Los Angeles herald., 1890-04-04
THE IDAHO BILL.
1t is Passed by a BOb-Tailed
Quorum.
The Democrats Did Not Vote
But We're Counted.
They Will Carry the Matter Into
the Courts.
The Tenability of Speaker Reeds Position
to be Thoroughly Tested-House
Proceedings.
Associated Press Dispatches. |


duty upon hides and skins, was ordered
printed in the Record. The reading Of
the petition was received with applause
by the Democrats.
The Senate bill was passed to enable
the Secretary of the Treasury to gather
full and authentic information as to the
present condition and preservation Of
the fur-seal interests of the Government
in the region of Alaska, as compared
with its condition in 1870; also for full
information as to the impending extinc-
tion of the sea otter industry.
The Senate concurrent resolution was
agreed to, requesting the President to
invite from time to time negotiations
with any Government with which the
United States may have diplomatic rela-
tions, to the end that any differences
or disputes arising between the govern
ments, which cannot be adjusted by
diplomatic agency, may be referred to
arbitration.
A resolution was adopted calling on
the President for copies of the cores
pondence between the United States and
Mexico, relating to seizure at Tampico
of the Schooner Rebecca, in 1884.
bill was passed authorizing the Sec
retary of War to deliver to the State of
Colorado the flags carried by Colorado
regiments.
Articles of War Amended.
A bill was passed amending the arti-
cles OF war so as to provide that when
upicbpap+ or oopv;o+iop Of a ,,,;Ji+orxr
offence is left with court-martial, the
punishment in time of peace shall not
be in excess of the limit prescribed by
the President; also the Senate bill
amending the articles of war so as to
provide that no person shall be tried or
punished by court-martial for desertion
In time of peace, committed more than
two years before arraignment, unless the
person shall in the meantime have alb
sented himself from the United States
The Idaho Bill.
The House then returned to the con-
sideration of the Idaho admission bill.
Perkins, of Kansas, spoke in advocacy
of the measure. He emphasized the as
sertion that the only objection made to
the bill was that those who taught Nor
monism in Idaho were disfranchised.
He knew that some Mormons were good
men, but as an organization the Mormon
church was pernicious.
Mansur, of Missouri, inquired why the
gentleman did not vote to disfranchise
the Mormons in Wyoming. He believed
in DISTINGUISHING the Mormons on ac-
count of their practices and the teach
ings Of their church. 1t was for the
House to say whether it would crown
re- +l,.o
ton known as the Latter Day Saints,
and whether it would tell the intelligent
patriotic people of Idaho that they would
be denied admission until they took into
fellowship men guilty of bigamy and
polygamy.
Stewart, of Vermont, spoke in support
of the bill. He denounced the practices
of the Mormon church, and said the con-
stitution of Idaho was in line with the
Edmunds bill.
Joseph, of New Mexico, presented the
claims of that Territory for admission on
the ground of population, resources, nat
ural advantages and devotion to Ameri-
can citizenship. He said New Mexico
was as much entitled to Statehood as the
States recently added, and as the Terri
torres which 1t was now proposed to ad-
NIT.
Buckalew, of Pennsylvania, opposed
the Idaho constitution because it out
lawed members of certain church.
Oates, of Alabama, criticised the COM
pulsory education feature of the consti-
tuition.
McAdoo, of New Jersey, while denounc-
ing the practice of polygamy, thought
the proposed constitution invaded the
domain of religious belief.
Springer Takes Up the Fight.
Springer, of Illinois, said the majority
of the committee on Territories framed
the Idaho bill in such way as to secure
partisan legislation, instead of proper
legislation, to bring the State into the
Union. The minority would offer an
amendment providing that new con-
vention be held, and the constitution
submitted to a vote OF the people, OF the
Territory, as had been done in the case
of Dakota, Montana and Washington.
The amendment required the Edmunds-
Tucker test oath to be taken by every
person voting upon the constitution.
The gentlemen on the other side said the
provision in the Idaho constitution dis
franchising the Mormons was in line
with the Edmunds-Tucker law. There
was vast difference; under that law
not 10 per cent. OF the Mormons of Utah
were disfranchised. Under the Idaho
constitution not a member of the Nor
mon church would be allowed to vote.
Democratic Party Not Losing Ground.
He charged the Republicans with the
purpose of admitting the Territories
under such provisions as would ensure
an increase of their representation in
the Senate. The minority of the con-
vention represented the people of the
United States. 1t represented $500 900
Democrats who voted for Mr. Cleveland.
1t represented majority of the people,
because Mr.. Cleveland received a popu-
lar majority, and it seemed from the
returns from various municipal elections
that the Democratic party was not losing
ground. When November, '92, came
along the Democratic party would elect
a President who would represent the
majority of the people, instead of man
who represented trusts and monopolies.
Lodge supported the bill.
Was Henderson Drunk or Funny?
Henderson, of Iowa, said the attitude
OF the Democratic party was a familiar
sight to the country. The Democratic
party was in its old breeches, pulling
back when the civilized world cried