Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1891-01-22

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19-Mr. German
argued IN the senate against the correct
ness of a ruling made by tie vice president
Friday, to the effect that an appeal from
d decision was not debatable, because the
question itself on which the decision was
made "a motion to lay on the table, was
an unbeatable one.
Mr.. Edmunds held that the decision was
absolutely right
The discussion was kept up for some
time, when Mr.. German withdrew the mo-
ton. 1t is thought to be something in
the nature of flank movement against the
closure matter.
The election bill was taken up and Mr.
George spoke. He remarked in the course
Of his speech that much had been said
about the new constitution of Mississippi
which was less liable to absue than those
OF several other states. He asserted that
the constitution of Oregon adapted IN
1850, contained provisions prohibiting
the immigration Of Negroes, and practi-
caiIy outlawing them.
Mr.. Dolph said that the constitution
way framed when Oregon was hOpelessly
democratic under the head of Gen. Joe
Lane. 1t had not since been amended.
Mr.. George dwelt on the matter at some
ledgth, saying in response to the query Of
Dolph, that these provisions may not be
an expression of the judgment of the peo-
pie of Oregon at the present day, but that
they were an expression at that time, and
the people of Oregon have not seen fit to
withdraw them.
The vice president laid before the SEN
ate a message from the president trans
hitting an agreement with the Crow
Indians for the sale of the western part of
their reservation in Montana.
Mr.. Hoar moved an adjournment today
to be until noon tomorrow to give the
| senators an opportunity to attend the
funeral eff Mr.. Bancroft. 1t was agreed to.
Mr.. George resumed his speech, but yield
ed for an executive session and the senate
soon djourned.
The intentions of the democrats of the
house to resort to obstruction tactics Until
the determination Of the senate on the
elections bill was manifested this morn
ing when Mr.. Bland demanded the read
ing of Saturdays proceedings in full, in
stead of in abbreviated form.
Then Mr.. Mills moved an amendment to
the journal relative to the refusal of the
chair to recognize his motion to reconsider
the vote by which fridays journal was
approved.
Mr.. Cannon inquired whether it was in
order to move the previous question On the
approval of the journal.
The speaker, after an examination of
the Mills motion, recognized Mr. Cannon.
Then came a chorus of democratic de-
mands for the reading of the amendment,
which was that the ruling Of the speaker
is disapproved by TIE house.
The speaker regarding the amendment
as not proper, recognized Mr.. Cannon's
demand. On standing vote the demand
was rejected. but the republicans gathered
strength and seconded the demand; yeas,
1870; days, 103
Thereupon Mr.. Syringe took the floor,
and for some time the house was enter
tanned by discussion which went on be-
tween himself and Speaker Reed. Mr..
Springer said that never before the
session of this congress had motion
to reconsider--a privileged motion--been
denied by presiding officer. He referred
to the remarks of the speaker in ad-
dresses made in New York state during
the last campaign about overturnirg the
prec dents of the hundred years. The
verdict of the American people had con-
demned the rules of the speaker.
Speaker Reed had read several decisions
made by Speaker Randall, showing
that the latter refused to entertain similar
appears.
Mr.. Mckinley took the floor and said
| that nobody could deny that the motion
made by Mr.. Mills was purely dilatory
and it was the duty of the chair to refuse
to entertain the appeal. 1t was manifest
to the country that for the last six weeks
the whole effort of the democratic side had
been to obstruct public business. The
whole purpose of the flibustering was
that it would be impossible If the senate
should pass the elections bill, to pass that
bill through the house.
Mr.. Flower IN. Y. retorted that we ac-
cept that issue and stand upon it. Demo
cratic applause.)
After further discussion, the journal
was approved.
The senate bill for the relief of Sarah E.
Perine was passed.
The house then adjourned.