Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-02-03
Sharp Sparring in the House.


while the amendment to the rules was under
consideration, Mr.. Beck, of Kentucky, made
the point OF order that the gentleman from
Massachusetts (Nlr. ButIer) should not be con
recognized by the Speaker, to the
exclusion cf other gentlemen.
MIR. Randall, of Pennsylvania, thought that
his side Of the House was entitled to recognl'
ton sometimes.
The Speaker replied. that side had always
had more than its proportion OF time. Inc
gentleman himself bad day or two since made
a similar motion twenty-five times.
Mr.. Randall said it was right the CHAIR
could not deprive him OF.
Mr.. Beck, of Kentucky, thought it would be
we'll to give the floor exclusively to the gentle
man trom Massachusetts.
The Speaker said The Chair desired to re-
pei the idea that the minority was not recog-
uized by the Chair. 10 proportion to numbers
they had twice the time that was given to the
majority.
Nr. Garfield, of Ohio, reported from the
Committee on Rules, the rule offered by MIR.
Hale, OF Maine, before given.
Mr.. Cox, OF New York, member of the
Committee on Rules then made the point OF
since Mr. KassoD's resolution was adopted.
The Speaker said the resolution was for the
the purpose of suSpending the rules and to en-
able the committee 10 report now.
Mr.. NitIack, of Indiana, said this was elm
ply the order of the caucus.
The Speaker said the rule was never 10 the
caucus.
Mr.. Randall of Pennsylvania, said that 10
view of what had taken place be rendered bis
resignation as a member OF the Committee on
Rules.
The Speaker ruled that the resignation was
not In order DOW. That was question tor fu-
lure consideration.
Mr. Cox, of New York, rose toa point OF
order, aud said he had been on the Committee
of Rules for years ADD he never knew Of such
an infringement He Uttered his resignation as
tucmber Of that committee.
The Speaker said ne could not entertain the
motion now. The gentleman was sufficiently
familiar with the rules to koow that his speech
was made Tor dramatic effect.
Mr. Cox said the Speaker had 90 right to
Question his motives or to say he made speech
for dramatic effect.
Mr. Lamar, of Miss, asked whether the
Chair had Alright to question the motives OF
any mcwber.
The Speaker said 10; but it had been init
mated that he had decided uDjustly. and be
mieht therefore be excused for speaking some
what free ely.
Mr.. Cox said he had not said that the Speak
er ruled unjust'y.
The Speaker inquired whether both the gen.
tlemeu MessrS OK and Rlndall) did not know
that the questions of their resi- gnations could
not he entertained DOW.
Mr. Randall said the Speaker bad no right
to Qucsilou his motives.
The Speaker Does the gentleman say bis
resignation was in order.
Mir Randall replied that it was when he
made il; bul the Speaker had ruled it out.
MIR. Garfield cu resumed the flor and
slDkc ii iavor oftAe new rule.
Mr. Butler, Of Massachusetts, having OBJ
tanned the floor was proceeding to make vlo-
lent speech against the Democratic party,
when
MIR. Niblack, of Ind, made point of order
that Mr. Buier was addressing the galleries,
and that the rules required that he should ad-
dress the Char.
Mr. Blu Ter turned around and took posi-.
ton at the Clerk desk, amid the cheers and
applause Of the galleries.
The Speaker rebuked the galleries; and said
any demonstration was a gross violation OF the
privileges of the House.
Mr. Cox, of n. Y, said he supposed that
was all done for dramatic effect.
Mr. Butler (standing at the Clerks desk)
concluded his speech, the substance of which
was published in yesterdays Gszette.
Mr.. Cox, of n. Y, said he had been rebuked
BY the Speaker on the ground that he had
made motion for dramatic effect. Another
dramatic effect had just been attempted by the
gentleman from Massachusetts,, and whether it
was a farce or a tragedy be desired to say that
that gentleman had 90 political or moral right
to call in question the action OF the members
Of this House, aud to say that revolutionary
measure was necessary 10 secure the power 10
the majority If he MIR, Cox was guilty of
intending dramatic effect, what was the gen
tlemaD from Massachusetts guilty Of when he
went to the Clerks desk and addressed the
lazzaroni In the gallery?
The Speaker reminded the gentleman tha.
under the rules any member could speak either
from his seat or from the Clerks desk.
Mr. Cox said be did not deny the right in
the case, but only spoke Of the dramatic effect
and said it was not for the gentleman from
Massachusetts to say that the Democrats de-
sired to obstruc, business These rules were
made originally for the purpose of protecting
the minority, and to save the money of the
country; and yet, for the sake Of temporary
advantage, the majority proposes to break
down all the safeguards against the quackeries
Of legislation as it comes up from time to time.
In all tue struggles that have been made ip
the Committee on Rules be stood up against
every Innovation. He had opposed all changes
aud he was not, therefore, amenable to any
ceusure for change. He would not complain
now, however, for the day Of Democratic jubl-
lee had come. And you, MIR. Speaker, ad-
dressing Mr. Blaine, would not be here 10 see
that jubilee if you had not been elected 10 the
spring. l. ,ughter. Put that down to dra-
matte effect. Renewed laughter.
After he adoption of the rule by a party
vote, except MIR. Butler, who voted with the
minority, because it was not strong enough,
Mr.. Randall rose aud said that upon full con-
siderafou he felt it his duty to insist upon be-