The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-04-15
MIR. ROACH COURTS INVESTIGATION.
He Announces in the Senate That Ho IL
willing tor IL to Proceed.

WASHINGTON, ID. c.. April H.-The
subject OF the proposed investigation OF
Senator Roach, OF North Dakota, was
precipitated in the Senate at the very
opening of to-day's proceedings by Mr.
Roach himself. He rose and referring
To Mr.. Hoar's resolution for investiga-
tion) said he was perfectly willing that
the Investigation should be proceeded
with Ii had been his desire and purpose
at first TO ask such an investigation, but
had yielded to the advice OF older Sena-
tors familiar (as he was noD with the
customs and presidents of the Senate.
Mr. Hoar inquired, after Mr. Roach
took his seat whether the Democratic
Senators would permit his resolution
to be agreed to by unanimous consent.
Mr. Vance, chairman of the Committee
on Privileges and Elections. TO whom
the inquiry was specially directed. said
he could not speak for the other Sena-
tors. but so far as he was concerned he
would make no objection.
Mr. George, however, said that he
would not be party TO any such agree
ment, and he denied absolutely the
power OF the Senate under any circum-
stances TO institute and conduct an in
vestigation In reference 10 the conduct
of a Senator. which conduct had trans
pired prior to his election and had no
connection with his election, and he also
denied absolutely that any consent on the
part OF the Senator whose conduct 1t was
proposed 10 be investigated would give
Jurisdiction to the Senate. Mr.. George
made a constitutional legal argument In
support of his position.
At the close Of Mr.. Georges argument
Mr.. German gave notice of substitute
which he would offer for Mr.. Hoar S
resolution. The substitute directs the
Committee on Privileges and Elections
TO inquire into and consider the question
whether the Senate has the authority
or jurisdiction 10 investigate the charges
made against a Senator as to the con-
duct or offenses occurring or committed
prior to his election not relating TO MS
duty as Senator or affecting the integrity
of his election.
Mr.. Chandler then addressed the Senate
I'm support OF Mr.. Hoar's resolution.
Chandler yielded the floor temporarily,
and the resolutions heretofore reported
for an investigation of the right Of Jo-
seph W. Ady. claiming a seat as Sela-
tor frcm the State Of Kansas ard for an
investigation as 10 the CONDITION or the
Territories Of Arizona, New Mexico,
Utah and Oklahoma, and the propriety OF
trer admission as States. were then
taken I'D and agreed to. When Chand-
Ter had concluded Mr. Voorhees, replied
TO his argument, and general debate
followed which was terminated by a
motion from Mr. German 10 go into eX-
ecutive session. He withdrew the mo-
ton however, 10 enable Mr.. Harris 10
move to lay Mr.. HOar's resolution ana
the substitute on the table. AS that
motion was unbeatable, and as Mr..
Plat intimated a desire 10 reply briefly
TO Mr.. Voorhees, Mr.. Harris withdrew
the motion.
The Senate then proceeded 10 the con-
sideration of executive business, and at
4:4O adjourned till tomorrow.
Nominations Confirmed.
The Senate TO day confir ned the fol-
lowing nominations: August Belmont &
Co.. at London, England, to be special
fiscal agents Of the Navy Department at
that place vice Seligman Brothers.
Daniel NJ Browning. OF Benton, ILL.,,
Of Indian affairs.
Frank G. Armstrong Of the District
Of Columbia. assistant commissioner of
Indian affairs.
The confirmation OF James H. Eckels.
Of Illinois. to be comptroller of the
heretofore announced. was also
made public today.
Senate May Adjourn To-Day.
There are some indications of the final |
adjournment of this extraordinary ses- |
sion Of the Senate tomorrow While no /
positive agreement TO this effect was |
reached IN executive session this after /
noon, there is a tacit understanding that |
the business shall be cleared up and adj |
journment taken If It be within the
range Of possibilities. The Democrats in
dicated in open session to-day and re-
iterated the fact In secret session. that
they would not permit an Investigation |
Of Mr. Roach.
The Republicans will. therefore, de-
mand the yeas and nays on the motion
Of Mr. Harris 10 lay the resolution and
the amendment on the table a motion he
will renew tomorrow. Not being able
TO force an investigation. even if there
we're a quorum present. the Republicans
see no good in remaining here with less
than a quorum. and will content them
selves with going on record in accord
lnce with the policy they have pursued
since the investigation was first proposed
The committee to notify the President
will probably be appointed early to-mor-
row. and at the executive session that
will follow the morning business the
members OF the new Court OF Appeals
will be confirmed and the executive cal
,ndar cleared OF all nominations. As 1t
ooks now tomorrow will see the finale
II this extra session of the Senate