New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-07-21
BUSINESS RETARDED BY THE MINORITY
lBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rRIBUSEI


WAsHINGToN, July 20.-After the Shelley case
was disposed of by the House this afternoon, Mr..
Reed attempted to call up the amendments to the
rules reported by him from the committee on
March g. with q modification indicated III yes
terday's TRIBUNE, providing that the amendments
shall not take effect until the beginning of next ses-
sion. The Democrats, led by Blackburn, immedl-
ately began to iilibuser A half-dozen Republicans
had left the hall as soon the vote on the Shelley
case was announced and the majority was thus left
without quorum.
After the House adjourned Mr.. Reed was found
in rather despondent mood, fearing that it would
be mpracticabe to rally quorum tomorrow to
carry out the will of the majority The subject
was discussed by group of Republican Represent
atives in which were Messrs Reed, Robinson, of
Massachusetts, Robson, Burrows, OF Michigan,
and Shallenberger. Said Mr.. Burrows:
with the rules they now stand public bus-
ness can proceed only by unanimous consent or
when two-thirds vote to suspend the rules"
THAT is what it amounts to-" assented the
others.
"Wen then" said Mr.. Burrows, "why not
proceed hereafter in strict accordance with
the rulcsf IL q half-dozen of us agree
to allow nothing TO pass out OF
it's order aud by unanimous consent, the House
will very soon realize the necessity of so amending
the rules that majority of the House. instead of
minority or single member, will have the power
TO say what business shall or shall not be consid
cred"
THAT Is So" remarked Mr. Robinson and or
two Others and Reed. Robinson and Burrows each
SAID he was willing to be one of the half-dozen to
undertake this task. Speaker Keifer came up and
the matter was explained to him. He thought the
plan might be good one. but that it would be bet
ter to adopt the amendments reported by
the Committee on Rules. An effort will
be made to muster quorum for that
purpose tomorrow, and tho object is one
which ought to command the prompt attendance of
every member of the majority which Is charged
with the resp onsbity of legislation.
A meeting of the Committee on Rules will be held
Tomorrow morning to consider the resolution
offered by Representative Pound, which provides
that during the remainder of this session one hour
each day shall be devoted to the consideration of
such public bills and resolutions az the committees
may prcsent-each committee when called IN It's
order to be allowed to present two bills or resolu-
tions. Objection by not less than four members
shall prevent consideration. Debate on each bill to
be limited to ten minutes exclusive Of live minutes
which may be occupied by reading the COM
mttee's report. Speaker Keller fayors this
proposition. and it may come to the
House with favorable report. good
MANY Observation-Disclosures well as Democrats
find a strong objection to 1t IN the fact thsL IL !.
adopted, it Will virtually smother debate, anu 70 70
that extent, at least, will promote the chlnces OF
"jobbing legislation in the hurry and CONFUSION
which always attend the closing days OF scsslon S
This objection Is a valid aud reasonable one. some
OF The measures which have been favordDy reported
by committees this session need Rrcat deal more
thorough ventilation than hey can receive III a Ten
minutes discussion, and IL IS Just sneh measures
which always find their most energetic ana per'ha
.,o.,,n,eJ nm Ginh Paaa