The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-11
An Exciting Episode.

An Exciting Episode.
WASHINGTON, April II. AT 1880 the House
was awakened from its lethargy in very unex-
pected and exciting manner, and at one time it
looked as if tho deadlock would be broken. A
motion that the committee rise was pending,
when Mr.. Boutelle of Maine. rose and, in order
to test the accuracy OF tho rulings that motions
to excuse members were in order, moved that
Mr.. Breckinridge. of Arkansas, Mr.. Breckin-
ridge. of Kentucky, Mr.. Weaver; OF
Iowa, and Mr.. Oates. Of Alabama,
be excused from voting. These gentlemen de-
clared that they were able to take care OF thsm-
selves. Mr.. Boutelle insisted, however. in the
light of recent decisions, that it was not requi-
site that member give his consent to motion
to be excused from voting Thereupon, Mr..
Taulbee, of Kentucky. moved as an Amendments
that Mr.. Boutelle himself be excused from vot-
ing, which motion the Speaker pro tem--Mr.
McMillin, of Tennessee-declared TO be carried,
notwithstanding vociferous demands for recog-
nition from the Republics side.
Mr. Cannon, of Illinois, then moved that he
himself be excused from voting. aud further
moved that Mr. Bayne, of Pennsylvania, be ex-
cused from voting upon his motion. This was
supplemented by motion by Mr.. Bayne, that
MIR. Reed. of Name, be excused from voting
upon the motion to excuse l@m Mr.. Bayne.Y
Several other Republicans were upon their feet,
disirous of piling motion upon motion in order
to show the danger resulting from q motion to
EXCUSE d Iuou OCT lEotu RottuB. Ouk tHo speaker
pro tenn. refused to recognize any motion except
that of Mr.. Cannon, to excuse himself, which he
declared to be carried against the protests of the
Republicans
At this moment q motion from the
Democratic side that the House adjourn, and,
after O chorus of yeas from the Democratic side,
and a shout of nays from the Republicans, the
gavel of the Speaker hung in mid air.
The Republicans, fearful that the gavel
would fall and tne House would be-
declared adjourned, rose one man to their feet,
nj laJ hv vi Nd all
rushed to the front row of desks. shouting and
crying for the yeas aud nays. The confusion
too great TO he quelled by the Speakers
ravel and the services of the Sergeant tat arms
and his mace of Office were called in, but il was
some time before the officer of the House, armed
with his emblem of authority, could quiet the
now thoroughly excited members.
Mr.. Reed stood directly in front of the Speak
er's desk, reiterating his demand for the yeas
and nays, holding his position through all the
turmoil. and when comparative quiet had been
obtained the Speaker pro tenn. recognized his de-
mand. and the yeas and nays were ordered
Tbs motion 20 adjourn WAS defeated-yeas 65,
nays 12l.
The Speaker pro tenn then ruled letting from
decision rendered in the Thirty-seventh Con-
gress) that motion to excuse a member from
voting upon former motion to excuse mem
her from voting in order. He, there
fore. ruled that the only motion in order was
Mr.. Boutelle's original motion to excuse four
gentleman from voting. whcreupon MIR. Boutelle
withdrew his motion.
At this hour 145) there is no prospect of ad-
journng recess
A motion to suspend further proceedings un-
der the call OF the House has just been lost
yeas 46. nays 49,