The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1891-01-31
DEATH TO TIE FORCE BILL.
The Gag-Rule, by Means of Which
Alone the Force Bill Can be
Passed, Laid Aside in the
Senate.
81. Republican. Aid .he Democrats.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26.-Amid scenes of
confusion, quite unusual IN the Senate, the
.'eag.rule'' or closure resolution was today
laid aside. on motion of Senator Wolcott, TO
make way for the immediate consideration
of the apportionment bill. Senator Cameron,
of Pennsylvania, voted with the Democrats
and FIVE Republicans to bring about the re-
suit When the Senate convened this morn
ing but few persons beside Senators German,
Faulkner and Wolcott had any idea that
another blow, perhaps fatal, would be dealt
the force bill today.
Senator Morgan took the floor at noon to
resume his speech commenced last Saturday,
and it was understood that he was good for
SIX. days' talk. In the meantime the Republ-
cans, fighting under the leadership of Senator
Aldrch, we're specializing upon the probabll-
ity of putting the 'gag-rule" through tomor-
row, even il arbitrary measures had to be
resorted to again. The outlook for an entire
day of debate was promising, and many Sen
ators left the chamber for luncheon or to go
to work in their committee rooms. Vice
President Morton called Senator Plat, of
Connecticut, to the chair, and retired to his
private room. Without attracting any gen
eral attention the Democrats and the anti
force bill Republicans, strolled into the cham
Der and appeared to be deeply interested in
Tue eiOlueuCe VI lue CehatOi mum hiaoahia'
woLcoTr MAKES THE FIRST MOVE.
Suddenly Senator Wolcott, the gifted young
orator from Colorado, arose and requested
the Senator from Alabama to yield to him to
make a motion to lay aside the pending ques
( tion-''the gag rule''-and take up the appor
tionment bill. Senator Morgan was well
aware what was to follow, so he gracefully
suspended his speech, remarking that he
D 1 l. In rbI1uaI -
under similar circumstances.
I TAKEN BY SURPRISE.
So surprised were the few Republicans in
I the chamber at the time that they hardly
\ knew Just how to act. Mr.. Dolph, of Oregon,
recovered from the shock sufficiently to make
/ motion to lay Senator Wolcott's proposition
| on the table, so as to give the pages and mes
sengers time to bring in the absent Senators.
/ Mr. Aldrich was not in the chamber at the
/ moment nor was Senator Hoar, but before
! the roll call had proceeded far sixty. nine
! Senators were present. Senator Plat, who
was presiding, gave the Vice President sly
| dig, by declaring Senator Dolph's motion to
| Law on the table clearly in violation of the
| rules of the Senate, but, following the prece-
dent set by the Vice President a few days
ago, he would allow the motion to prevail.
| The motion was then voted down, Messrs.
/ Wolcott, Teller, Stewart, Jones of Nevada,
( Washburn and Cameron being recorded with
the Democrats and giving the latter majority
of one.
AN EXCITING ROLL-CALL-
During the roll call the greatest excitement
prevailed among the Senators, many Of whom
kept tally as the names and responses were
announced. The Republicans were uncer.
tain as to whom they were to lose, while the
L 4 ,F, II,
come. Senator German sat at his desk
calmly watching the effect the vote was having
on the other side of the chamber Senator
Faulkner sat near by, keeping tally, looking
anxious for fear the combination made OF
Sunday might not hold good on Monday. As
the last name was called look of triumph
lighted up his face, and he assured Senator
German that all was well.
! On the Republican side Senator AldricE
was so excited he could not control himself
and became unruly that Senator Butler
| called him to order. Senator Hoar wa!
equally depressed and could obtain but little
consolation from Senator Hale, sitting mex
him, who was eager to get up the apportion
ment bill.
! APPLAUSE FROM THE GALLERIES.
Then came the vote on the Wolcott motion
to take up the apportionment bill, which wa
] ny Int sdluC NOtC " ~ thC ofhhl'
Republicans voting with the Democrats as OF
the previous vote When the result wa
finally announced the occupants of the gal
leries broke forth with prolonged applause
which so disturbed Senator Edmunds that HI
called upon the sergeant at arms to clear thu
galleries. The Democratic Senators and thos,
Republicans who voted with them smilet
contentedly, while the bill Republican
seemed sad and depressed.
ENTHUSIASM IN THE HOUSE.
The result of the vote in the Senate wa
carried quickly to the House, where Repre-
sentative Rogers, of Kansas, interrupted
roll call to tell his Democratic associate
publicly that the ''gag-rule'' was laid aside il
the Senate. The announcement was greete'
by cheers and applause on the floor and il
the galleries, followed by stampede of mem
Ders toward the Senate to learn in detail hoV
the victory Was won. Throughout the Capito
Democrats generally congratulated each othe
in one breath. Democratic Congressman ar,
enthusiastic over Senator Germans general
ship, and many of the leading representative
from Southern States declare that he will
deserve the gratitude of every patriotic Demo
crat if the force bill is defeated.