Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-06-20
WASHINGTON.
ANOTHER IDLE DAY IN THE SENATE,
The Republicans Blocking Legislation
Passage Of the Trade Dollar Bill
John G, Thompson and the
Ohio Chairmanshp.
SENATE

w ASIllNNAO-Ns ~ uAAN At'
The deadlock in the Senate continued
all night. At ll:45 this morning Mr..
Withers made the parliamentary in
quiry whether, if the Senate adjourn
now, the legislative day OF Thursday
would begin at noon?
The chair responded that it would.
Mr.. Withers then moved to adjourn.
Carried.
The Senate reassembled at noon, and
the session was opened with prayer.
The chair stated that he was informed
by the Clerk that owing to the length
OF the previous session, the journal was
not made up. He suggested therefore
that the reading thereof be dispensed
with.
Mr.. Conkling-I object, and insist on
the observance of the rule which pro-
vides that the first business is the read
ing Of the journal.
Mr.. Davis, OF West Virginia. take
it
Mr.. COnkling Cinterrupting)-I object
TO all debate.
The Chair-The reading OF the jour
nal cannot be dispensed with except
with unanimous consent.
Finally the Clerk read the first part OF
the Journal, occupying fifteen minutes.
The Chair then announced the recep-
ton of petitions and memorials to be III
order.
Mr.. Conkling-lIas the Journal been
read?
The Chair-All that has been pre-
pared.
Mr.. Conkling-I demand that the
whole Journal be read.
lie referred TO the rules to show that
the reading of the Journal was the first
business in order, and that the reading
could not be dispensed with unless by
general consent.
The Chair announced as his decision
that the business Of the Senate could
not be obstructed by not reading the
entire Journal; the balance, when pre-
pared, could be read hereafter.
Mr.. Conkling appealed from the decl-
sion, and said that this was question
of parliamentary law, and not q matter
OF order, but of privilege. The chair by
his mere decision could not dispense
with the rule. The precedent would be
dangerous.
Mr.. Hereford moved to lay the ap-
peal on the table-yeas 33 Democrats
and only nays, Republicans, namely,
Messrs. Booth, Burnside, Morrill, and
Window.
Noquorum voting, the roll was called,
and fifty Senators, more than quorum
answered to their names.
The question on Mr.. Hereford's mo-
ton was again taken, and as previously
no quorum vOted-yeas % Democrats,
and nays Republicans, namely, Messrs.
Allison, Booth, Burnside and Morrill,.
The roll was again called and 52mem-
berS answered to their names.
The question reCurred on Mr.. Here
iord's motion to lay Mr.. Conklings
appeal from the decision Of the chair on
the table.
Noquorum voted, only three Repub-
licans, Messrs. Burnside, kirkwood and
Morrell, answering their names.
Mr.. Bayard, before the vote was an
nOunced, called attention to the seven
teenth rule, which provides that when
a Senator, who is present, shall refuse
to vote, he shall be required 10 assign
his reasons for such refusal. The
question shall then be submit
ted to the Senate whether. the Scna-
tor shall be excused from voting,
Mr.. Bayard said the Senators on the
other side, although in their seats, had
declined to vote. He named Senator
Chandler as among the number, and
asked for the enforcement OF the rule.
The Chair accordingly called on Mr..
Chandler, who said: 81 look upon this
rs an attempt, in an unconstitutional
manner, to overturn violently stand
ing rule OF this body that cannot be
overturned, except III regular way. |
will not vote to make a quorum to do
an unconstitutional and wrong act. j"
Applause in the galleries.
The chair (Mr. Harris temporarily
presiding) admonished those making
this demonstration, that il repeated,
though slightly, he would order the
galleries to be cleared. He then said
that under the seventeenth rule it be-
came the duty OF the Chair to put the
question to the Senate whether the Sem
ator from Michigan, for reasons stated,
shall be excused from voting. All the
votes given were by Democrats in the
negatively. No Republicans voted.
After further similar proceedings the
Chair said that at the close OF the morn
ing hour he should have announced the
resumption of the consideration OF the
army appropriation bill, and did so now,
Mr.. Carpenter being entitled to the
floor. The Chair was satisfied by a count
that a quorum was present.
Mr.. Carpenter said he was too unwell
to deliver his views to-day, but would
do so tomorrow. lie would not make
a stump speech, but would address him
self to the legal principles and details
involved in the bill. He made the sug-
gestion of adjournment in good nature.
Mr.. Davis, OF West Nirginia-Will
You name an hour for vote on the bill ?
Mr.. Carpenter-NO doubt a vote can
be reached tomorrow.
Mr.. Davis-DO you speak for all on
your side of the chamber?
Mr.. Carpenter understand that
there is no doubt on this side that a
vote NAV be taken by o'clock to-mor-
row, and no attempt will be made to
defer the proceedings beyond proper
debate.
This was consented to by all around.
The Senate, on motion OF Mr.. Thur
man, and in pursuance of the PROPOSE
ton Of Mr.. Carpenter, adjourned.
HOUSE.