Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1893-03-09
j. 3. CASE & co.
DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS.

The Senators wiz Not seek P"pui,st Aid 80
Case OF ppoInted Senators - Marti.'s
unique Position.
WAsurNoToN, March s.-The demo-
cratic cnucu, which met in the senate
chamber was well attended. just the
course the democrats intended 10 pur-
sue toward the populists has been n
matter OF interesting conjecture since
II was known that the democrats had u
clear majority OF their own. The ac-
ton indicates that these populist sena.
tors are TO be ignored Senators Kyle,
of North Dakota, and PETER, of Kansas,
the old populists, and Mr. Allen, the
new populist elected by Nebraska, were
not invited TO attend the caucus, and
to this extent at least, 1t would seem
that they have been purposely neg
lected
Mr.. Martins case was however, diff
ferent Mr.. Martin, of Kansas, al
though elected by fusion votes, is con-
sidered democrat and as such was in
vlted by Mr.. German to attend the eau
Gus, and he was present and partici-
pated in the proceedings Mr.. Allen,
it is said, will vote with the democrats
when 1t comes to the organization
The caucus organized by re-electing
Mr. German chairman and Mr.. Faulk-
ner secretary. The session lasted
four hours, the only actual business
transacted being to authorize the chair
man to appoint a committee to devise u
plan for reorganization and report to
the caucus upon the call OF the chair
man. Much of the time was consumed
In the discussion bearing upon the
standing of the senators who have been
appointed by governors, the cases in
point being Senator Beckwith, mp
pointed by the governor of Wyoming
and Senator Mantle, appointed by the
governor of Montana Speeches were
made by Senators Voorhees,, Villas, Dam
iel and others A spirit OF opposition
against seating these appointees was
manifested and in support of this view
number of old decisions in senate con-
tested elections were cited The claim
was made that inasmuch as the legisla.
lures OF these states had not exercised
the prerogative belonging TO them, the
governor had no authority TO fill the
places and the states should remain I'M
represented A precedent for such ac-
ton was cited from an early California
case. 1t was finally decided, however,
that these matters, together with the
case OF Mr. Martin, should be referred
TO the committee on privileges and cleo
tions
1t is understood that there was quite
u contest for leading chairmanships
and disposition TO set aside the ira
ditions which give the ranking MEM
bers Of the minority these places when
they come into the mn jority. 1t is I'M
likely, though, that the usual custom
will be departed from. Heretofore the
party coming into power has not
recognized the elective officers at
the extra session called for the
purpose OF confirming presidential
appointments, although the republicans
once attempted II, and whether this
rule should be departed FROM was
question that came up for discussion.
A number Of conservative senators
favored postponing action In this mat
ter until December, but there was not
lacking such an expression of senti-
ment as indicated purpose TO mako
complete change as speedily as posi-.
BILE This was also left 10 tho commit
TOE 70 be appointed by NJ. GeFuaA