The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-11-24
MoNTANA's LEGISLATURE.
The Democrats and Republicans Hold
Separate Sessions

HELENA, MONT, Nov. 2S.-The lower
House Of the legislature organized this after
noon in two branches, the republicans meet
ing in hall on Main street, and the demo-
Gratis in the court house. The republicans
had thirty members, two more than a
quorum. The body was called TO order by
State Auditor Kinney, and was sworn in
by Chief Justice Blake. o ganization was
Ter speaker and B. Benjamin Webster
chief clerk. A full list Of subordinate
officers was also elected, and a recess taken
until 3 o'clock.
THE DEMOCRATIC WING.
The democratic members Of the House
met at the court house and effected an or
ganization at l o'clock. Mr.. Blakely was
elected speaker. The members were sworn
in by a notary public. The doors were
closely guarded. No one was admitted ex-
cept those holding certificates of election
from county clerks. This branch also took
recess.
IN THE SENATE.
The Senate met at the court house. but
the democratic members absented them
selves and there was no quorum. Lieut..
Gov. Richards called the Senate to order.
On the roll call eight republicans were
present and were sworn In by Judge Hunt,
after which they adjourned until Monday
morning.
WHY THE REPUBLICANS BoLTED.
In the caucus of the republican senators
and representatives this evening the action
of the republican House mem ers in or
ganiZing separately from the democratic
members, was explained. 1t was stated that
the republican action was based upon the
proclamation of Gov. Tooe that
no one could be admitted to
participate in the House organization or be
recognized as having rights as members
except those holding certificates Of their
election from the county clerks. 1t was
stated that the new constitution, in force
since Oct. l, expressly provides that the
returns for all state officers including mem
bers of the legislature, shall be canvassed
by the same board created by the
of the vote on the constitution. The
chairman OF che caucus added that the re-
publicans voted unanimously on the propo-
sltion that such only as were found and de-
clared to be members by tire state canvass
ers are prima facie entitled to seats; and
that all power to determine further rights
OF any member of either house resides
wholly in the separate houses, and at no
time or in any degree in the governor.
THE GOVERNORS ACTION.
Without notice from the governor that
he had secured rooms for the members of
the respective Houses, he, by proclamation,
ordered the members to meet in certain
designated places that until the last moment
before the hour appointed were locked up,
and guarded against the admission of all
persons, with no prospect or promise but
that such places would continue to be under
the governors personal control Rather than
submit to such inquisitorial supervision and
restrictions, the republicans, with the off,
Ger designated by law to call the House to
order, proceeded to organize elsewhere. AS
the Senate contains an equal number of
democrats and republicans and there could
be no contest of the right of the lieutenant
governor to preside over the organization,
the democratic members in the body Staid
away and thus prevented an organization.