The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1890-02-06
CAUCUS.
Changes in the Old Rules by the House Con
mittee-Speaker Reed Upheld.

Changes in the Old Rules by the House Com
mittee-Speaker Reed Upheld.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-The Republicans
of the House held q caucus this afternoon
to consider the new code of rules, which
was completed by the committee on rules
this morning. The caucus was called to-
gether Immediately after the adjournment
of the House by Mr.. Henderson of Illinois,
the chairman. The reason for the call vas
stated and each member present was fur
nished, in confidence. a copy of the new
code. Mr.. Mckinley then took the floor
and proceeded to explain in detail the
scope and purpose of each of the rules.
The reading of the new code consumed a
great deal of time. 1t was read in extenso
and as each rule wasread. its provisions were
explained by Mr.. Mckinley or Mr.. Cannon.
There were frequent inquiries for more de-
tailed information as TO the effect of
changes, and for the reason therefor, so
that the work of the caucus proceeded
slowly.
Generally, the report of the committee
was adopted without material amendment,
but there was at least one important addi-
ton. viz: Pension legislation was placed
the committee OIL invalid pensionssmade in
order at any time. This change was made
by a vote of &c to "A. Three calendars are
provided for. Under Rule Is q new clause
is added, as follows:
On the demand of any member the names of
members present but not voting on any call by
the Speaker of the yeas and nays, shall be noted
by the Clerk, under the supervision of the Speak
er. and shall be recorded In the journal, and re-
corded Immediately after the names Of those
voting in the affirmative and negative, under the
head of present and not voting" and shall he
followed by the names of absent members, who
shall no apfared nuipr the head If ahsaufaos
This is III line with Speaker Reeds ruling.
Under Rule 10. Clause 4 reads:
When a question is under debate no motion
shall be received but to adjourn, To lay on the
table, for the previous question (which motions
shall be decided without debate), to postpone to
a day certain, TO refer, or to amend, or postpone
indefinitely, which several motions shall have
precedence in the foregoing order, and no mo-
ton to postpone to a day certain, TO refer, or TO
postpone indefinitely, being decided, shall be
again allowed on the same day at the same stage
OF the proceeding.
This section is aimed at filibustering, and
changes the old section by striking out of
the motions which may be received. those
to fix a day to which the House shall adj
journ and tax a recess. So too, in Section
5, of the same rule, a provision with the
motions to adjourn TO u fixed day. to adj
journ and to take q recess, shall ALWAYS be
in order. Is stricken ont. But Section 10 of
the same rule carries the principle still
further. for Ii rs a new section which reads:
n dilatory motions shall be entertained
by the Speaker"
Under Rule IL it is provided that the
previous question may be made to include
the bill TO its passage or rejection. The
old rule included the bill only as far as its
engrossment and third reading. and re-
quired q renewal and second of the motion
to carry the bill through-a change, also.
in the line of preventing obstruction. The
provision in the same section of the old
~code-that motions to lay on the table shall
be in order on the second and third read
ing of the bills omitted.
The principle of preventing obstruction
is again put IN operation in Rule Is. which
is amended, as compared with the old code,
by striking out of the questions that may
intervene between a motion to reconsider
n the vote. those to adjourn TO q fixed
day and TO take a recess.
Section / of the old Rule 81, which re-
quires all bills and joint resolutions to be
read three times before passing. is stricken
out. Section 2. of the same rule. forbid
ding the inclusion in general appropriation
bills of appropriations not previously au-