, 1890-09-11
IN THE HOUSE.
Mr.. Breokidridgs's Seat Declared Va
cant.


wAsnINoTos, Sept Sin the house,
on motion of Mr.. Breckinridge, the con-
tested election case was brought up, and
Mr.. Breckinridge was accorded the floor
in his own behalf. He denied the
charges, either on the floor, or In tho
press, that tho people of Arkansas or
any other group Of people representing
that state. had ever shown sympathy
with the infamous murder of Clayton, or
that he had any knowledge of II
in the remotest degree. These men
had uttered that which was
cowardly and mean, and which they
knew to be false. Decorate applause. |
MIR. Breckinridgc continued by ar.
raigning the committee as biased. Mr..
Clay ton. he said, was bosom friend. 1t
had been said that he should have re-
signed after the murder. To have done
so would have beon to admit that he
believed the Clayton murder affected the
result Of the election.
He then turned his attention to Judge
Mcclure, stating that ON the return OF
the subcommittee, the republican MEM
bers indorsed Mr.. Mcclure for high
judicial position in Arkansas.
Mr.. Lacey, of Iowa, chairman of the
subcommittee. said that he recon-
mcnded Judge Mcclure in strong terms.
believing him to be one Of the best and
most competent men in Arkansas.
Mr.. Breckinridge proceeded to quote
rom q statement made by Mr.. Black
burn Ia republican,. to show the bad
character OF Mr.. Mcclure. He criticised
in severe Language the action of the sub
committee, asserting that he had been
denied witnesses after he had
been promised that they would
be accorded him. No greater debauch
cry of free ballot had ever been COM
mitted than that committed by the com
mittee.
Ho said in conclusion: "Come to
your conclusion and take an appeal to
the people, regardless of party, in the
district have the honor to represent, on
the broad ground Of common honesty,
and in November they will reverse both
your conclusion and the method of your
conclusion" Democratic applause.
MIR. Dalzell. OF Pennsylvania, read in
detail the testimony bearing on the
theft of the ballot box atPlummersville,
and said that its thelt was absolutely
necessary to Breckinridge's return,
ye. lie stood here and asserted that IL
had been stolen by republicans-this re-
publican ballot box The house stood
dumbfounded in the face of such sub
lime embodiment Of impudence. He
commented on the backwardnes of the
state of Arkansas in endeavoring to
hunt down the murterers from her des- =
ecrated soil. The blood of John n.
Clayton cried to heaven, not for ven
geance, but for justice. and the mem.
bers of both sides were here as sacred
ministers to execute her just DEGREES.
Rcpublican applause.
The debate having closed, Mr.. Crisp,
OF Georgia, moved TO recommit the case
with Instructions 10 tho committee on
elections to report which of the gentle
men received the majority OF the votes
OF the second district of Arkansas; lost
yeas as, nays l0l.
The vote was then taken OIL the minor.
ity resolution confirming Mr.. Breckin-
ridges right to the seat; lost-yeas 81,
nays 1903.
The resolution declaring the seat va
cant; agreed to--yeas los, nays 80.
The house then took q recess, tho even
ing session TO be for the consideration
OF private pension bills.
The house at the evening session
passed thirty pension bills, and at 10;30
ud burned.