The Portland daily press., 1882-05-29
THE HOUSE DEADLOCK.
How the Republicans Expect to Circum-
vent the Democrats.

How the Republicans Expect to Circum-
vent the Democrats.
WASHINGTON, May 27.-The close of the
eighth day consumed by the House OF Repre-
sentatives in the struggle over the Mackey-
O'Connor election case, discloses the Republl-
cans and the Democrats occupying the position
assumed by each party at the outset, the only
change in the outlook being diminished proba-
bility of settlement, compromise being appar-
emily out tof the question, The situation to-
night may be briefly summed up as follows:
A fixed determination on the part of the Re-
publicans to insist upon the immediate consid-
Grafton of this case, and an equal determine
tion on the part of the Democrats to resist it.
The futile attempts of the majority, during the
past week, to compel the consideration, under
the existing rules, of question even OF the
highest privilege, "the title OF a member to
his seat" has satisfied the Republicans OF the
impracticability sof continuing the struggle
without first securing an amendment TO the
rules, which will prevent dilatory motions. A
new line of action has therefore been agreed
upon for next week. On Monday, Immediate
ly after the reading of the journal, Represen-
tative Reed will call up the amendment to the
rules reported by him from the committee on
rules this morning, which, If adopted, will
virtually prevent the putting OF dilatory mo-
tions pending the consideration of a question
of privilege If, as they undoubtedly will do,
the Democrats interpose motion to adjourn,
Mr. Reed will make the point OF order that the
motion is dilatory one and cannot be enter
tanned pending the consideration of a PROPOSE
ton to amend the rules, and upon his point OF
order will ask to be heard. Mr.. Randall will
probably speak for the Democrats, and the
speaker is expected to sustain the point OF or
der. The solution of the difficulty, therefore,
hinges on the decision of the Speaker The
Democrats intimate that he dare not assume
the responsibility of making, what they claim
to be, an arbitrary decision clearly outside of
the rules; while the Republicans assert that
he cannot rule otherwise, and quote as prece-
dents the decisions of Speakers Blaine and
Colfax upon similar issue. Mr.. Reed will
urge that the right of the House to determine
what shall be its rules is an organic right ex-
pressly given by the constitution of the United
States. and the rules being the creature of that
mower cannot be used to destroy it; that to
entertain dil atory motions, and thus prevent
the House from exercising its power to make
or amend its rules, would violate the ex-
press provision of the constitution comforting
that power. The Democrats. on the hand,
contend that while the rules are in force they
must be obeyed. Even in determining the
mode of procedure upon proposition to
amend them; that otherwise the caprice of a
majority might amend the rules to suit the
shifting condition upon every conceivable sub
ject of legislation. The feeling tonight is that
the renewal of the struggle on Monday upon
the line proposed by the Republicans, will be
attended by the most exciting scenes yet wit
messed by the present Congress.