The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-03-25
AN rswAKRA>rED INTERFERENCE.

We quoted in our editorial columns yester-
dav paragraph from the Memphis CONNER
cial which gave very pointed expression 10 the
feeling of resentment which has been aroused
in different parts Of the South by the oihcious
attempt Of Senator Hill to dictate to the men,
bers of the Committee on Elections Ia the
House as to what course they should pursue
in the contested case OF Noyes against ROCK
well-Rockwell being from New \ ork and at-
tachel in that State 10 tie following Of the
Senator.
The various comments which have been
passed upon the conduct of Hill in this cpl
sode. severe as they have been. have been
only what lie has deserved. No such instance
os audacious obtrusiveness has occurred IN
recent years in the history of Congress- and
it is only natural that it should arouse indig-
nation among all who are not blind support
ers Of the pretensions OF the Senator.
The more clearly the details of the episode
are brought to light the more unwaranted
appears 10 have been the Intervention OF Hill.
At his urgent solicitation in the first place
the committee with much reluctance decided
to postpone action in the case OF Rockwell,
although they had agreed 10 recommend that
Moves be seated Taking advantage OF this
interval Senator Hill sent message to the
different members asking for an interview IN
his room at a certain hour. Not aware that this
message was general. each member. except
Congressman O'Ferrall. who had gotten wind
of the Senator's intention, attended. and to
-, ifu1 IN,
session in the Senator's private apartments
Several left in Indignation as soon as they
recognized the character of the trap into
which they had been drawn
Mr.. OFerral's connection with the Senator
now occurs and is reported to have been
as follows
Before the hour of meeting Mr.. O'Ferrall
who had declined to 90 to Mr.. Hills room.
was sent for 10 come TO another committee
room in the Capitol to meet gentleman who,
it was said. was very anxious 10 see him at
once. but whose name was not given. On
reaching the cOmmittee-TOOm Mr.. OfeTrall
discovered that 1t was Senator Hill. The
first words uttered by the Senator was an i'm
perious reference to the members failure TO
keep his appointment. Mr.. O'Ferral re-
sented this at once and told Senator Hill that
ii he wanted to know the reason Tor his break
ing the engagement he would give it freely.
There were several gentlemen present,
anu Senator Hill replied that he did not
want 10 know the reason. Mr.. O'ferTall then
requested Senator Hill TO make known his
business as quickly rs possible. as it was near
the hour of the committee meeting. lie at
once began in u passionate manner TO argue
that Mr.. Rockwell should be retained in bis
place III the House.
Mr.. O'Ferrall replied TO this that the ar
no cd nv la fr,r A.x
York were not new; that they had all b4en
heard by the committee from the attorneys
representing Mr.. Rockwell. and that the argu-
ments by the attorneys were better than
those OF the Senator. Mr.. Hi then de-
manded TO know II the Democratic members
of the Committee on Elections intended 10
turn a Democrat out of the House. The
members replied calmly that the Democrats
OF the committee intended 10 be honest
and TO do their sworn duty, and that if that
involved the turning OF a Democrat out of the
House then the Democrat would have to 20.
lie reminded Senator Hill that the propOsl-
ton he made was unbecOming. TO say the
least that he had no business 10 interfere III
the matter. and that an attempt on his part
TO coerce the Democrats of the committee
into following course contrary 10 the ludg-
ment which they had formed as jurors after
weighing all the evidence III this case was an
Insult TO the members of the committee: that
he for one would not practice methods which
he regarded as dishonorabe. He then said
that 1t was better not to discuss the matter
further and turning on his heel left the
room.
We can only echo tie sentiment of the
Memphis Commercial by saying that Viz
ginian. and especially a Nirginian of the
stamp of O'Ferral. is the last man in the
United States who can be treated with
| al xpith inn
has served somewhat longer in Congress, will
discover that while he may be able 10 drive
and override his followers in New York
when he comes to deal with Southern repre-
sentatiyes he must bear himself with the
courtesy and moderation which are observed
in the relations of honorable and self-respect-
ing men everywhere.