St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-01-28
NO USE FOR RULES.
Republicans Decide to Take Up
Contested Election Cases at

Republicans Decide to Take Up
Contested Election Cases at
Once.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-The Repub-
Hcan caucus which was called to meet
at s O'Clock met promptly at that hour.
Mr.. Henderson, of Illinois, as chair
man. called the caucus (Which was fully
attended) to order. The first hour of
the session was devoted to discussion
OF the proposed new code of rules.
Speaker Reed entered into a detailed
explanation of the changes proposed to
be made in the old code. From time to
time he was interrupted by questions as
to the probable effect of particular rules,
to which, in each case, he fully replied.
More than an hour was consumed in
this way. and the greatest harmony
characterized the proceedings. II
was evident, however, according
to Mr. Reeds statement, that the
new code could not be made
ready for the action of the house for
several days to come, even should it be
DIES rable to report it earlier. More
over, there was an opinion entertained
by many members to the effect that
more positive progress could be achieved
In the disposition of the contested cleo
ton cases without rules than with their
aid. 1t was felt by some of these mem
berS that, after
A SAFE WORKING MAJORITY
had been secured under the operations
OF general parliamentary law the rigid
lty OF the new code might ee relaxed
with benefit, and the Republicans
might thus be relieved from the ueeeS-
slty of enacting code which in time
might nprh1nG hp fnlt hu fhnIncaIx-nc -,
its full force. Having thus practically
reached a decision that the election
cases shall be considered before
the code of rules is adopted,
the question of ways and means arose
and there was long discussion, which
was simply reflex of Individual views
as to the possibility of securing and
maintaining quorum of Republicans.
to meet the Democratic opposition
which it was fully expected would take
the shape of refusal to vote. The fact
that it was considered necessary to
discuss the phase of the case is re-
garded as an indication that the
speaker hardly contempIates adopt.
Ing the radical course of counting
as present members not voting, in order
TO secure quorum. The list of Repub-
Hcan members was carefully cauYassed,
and it was finally determined that az
least four members could not be relied
upon 10 answer to their names if the
Democrats came to the conclusion to
tllbuster. The most of the members
are absent on account of sickness, one
on account of sickness in his family.
and one is absent without letting his
whereabouts be known. According to
this count. if everything favors the ma
Jority, if no member falls i'll or is called
away from the city, they
WILL HAVE A BARE QUORUM.
But nevertheless the election case OF
Smith VS.. jackson will be called up
wednesday and fully debated from q
double motive-first to lay the founda-
ton for the speedy disposition of the
other contests, and second, to gain time
In which to secure the attendance of
absent members. A resolution was
adopted by the caucus, one offered by
Nh. Rowell, the chairman of the cleo.
ton committee, as follows:
Resolved. That it is the sense of this eau.
Gus that every Republican member of the
house should remain in the city, except in
case OF sickness, and that all members should
remain IN this hall during the time the house
is IN session. unless prevented by sickness.
There was some show of opposition to
the proposed changes in The rules which
tend to stop flibustering, by Mr.. An.
derson, of Kansas, and Mr.. Cneadle, OF
Indiana, MIR. Cheadle, however, signify
ing his intention to fall i'm line with his
party, ana there are indications that
Mr.. Anderson will do likewise,