Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-01-06
A Gag Motion Does the Rest and
Walker Is Seated, Though the
DOCTOR VOTES AS A REPUBLICAN.
The Majority Will Proceed to Seat other
Contestants and
GERRYMANDER THE EMPIRE STATE

the doing of it they used the iron hammer
of closure which was never before lifted in
the Senate of the State of New York. The
thing was done, too, so deftlv and with such
sickness as almost 10 challenge admiration
from the Republicans thus silenced.
The two houses of the Legislature were
organized simultaneously. The dav has
been an anxious one for the Democratic
members and leaders. They could not know
what mine might have been laid by the Re
publican leaders in New York Sunday and
Monday. Hence there was careful drilling
in The Democratic camp. Every tactic
likely to be called into play in the possible
battle was tried. This took time, and when
the preparation was concluded the hour for
convening the Senate had passed by.
Republicans Again Coaxing Edwards.
Meantime the Republican camp was in
council of war. The partisan wand was
once again laid upon the Uranium of Sena-
for Edwards, but if had no power. He
would go into the Senate, he reiterated, and
do what be deemed to be his duty. This
position of the Senator being unstormable,
the Republicans concluded that as Edwards
NOulu give illt HuOluul titN
might inst as well 60 in and take their
places. So at II O'Clock sharp they were in
their seats, waiting calmly for the blare of
Democratic trumpets.
A few minutes after II o'clock Senator
Edwards came into the chamber, and, with
every eve of the crowd upon him. sauntered
round 20 his desk He is a large heavy
headed man of sallow complexion, with
full beard and hair and bright eve A
few threads of gray streak his whiskers
under the ears. H wears a derby hat and
dogskin gloves. Spectacles ride his nose
and PRINCE Albert coat gives the finish
ing touch to his ministerial look and dress.
The Democrats Organize the Senate.
At 11:2O the Democrats came into the
chamber. fresh from their drill. The young
Lieutenant Governor assembled to the chair,
and the Senate was in session. Then Sen
arors were sworn in and the Democratic
caucus officers of the Senate were elected,
Edwards voting with the Republicans, his
presence for a quorum being all the Demo-
Gratis desired.
Then came the sterner business of the
dav. Up to this point Senator Edwards was
an important element in the situation, but
the Democrats did not propose to rely long
on an Independent Republican. Walker
was to he seated without an opportunity on
the part of Sherwood or aDv Republican
Senator to enter protest or to ask for an
investigation.
Senator Cantor, the Democratic Senate
leader. offered a resolution declaring Charles
f Walker TO have been elected Senator
from the Twentv-seventh district, and on
his resolution he moved the previous ques-
tion. Instantly up rose Senator Erwin, a
Senator whose face when in repose has been
said TO resemble that of Dr. Jeykel, and
when in laughter to resemble that of Mr..
HYDE He has a voice of monstrous
volume.
The Gag Motion Prevails.
''There is no previous question in this
body roared Erwin, and he ssked.leave to
present Sherwood's petition.
''You can do that after We have acted on
this notion" said Sheehan.
Erwin made a grimace. O'Connor wished
to debate the resolutions The previous
question was the excuse for the Lieutenant
Governor to shut him off.
Elected representatives have no rights
in this BODY" shouted O'Connor. Again
Erwin thundered his protest against the
closure Sheehan smiled and Immediately
put the question. Senator O'Connor pro-
tested. Senator Cantor then explained. He
said that the Senate. not having yet adopted
any rules of order, the body was under the
general parliamentary practice, where it
The scheme of the Democrats, too, became |
very apparent They did not wish to take
upon themselves the onus ofhaving changed |
the time-honored custom of the State SEN |
ate that allows no restriction or limit upon |
debate, so they left the adoption of the |
rules of the Senate that had prevailed dur |
ing the past sessions until after the work of |
securing Democratic majority was CON- !
pleted.
The Democratic Majority Voted In.
The Republicans were speechless, and |
they vainly tried to get hearing to point |
out that if precedent was to be the guide it
should be the precedent of the State Senate
and general parliamentary gatherings
Walker was voted in, 16 to IA, Inde-
pendent Edwards voting against the reso-
luton. Walker was at once called to the
desk, when he took the oath. and then the
late desk of j. Sloat Fassett was taken
possession of by Democrat
Senators Roesch, of New York, Endres,
OF EIie, Democrats, and Emerson, Republi-
can. were appointed Committee on Priyi-
leges and Elections, and they will proceed
to inquire into the contests against the four
Republicans, Richardson, Derby, Donald |
son and Van Gorder. The Democrats must
have 20 votes to insure appropriation bills,
and the probability is that all except Van
Gorder will have to give way to the Demo-
Gratis.
The Democrats mean to lose no time in
reapportioning the State, and Senator Nc
LELAND introduced al enumerating bill
which necessitates the completion of the
census taken by March 3 The work of organ
lzatlon was effected quickly and the Gov
ernors message was presented.
Governor Flowers Maiden Message.
He congratulated the people of the
State upon the fact that for the first time in
eight years the Governor is able to address
his suggestions to Legislature in political
accord with the Executive He states that
the paramount duty before the Legislature
is to provide for an enumeration of the in
habitants OF the State preparatory to a re-
apportionment of the Senate and Assembly
districts. He also points out the necessity
for an immediate reapportionment of Con-
gressional districts
The rest OF the message exceDt a MASSAGE
liberal approximation for a
State exhibit at the Worlds Fair, is devoted
to purely State issues. He advises the
Legislature TO make proper provision for
convention. Recommends
the extension of a system of registration
of electors. He says that anv measure !
properly drawn and not in conflict with the
which will so bulwark the
present ballot law as to make intimidation
and bribery impossible, will receive his
hearty approval
Both Houses adjourned until $50 Tues
day night to permit the arrangements of
by the presiding officers. The
on Privileges and Elections will