The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-12-13

washington, D. c., Dec. 12.-lSpe-
cial. THE Utah statehood bill had the
right of way in the House today. and
provoked one of the most animated
discussions of the present Congress.
The Republicans were not as openly
opposed as they were when the last
weak attempt was made to take up
the measure during the morning hour.
Still, they had enough men ready to
strike when they had chance, and it
was evident they do not want the new
state admitted just yet
Some opposition also came from the
Democratic side. but it does not amount
to much, and it was plain to account
for the opposition there.
Tie first objection was by Tracy, of
New York He insisted on having TIE
bill read clear through, before the dis
cussion commenced. That was for the
purpose of killing time.
Harter, Of Ohio, made a speech
against admitting Utah. He based his
opposition on its small population and
said there were not enough people in
the territory to entitle it to admission.
Both Tracy and Harter are pro-
nounced gold advocates, and they have
the rabies when it IS even suggested
Z that silver ought to have any place in
the currency of the country. They are
l looking a long way ahead and fear
when admitted Utah will have two
senators favorable to silver; hence
their antics today. Everybody under
stood them
Delegate Rawlins was the chief
sneaker in behalf Of the BILL and made
a greater speech, even than his maiden
effort in the House during the extra
session when he advocated the coinage
of silver. For more than two hours
he held the closest attention of the
House. Being thoroughly posted, he
was able to answer any and all ques-
tons put to him.
It was a grand appeal to Congress
to bring into the union the territory,
which has the requisite population and
resources. He went into a discussion
of all the questions affecting Utah,
past and present, and the members
gathered close around him anxious to
hear all he had to sey
From the opposition. Mr.. Rawlins
was subjected to a heavy cross-firing Of
questions. some of which We're con-
demptible and especially those put by
narrow-minded Morse, of Massachus-
cts. who, when he got a chance, de-
nounced the people of Utan in a shame
full manner, but when Rav-lins got
hack at him he polished Morse down
in way that delighted the House and
gave the Utah delegate round after
round of hearty applause.
The speech Of Mr.. Rawlins was pro-
nounced, even by some Republicans
opposing the bill, as one of the most
mastery and exhaustive they have
ever listened to.
The people Of Utah and the whole
west will be apt 20 heap enconiums
on him for his effort today. De spoke
with confidence, for there is very little
opposition on the Democratic side Of
the House.
The bill will come up tomorrow, but
It is not certain a vote will then be
reached, though an attempt viii be
made 10 pass it.
It IS understood the foreign affairs
committee viii spring an important
privilege report on the Hawaiian ques-
ton. and as it is an urgent matter,
ask for IT'S immediate consideration
one of the leading Republicans said
tonight the Utah bill was objection
able to a great many religious bodies
of the eastern. central and western
states because OF sensational reports
circulated that as soon as statehood
was assured the Mormons would re-
establish polygamy- Such talk has
had its effect on some people in Con-
gress. and there was opposition from
other quarters because Of fear of
the certainty that, if Utah is admitted,
two more silver senators will take
their seats.
The prevailing belief is the bin will
pass by a. considerable majority in
spite of the opposition manifested to-
day.