New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-03-04


MAJORITY IN HIS EFFORTS TO SECURE
AN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
fBr TELEGRArH TO THE rMBUskl
Washington March 3.-There was an cxtrsops
dinary scene in the Senate Chamber tonight. Sen.
ator Riddleberger, of Virginia was placed under
arrest and dragged forcibly out of the Chamber
by the Sergeant-at-Arns and one Of his assistants
The Senator from Virginia was not himself all
day. He had been urging the Senate to take
action on the nomination OF Mr. Webb to be n
Commissioner of the District of Columbia, but ths
opponents of Mr. Webb in the Senate have sue
cessfully prevented consideration of the nonina-
tion Mr.. Riddlcberger was anxious to obtain an
executive session this evening, and he made
motion TO that effect, but it was beaten. lie then
interrupted number OF Senators, who were en-
deavoTing TO call up measures for consideration by
endeavOring to introduce another motion for an
executive session.
Finally Mr.. ingalls,, whose patience had been
thoroughly tried, announced that he would not
recognize the Senator from Virginia again. Then
Mr.. Riddleberger left the Chamber but soon re-
appeared and informed the presiding officer that
he had Just telegraphed to the Governor of Vir-
gnia his resignation as a Senator. because he couM
have no recognition from the pre- siding officer.
He was now awaiting answer which would re-
heve him from the responsibilities of his position
He had found that Republican Senator from Viz
gnia could not be recognzed by the President Of
the Senate pro tempore.
The Presiding s 0scer-The statement made by TIE
Chair directs the Senator to take his seat
Mr.. Riddleberger did not obey the order, but
made another attempt to speak,
The Presiding Oficer-The Senator VIII not bs
Senate which be motion made for that purpose
AS Mr.. Riddleberger still remained stnnding!
the presiding officer added:
Tho sergcantat-Arms Will see that the orders Of.
the Chair are executed.
that. sir.
In another minute the Senator was on his feet
again. interrupting the proceedings. He was told
to sit down, and he refused. The presiding off,
GER instructed the Arms to arrest him
If he refused TO come to order. Sergeant-a Arms
Canaday started around the Chamber. but be-
fore he reached Mr.. Riddlebergers chair the Sena-
tor from Virginia had sat down. Colonel Cana
day fingered about though, and when, a moment
later, Mr.. Riddleherger again rose he was placed
under arrest. He refused to leave the Chamber,
and the Sergeant-at-Arms caugtt hlm by the arm
and tried to drag him out. He resisted. and an
assistant came TO Colonel Canadays aid, and to-
gether they dragged the Senator from Virginia
into the cloakroom. where he placed under
guard At this spectacle many persous in the
galleries expressed their pleasure by band-clsp-
ping violation of propriety which was severely
reproved by the presiding officer, who said:
Tho rules Of the Senate expressly forbid the
preston Of applause disapprobation. Tho Chair
hopes the he Will not be called upon proceed 10
extremities and to enforce the rules VIII bo done
If such disorder is repeated.
The scene attending the arrest was one Of
the most extraordinary in the history of the
Senate.