The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-05-11

The Texan Proves a Drawing Card In a De-
bate That La Usually Dull.

The Texan Proves a Drawing Card In a De-
bate That La Usually Dull.
Wash in ton Special to New York sun
To Major Martin, of Texas, belongs the repu-
tation of having attracted the biggest audience
that has assembled in the House galleries az
any evening session Of the tariff debate. 1t be-
came known this afternoon that Major Martin
was to take the floor tonight In behalf Of the
Mills BILL and shortly after 8 o'clock there were
very few vacant benches in the space allotted TO
visitors. The orator OF the evening was late in
arriving. but when his tall figure appeared in
the doorway of the cloak room everybody knew
that this was a very momentous occasion for
Major Martin. His long thick hair was combed
back with scrupulous neatness, his face was
flushed his black Prince Albert coat was close
ly buttoned, save for the two upper buttons.
revealing broad area OF immaculate shirt
bosom-Mr. Martin doesn't wear q waistcoat
this sort OF We ather-and he stood erect and
expectant, towering head and shoulders above
Amos Cummings and Bob Vance, who stood
beside him and allayed his embarrassment For
q moment or two he surveyed the crowded gal
lsries, and then went TO bis seat. which 10 a.
most in the center Of the Democratic side. A
page brought In some manuscript, glass OF
water and one book Of authorities, and the
perspiration from his face with tremendously
big handkerchief while Representative Chap
man. Of Michigan, got OF his speech on the
tariff
painful silence Finally Major Martin looked
up at Springer; the latter nodded Major Martin
nodded back and rose TO speak. Before he
began he lifted his chair out into the aisle
and . page brought 10 large bunch OF
li,acs and placed IL on his desk. There were
hers M
not quito twice many Democrats. No
one interrupted Major Martin with ques-
tions but the repeated applause made
il rather difficult to follow bis line OF argument
The Texan is as unconventional In bis English
as in his dress. and his ideas on the tariff were
made especially interesting by the language in
which they were expressed. de tried once or
twice to read some figures from his manuscript.
but his eyesigbt was bad, and be couldn't make
them out, .
81 can't read my notes, gentlemen he said,
sbut you're all familiar with them, and the
members shouted with laughter
It was difficult TO follow Mr. Martins elsoors-
ton of an idea, and the unexpected ending OF
his sentences created great amusement He
tried to describe the effect OF protection in in
creasing farm mortgages
''why, in Kapsas.' he said. there Is two
million and thirty-ive hundred thousand dollars
in mortgseed farm land
Then he described the experience of a farmer
who had hard work borrowing 900 on property
worth 81, 0oO-
s'His wife, said Mr. Martin. tasks: What 10
thisp and the farmer replies: This is protec-
tion.'' There was great laughter a. Mr.. Martin
rolled out this.
What are we drifting tor he went on.
"What are We drifting tor But be did not
say.
In his perorAtion he assaulted the Republicans
for quoting English statistics in their speeches.
How idle it TO-" lie exclaimed. ''in statesmen
to throw away time In English statistics when
this country Is teaching lessons you can never
foreetl' Then he became aggressive. and. shak-
ing his long arm at the Republican side. shouted
'sThe Republican party can't vote against this
bill. If they do they vote for the destruction OF
their country
He looked gravely around the room; there Was
. moments silence, then applause Growing
encouraged. he repeated:
'srhs Republican party dare not vote against
this bill"
He looked very fercsly now at the Republican
side. but the eight members who were there
were very tame and only smiled The Demo-
crats applauded Justify. Major Martina closing
was az unexpected as some OF his sentenced
Suddenly he broke out with;
s'Yes. sir: We will carry this election for
Grover Cleveland. the President OF the United
Statss.' aud sat down. There wac great clap
ping Of hands. and somebody on the Rspublie-