The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-02-04
The Contested Election Case in the
House Results in a Republican
Victory.
The Reed Party Succeeds in Gath
ering a Quorum Composed OF
It's Own Men.
The House Put In Good Iumor by will
son. Who Talks of the Powcrof
One-rNcd speaker.

NshtNNluN, Feb. d.-lu the house to-day
the iourual having been read in extense AZ
the demand of the democrats. o Ferrall, of
/ Virginia. and Mckinley. of Ohio, we're up-
On their feet the former with n motion 20
correct the Journal and the latter with a
motion 20 approve that document. The
( speaker recognized Mckinley, but subse-
quently, on O'Ferrnlis staiemen, that he
WAS acting in good faith recognized that
member, who stated that the journal con-
thincd no reference 10 the fact that the
speaker on Saturday last would not allow
him 10 read evidence ON the election case as
part Of his remarks. The speaker said
that the journal would he amended TO show
that fact. Mckinley then demanded the
previous question on his motion 10 approve
the journal, aud the vote resulted yeas, li5,
nays, 0; and the speaker following his prec-
edent Of ordering entered upon the journal
the names of a dozen democrats present and
not voting, declared the previous question
ordered.
The Smith-Jackson contested election
cnse was then resumed after n motion by
liynum to adjourn had been voted down
and the speaker refused 10 entertain dila-
/ tory motions by Crisp. O'Ferrall was REQ
ognized tu continue his argument ia sup
port of the claims of the contested. After
arguing the case, Oferrall said he did not
believe the time had vet come and
God grant that II might never come, when
the American people would tolerate auto
cratic power, whether welded by the presi-
dent or 10y the speaker of the house. lie
protested against this cruel and wicked and
Unconstitutional violation Of the rights OF
the minority. Let il go out and let all
! give ehr 90 the declaration TINT necessity
the tyrant's plea-was offered as thc only
excuse for this unseemly, unprecedented
aud unconstitutional proceeding of
him who for brief season would preside
over the deliberations of this body. He
said "brief season." for as sure as sense
and judgment still dwell in the breast of
the American people, as sure IA the citizens
of this land we're still jealous of their
rights and looked with alarm on the slight
est cncroachmont upon them. lust 80 sure
the democrats should return 10 power in
the iifty-second congress. and there would
bc no usurper or dictator occupying the
speakers char.
Greenhngc. Of Massachusetts. said: "Af-
ter the diatrlbo of the gentleman from Nir-
gina. il might be we'll TO consider the ques-
tion before the house involving the right of
g member 10 his atnt.' l!e tiOu proceed
ed To present the claims Of the contestant.
Cultivate, after arguing in support Of
the contest, defended the democratic party
in attempting to postpone consideration Of
the case and argued II wis perfectly proper
Tor II 10 seek protection under code of
rules
Wilson of West Virginia. while not ed
dressing himself especially TO the considera-
tion of the election case. nlnde an entirely
/ goOd-humored speech in criticism of the
recent ruling of the speaker. which elected
great applause aud laughter from both
sides, aud the speaker could not himself,
reprcss nm occasional smile.
Wilson said he could now tell what par
liameninry law wns General parliament
tary law made II probable not only for n
one-eyed man 10 ho speaker, but for him 10
be AT AN advantage. especially II the blind
eve happened 10 be- toward the side Of ths
house where the minority sat. In the new
era under the general parliamentary law
lobbyist Wond not bo obliged To- 20 around
and give checks to individual membera
The speaker passed bills, tho speaker np
proved the Journal and the lobbyist would
not bother with members hui would "see"
the speaker.
Al the conclusion of Wilson'S remarks the
question rccurred on ordering the previous
question on the adoption of the report OF
the committee on elections, and II was
ordered: yeas. liI, nays, o. This Ia
the irst time since the meeting OF congress
that the republicans have had quorum
voting, and the result WIS received with
applause. The only absentees ON the re-
publican side were Cnswell and Wilber.
both of whom are sick. -Four roll calls
were required before the vote came iinallyon
senting Smith, the contestant but at the end
he was declared entitled 10 his seat by
vote of yeas, 1896; nays, q. Amid republican
applause Smith appeared and took the oath
OF Office, Whereupon Springer sarcastcally
inquired whether this was the proper time
10 make motion 10 adjourn. With sim
liar intonation Of sarcasm Speaker Reed
pplied.in the affirmative and the house
accordingly adjourned.