, 1889-04-02
TELLER TALKS.
The U. S. Senate Should Have
No Secrets.
Executive Session With Open
Doors.
The Senate Will Adjourn
To-day.
No More Appointments Except
to Fill Vacancies.

WASHINGTON, April Teller offered
the following:
ResolUed, That hereafter all executive
nominations be considered in open ses
sion of the senate,
He said: II do not intend to ask con-
sideration of this resolution at this time.
| merely offer it that it may be referred to
the committee on rules. AT the next
regular session of the senate, if | live to
be present, | intend to press hat resolu-
ton in season and put of season. | have
never believed there was any reason why
executive nominations should be consid-
cred by the senate with closed doors. |
am satisfied the great majority of the peo-
pie OF the United States, irrespective of
party, are of the same opinion. | am
tired OF giving my reasons to the senate
with closed doors for the votes which |
give, and of seeing in the newspapers
next day entirely different reasons as
cribcd to me. | have never expressed a
sentiment nor given a vote in the senate
with the doors closed which | would not
give in open senate. | do not believe any
considerable number of senators desire to
shield themselves from public criticism or
public gaze in a matter of this kind.
While | admit that in considering uues-
lions of international relations there may
and frequently are times when the senate
should sit with closed doors on account of
great public interests. | can conceive of
no reason why we should close our doors
when asked to lass on qualifications of
men nominated for public office.
Il do not desire to conceal from the
public any action of mine in reference to
such matters; on the contrary [ am ex-
ceedingly anxious that when | exercise my
constitutional and senatorial duty here, |
may execute it in the face of the whole
world, or at least so much of the world
that has the right to call me in question
for my conduct and that is the people of
the United States. | believe the time has
come when public sentiment will not toll
crate the closing of our doors on the
mere question of confirmation. | believe
The practice is one of the agencies calcu-
lated to bring the American senate into
d%isrepute and contempt, for the people
will believe (under charges that are made
day by day. that we are afraid TO express
our views in public and hat there is some
truth in them. Newspaper men with
their zeal, must find some reason for our
conduct and very frequently put in our
mouths words never said and never
thought. The resolution was referred to
the committee on rules.
Stewart offered resolution, which was
laid over till to- morrow, that the senate
has learned with profound sorrow the
death of John Bright; remembering his
constant and unwavering friendship for
the United States. desire to join with the
parliament of his own country in paying
grateful tribute to one who during his
long public life was conspicuous in his de-
votion in the cause of freedom and hui
mainly.
The senate then proceeded to executive
business. While the doors were closed
various resolutions were reported and
agreed to. authorizing several commit
tees to sit during recess.
Adjourned until to morrow.