. December 4

A situation unprecedented in recent Congressional annals, is occurring, the House of Representatives at deadlock over the selection oi a Speaker. Seventeen Republican members have boldly and effectively divided their party, and after two days every effort to break the cliques is futile. The House is now meeting privately in night sessions to attempt a reconciliation, which is yet uncertain, despite even President Coolidge s efforts to pour oil on the troubled waters. The cliques' delaying tactics savour of a deeper significance than was at first apparent. They are attempting to force a promise from the various leaders, including the Democrats, immediately to amend tho rules of the House, so securing the abandonment of the closure and enabling a minority to destroy undesired legislation by endless debate. MILITANT PROGRESSIVES. HOLD BALANCE OF POWER. (bt cable —PRESS association coptbioht.) (ATTSTBAIJAX AND N.2. CABLE AS3OSIATICH.) WASHINGTON, December 3. Facing an organisation row at the very outset, tho 68th Congress was convened for a session which promises to write a colourful chapter in the history of legislation and politics in the United States. Tho militant Progressive bloc, holding the balance in the scale of votes, by virtue of the greatly reduced Republican majorities, raised the flag of ihsursrencv in tho Ho us© of Representatives by threatening a deadlock in the election of the Speaker.

After four ballots the present Speaker, Mr F. H. Giilett, had not been re-elected and tho House adjourned. The Progressives threaten to block the opening of Congress indefinitely. The Senate opening formalities passed off without incident, but the threat of a fight to force the reorganisation of the Senate and some of its moro important committees is in the background. President Coolidge is expected to deliver his message on Wednesday. [Mr F. H. Giilett has been Speaker of the House of Representatives since May 18th, 1919. He is a Republican, and represents a Massachusetts constituency.]