New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-11-24
THE FIGHT IN MONTANA.
REPUBLICAN . AND DEMOCRATIC LEGlS-
LATURES ORGANIZED.
DEMOCRATS ABSENT THEMSELVES FROM THh
MEETING OF THE STATE SENATE
TWO SPEAKERS ELECTED

TWO SPEAhEfkS El@ENli'D'
Helena. Mont Nov. 23.-The lower house Oh
the Legislature organized this afternoon IN Two
branches, the Republicans meeting in hall on
Main-st. and the Democrats in the courthouse
The Republicans had thirty members, two more
than quorum. The body was called to order
by State Auditor kcnney, and sworn in by Chlet
Justice Blake. The organization was perfected
by the election Of A. c. Witter, of Beaver Shed
County, Speaker, and Benjamin Webster, OF Lewis
and Clarke, chief Clerk. h full list of subor-
dinate officers was also elected.
The Democratic members of the House met
at the courthouse and effected an organization
at o'clock Blakely, OF Gallatin, was elected
Speaker. The members were sworn In by a
notary public. The doors closely guarded
No one was admitted except those holding cer-
tlf1cateS OF election from county clerks.
The Senate met at the courthouse, but the
Democratic members absented themselves anu
there was no quorum. "LleutenantHovern3n
Richards called the Senate to order On the
roll call eight Rcpublicans were present. and were
sworn in by Judge Hunt, after which they
adjourned until Monday morning.
In caucus of Republican Senator's and hcpre-
sentatives this evening the action of the RepuD-
lican House members in organizing separately
from the Democratic members was explained. 1t
was stated that the Republican action was Dased
upon the proclamation of Governor IOole that
none could be admitted 10 participate In the House
organization or recognized Us having rights as
members except those holding certificates OF eiec-
tion from county clerks 1t was stated that the
new constitution, in force since October 1, eX-
preSSly provides that the returns for
all State officers, including members OF the
Legislature, shall be canvasscd by the same Board
created by the Enabling Act to canvass returns
Of the vote the Constitution. The chairman
of the caucus added that the Republicans stand
unanimously the proposition that such only as
were found and declared TO be members by the
State CanvasSers prima face entitled TO seats,
and that all power to determine the further rights
Of any member of either house is wholly in the
separate houses-at no time or in any degree III
the Governor.
Without notice from the Governor that he had
secured rooms for the members Of the respective
houses, he, by proclamation, ordered the members
10 meet in certain designated places that until the
last moment be fore the hour appointed were locked
and guarded against the admission of all persons
with no prospect or promise but that such places
would continue to be under the Governor
control. Rather than submit to such inquIsitorln
supervision and restrictions the Republicans with
the officer designated by law to call the House tc
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-GovernoT
TO preside over the organization, the Democratic
members in body stayed away and thus pre-
vented organization.