To amend H.R. 8753, by providing that nothing in the bill shall be construed as limiting the liberty or impairing the the right of any individual to publish or

On Apr 9, 1918, the Senate voted 31–33 (HR 8753). Result: failed. By party: Democrats 8–28, Republicans 23–5. It was a split vote: the parties took opposite sides, with some members crossing over. 13 members voted against their own party.

During the 65th Congress (1917–1918), Woodrow Wilson was president, and Democrats held majorities in both the House and Senate.

Yes: 31
No: 33
Did not vote: 47
Date: Apr 9, 1918

By party

Democrats8 yes · 28 no · 26 didn’t vote
Republicans23 yes · 5 no · 21 didn’t vote

Who broke with their party

William Fosgate Kirby D-AR voted yes
Hoke Smith D-GA voted yes
Thomas William Hardwick D-GA voted yes
James Alexander Reed D-MO voted yes
James Kimble Vardaman D-MS voted yes
Gilbert Monell Hitchcock D-NE voted yes
Albert Bacon Fall R-NM voted no
George Earle Chamberlain D-OR voted yes
LeBaron Bradford Colt R-RI voted no
Thomas Sterling R-SD voted no
William Henry King D-UT voted yes
Miles Poindexter R-WA voted no
Wesley Livsey Jones R-WA voted no

How each senator voted: Yes

How each senator voted: No

Did not vote

Other votes

From Voteview roll call records.

Cite or embed this page

Capitol Receipts, “To amend H.R. 8753, by providing that…: Senate Vote, Apr 9, 1918,” https://www.capitolreceipts.com/vote/65-S-236/to-amend-h-r-8753-by-providing-that-nothing (accessed 2026-10-17).