The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-10-12

say word upon that subject I would
like to ask the senator from Idaho when
he will fix day to take vote"
Mr.. Dubois said there were distin-
guished senators who had not talked on
the subject, and he could not, nor could
any one else say when the debate would
probably close.
Mr.. Voorhees, started to press the
question further, but apparently chan
ged his mind and said: "Without
pressing the senator from Idaho | un-
derstand the situation perfectly we'll.
There will be no day named. II there
could be day named by the opponents
OF this bill we would come to, an under
standing directly. 1t ia because OBJ
struction is resorted to pure and simple,
against legislation that we are in the
attitude we are now. We regret ex.
ceedtngly to have to resort to the meth
DDS now before u.s."
Mr.. Hoar (Rep.,) observed that con-
tinuous sessions were not an innovation,
recalling the fact that the Bland-Allison
bill was passed about o'clock in the
morning.
REFORM NEEDED.
Mr.. Voorhees, said this episode in the
history of the senate would result in
reforming the rules OF the body.
At the proper time, not in connection
with heated discussion, he would vote
for some measure by which q deter
mination Of question could be reached.
"0therwise this body will lose its
proper influence, and standing before
the American people. and before the
world" said Mr.. Voorhees,. II believe
this body should have rules by which
to conclude discussion and reach vote,
higher, more reasonable, more sensible,
and more decent than the rule on
which we are entering now, which is
the only one.
The opponents of this bill will not
name any day for vote. They will re-
sort to dilatory measures to prevent ac-
ton being taken at all. Who is to
quit2 Sir, l would rather be carried
from this desk feet foremost, and put to
sleep at my home in Ierre Haute for
ever than to yield the principle that
the majority has the right to govern. l
stand here for the highest principle OF
free government known to history. We
started in here aome weeks ago to dis
cuss the repeal OF bad measure OF
financial legislation. We have reached
the question OF constitutional govern
ment. We have reached the question
whether or not we have government
that can administer itself.
"Idle, vapid talk takes place in the
papers in regard to abolishing the sen.
ate Of the United Strtes. The senate OF
the United States can no more be aboi-
ished than can tho constitution, for it is
great part thereof But it can be gov
erned by rules OF its own making so as
to make it self-acting, proper and
reasonable body OF legislation"
THE VICIOUS MINORITY.
Mr.. Voorhees, said when it fell to his
fortune to manage the pending bill,
and he found how powerless he was it
almost paralyzed the energies OF his
mind. He never desired to be placed
in that attitude again, nor did he de.
sire to see any other man in that
position, nor should he be il he could
prevent it.
II am tender OF minorities," said Mr..
Voorhees,. II would not iniure the
minority. but shall the minority gov
ern, answer me? Shall the minority
govern? Somebody has to rule; some
body has to control this government.
SHALL it beIthe minority or the majority =?
The senator from Idaho signited that
possibly they had majority. Then
let us ascertain that by vote, and We
will submit to it gladly, willingly if we
are the minority. Will youf No.
Then the question comes whether the
senate can be governed at all.
~ stand here tonight talking COM
promise. l stand for the rule OF the
majority. A great deal has been said
about compromise in the last week. l
have not shared in it. There is n
mighty principle involved in this. And
I an going to defend it so far as am
personally concerned. II go down, l
will 90 down with my flag nailed to the
masthead. II a compromise is to take
place on the principle that the minor
ity has the right to dictate, it will be by
others, BY me-not the slightest"
"And now, (said Mr.. Voorhees), in
default OF any answer when n vote Is
reached, invoke the spirit OF wisdom,
fairness, patience and manhood on both
sides and we will proceed. have not
doubt OF the result"