Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-10-20
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.

ing Mr.. Butler spoke in condemnation
of the positions taken by the Senators
from New York and Texas (Messrs,
Hill and Mills concerning the adop-
ton of the rules. These positions were,
he said, that majority of the Senate
could adopt any amendment to the
rules in utter disregard of the code OF
rules.
Mr.. Butler stated that when the ma
ioritv found itself in that position, with
a strong, determined, sincere anxiety TO
pass bill. it would make some conces-
sions in order to get ii through. He al,
ded that if that were not done the bill
ought not to be passed.
Mr.. Hill understand the Senator
TO say that i majority refuses to COM
promise with 4 minority, the bill ought
not to pass.
Mr.. Butler-Aud 1 repeat it.
Mr.. HiIl-And there l take issue
with the Senator.
Mr.. Butler-I repeat it, and | have
no apologies to make for it. Nine
tenths of the measures which become
law in this country are the results OF
compromise.
Mr.. Hill-Aly position is that, under
our form of government, the minority,
has right to express its views, and
has a right to endeavor to impress them
upon the majority. If the majority
recognizes the views of the minority, 1t
has right to do so. But cannot find
anything in the constitution OF the
Uuited States which says that minor
ity of Senators can pass a bill. APP
plause in the galleries.
Mr.. Butler--Nor !, Mr.. President. l
have made no such statement. | have
not stated that minority can pass a
bill.
Mr.. Palmer-Can /, as Senator from
the State of Illinois, be allowed to vote
for the repeal of the Sherman act!
Mr.. Butler-The Senator can answer
that question for himself. | do not con-
troll his vote; he has the right to vote
whenever the opportunity is offered;
Mr.. Palmcr-When can have that
opportunity?
Mr.. Butler-When debate closes.
Mr.. Palmer.-In all discussions the
minority has the right, in good faith, to
exercise the right of the freest debate,
but | deny the right of the minority 10
debate for the purpose of delay.
Mr., Butler-Nobody claims that.
Who is to determine whether | am
new speaking for obstruction or not?
Mr.. Palmer-First, the Senator him
self; second, the majority Of this body.
Applause in the galleries.
As there had been frequent outbursts
of the kind all through the discussion
between Mr.. Butler and Messrs. Hill
and Palmer, the attention OF the Vice
President was called to this last infrac'
ton of good order, and the Vice-Presi'
dent seriously warned the spectators
that he would order the galleries clear,
ed if the disorder were again repeated
Thereupon well dressed man in one
of the western galleries arose and de-
clared, in lond voice and good Ian
guage, that as he had been conspicu
Gus offender, he would withdraw. al
though he had been a regular attend mi
for the last six weeks. And he die
withdraw, without putting the service:
of a doorkeeper into requisition.
After this unique incident, Mr.. But
Ter resumed the floor, disclaimed The
idea that any Of the plaudits of the gal
lery were intended for him, and init
mated that the galleries had been pack
ed for the benefit of the Senator from
New York; and he added that ht
would be very glad to invite that Sen
ator out to some street corner, where
they could have it out for the benefit o
the masses.
This invitation was misunderstood by
Mr.. Henderson rep of Nebraska, who
made point of order upon it, but with
drew the point when Mr.. Butler ex
planned, with an air Of surprise that
different meaning should be given tc
it, that his invitation was one to speak
not 10 fight.
Mr.. Hill-In all ordinary methods O
procedure the rules are binding both OIL
the majority and minority, but we can
not, by our rules, tie ourselves up sc
that the majority has not the power to
amend the rules.
Mr.. Butler-But we have tied our
selves up by code of rules to which
the Senator subscribed when he took
the oath. Now, l understand him tt
say that he is not bound by that code
of rules, except so far as it meets his
appreciation.
Mr.. Hill-We have tied our hands
/ propose to unite them, so that we car
change the rules.
Mr.. Butler-How?
Mr.. .Hill-By offering, at the proper
time and place and occasion Ito be de
termined by the majority, an amend
ment to the rules, and then proceeding,
as may be regulated by the majority
to vote upon it. There is no practice!
difficulty if land he emphasized the" if
and repeated iO the majority of tue
Senate desires to change The rules.
have thus far proceeded under the
strict letter of the rule; but, what pc
sition the majority shall take on this
question will depend very much on the
attitude Of the minority. | hope that,
before this debate is through, the ma
jority will be found by my side, ready
to insist on its constitutional right to
amend the rules, whereby the Senate
can carry out the will of the majority.
There was something in the last re-
mark of Mr. Hill that seemed to con-
vey to Mr.. Buffers mind the idea eth
err that Mr.. Hill WAS not sure of ma
iority, or else that he was weakening
in his position. He made some remark
about Mr.. Hill coming over finally to