The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-04

claims Of his territory for admission on the
ground of population. resources, nAtulHl
advantages and devotion TO American citl,
zenship. New Mexico WIS as much entitled
TO statehood rs the great states recently
added or this territory which II WAS how
proposed 10 admit.
Buckalew. of Pennsylvania, opposed the
Idaho constitution because IL outlawod
members of certain church. Oates ~
Alabama. criticised the compulsory eduea-
tion feature of the constitution. Meadow
of New Jersey, while dcnounclng the prac-
tice of polygamy. thought the constitution
invaded the dominion OF religious belief.
The minority would offer an amendment
providing that new convention he heid
and a constitution lie submitted % vote oi
the people of the territory, as had been
done in the case of Dakota, Montana and
Washington. Tho amendment required
the Edmunds Tucker test oath to he taken
by every person voting upon the consttu-
tion. The gentlemen ON the other side SAID
the provision of the constitution distran-
chising Mormons WAS in line with the Ed
munds- Tucker law. There was q vast diff
ference. Under that law not ~ per cent ,
of the Mormons of Utahwere dlsfr0nchlsed
under the Idaho constitution not member
of the Mormon church would be allowed 20
vote. He charged the republicans
with the purpose of admitting
territories under such provisions ns
would insure an increase in their ropresen-
tation in the senate. The minority of the
committee represented the people OF the
United States. II represented b,h.D,nlO dem
ocrats who voted for Cleveland; II repre-
sented majority of the people, because
Cleveland received the popular majority,
and il seemed from the returns from various
municipal elections the democratic party
was not losing ground. When November,
1892. comes along, the democratic party
would elect Il president who would represent
the majority of the people, instead OF man
who represented trusts and monOpolles.
Henderson, of Iowa. said the attitude of the
democratic party was n familiar sight TO the
country. The democratic party was in its old
breeches. pulling back, back, when the CIV
ilized world cried. Forward and onward.
The democratic party was polygamist. IL
had batch of wives: slavery was one; slave
territory another: treason another. De
risive laughter ON the democratic side. ]
Mr.. Henderson-Oh. you recognize them;
you know their names, and now you have
polygamy for one of your wives. Corrupt
ballot boxes was one of your wives, and you
have been true TO every one OF them.
(Laughter.) You meyer left their bed and
board for single moment. i like your
LOYALTY TO them, but do not sneak behind
constitutional shields to cover up your pur-
pose. But the people know what you are;
stick TO your women. boys, we will help
Idaho stick 10 the principles she has ad-
vanced. (Laughter)
After further debate vote was taken on
the amendment of the minority providing
for new constitutional conventions re-
iected, yeas, Ill: nays, III. The next
amendment, providing for vote upon the
present constitution was rejected-l0l to
i2l.
The vote recurring on the passage of the
bill, the democrats refrained from voting.
One of the reading clerks was busily en-
gagged in noting the names of the demo-
Gratis present and refusing TO vote. The
democrats say they intend to make this a
test case and have the courts pass upon the
constitutionalty Of the rules allowing the
speaker TO count a quorum. II had been in-
tended TO make one of the contested cleo
tion cases a test case, but as this could be
done only by suit for salary brought in
the court of claims, this course was
abandoned and the present action decided
upon. The bill passed-yaes, l29, nays, l.
Mr.. Buckalew, the speaker, counting a
quorum. Adjourned.