Omaha daily bee., 1889-04-02
THE NATIONAL SENATE.
MIR. Teller States His Objections 20
Executive Sessions.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-Soon after the
opening of the senate today MIR. Teller
offered the following resolution:
Resolved, That hereafter all executive
nominations shall be considered in open ses-
sion of the senate.
He said: ~ do not intend to ask consid.
GRAFTON of this resolution at this time. 1
merely offer ii that it may be referred to the
committee on rules. AT the next regular
session of the senate, if l live to be present,
/ intend to press that resolution in season
and out Of season. l have never believed
that there was any reason why executive
nominations should be considered by the
senate with closed doors. l am satisfied
that the great majority of the people of the
United States, irrespective OF party, are of
the same opinion. l am tired of giving my
reasons to the senate with closed doors for
the votes which give, and of seeing In the
newspapers the next day entirely different
reasons ascrbed to me, and not infrequently
no reason at all. have never expressed
sentiment nor given vote in the senate
with the doors closed which l would not
give in the open seate. do not believe that
any considerable number of senators desire
TO shield themselves from public criticism or
public gaze in matters of this kind.
"While L admit that In considering ques-
tions of international relations there may be,
and frequently are, times when the senate
great public interests, can conceive of no
reason why we should close our doors when
we are asked to pass on the qualifications of
men nominated for public office."
II do not desire to conceal from the public
any action of mine in reference to such mat
ters. On the contrary, | am exceedingly
anxious that when / exercise 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 right to call
me in question for my conduct-and that is
the people of the United States. / believe
that the time has come when public senti-
ment will not tolerate the closing of
our doors on the mere question of
combinations. l believe that that
pract ice is one of the agencies that
is calculated to bring the American
senate into disrepute and into contempt, for
the people will believe, under the charges
that are made day by day. that we are
afraid to express our views in public, that
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 things we never said and never
thought"
The resolution was referred to the COM
mittee on rules
Mr. Stewart offered a resolution, which
was laid over till tomorrow, that the senate
| has learned with profound sorrow of the
| death of John Bright, and remembering his
| constant and unwavering friendship for the
United States, desire to join with the parlia-
ment Oh MS own country In paying CRATE
| full tribute to one who, during his long pub
| lie life, was conspicuous in his devotion to
| the cause of freedom and humanity
Messrs. Sherman and Ransom repo rted
| that the committee appointed to wait on the
| president and inquire whether he
| had any further communication to
| make to the senate, had been
| advised by the president that he would TO-
| day communicate to the senate certain mes
| sages, but that after to-day no other mes
wOult eycpnt formal char
| acter, to fill vacancies as they arise.
The senate then proceeded to executive
| business. While the doors were closed vari-
Gus resolutions were reported and agreed to,
| authorizing several committees to sit during
| the recess.
Adjourned till to morrow.