The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-01-12
Both Factions in the Legislature
Meet in the Same Hall.
A PROLONGED SESSION.
Rival Speakers Sleep Under the Pro-
lection OF one Blanket.
A Compromise in tie Situation Now
Looked For Otherwise the Democrats
viii Vote With the Republicans
as the Legally Constituted House.

TOPEKA, Jan. 1.-THE rival houses OF
the state legislature have been in session
in representative hall since yesterday. At
O'Clock this morning the rival speakers
agreed that no further move would be
made during the night, and blanket
being procured, they lay down amlcably
and slept the rest of the night under the
common protection OF its folds. Other
members were obliged to put up with
chairs, floor and other inconvenience, in
/ lieu of BEDS. During the night the Re-
publican members prepared a memorial
to the governor, signed by sixty-four
members, two more than a majority OF
the whole number of members, setting
forth that they had certificates of election
from the state canvassing board, certified
to by the secretary of state; that they
participated in the Republican organiza-
ton and petitioned him to recognize that
body as the legal one. This was pre-
sented TO the governor, who was aroused
from sleep Tor the purpose, but he de-
clined to say what action he would take.
James Wilson, an Independent, was
among the signers. Sandwiches and
coffee were served TO members this morn
ing in lieu of breakfast.
! Both houses were called to order stimuli
taneously at 10 O'Clock by the rival
speakers. Two Populists responded to
the Republican roll call by mistake, max
ing siXty-six members apparently pres
ent. The Republicans adopted concur
rent resolution for joint committee of
the senate and house to call on the gov
ernor and inform him that both houses
were in session, ready to hear frcm him.
They then closed the legislative day of
Tuesday and began Wednesdays session.
Meantime the Populists did nothing ex-
cept to await the return of the commit
tees sent to the governor and senate.
While this was going on Governor
Lewelling, the attorney general and
Populist senators held caucus and de-
cided not to recognize either house in
view of doubts as to which was legal, if
adjourned till afternoon. Both houses of
representatives are still in session, but
doing nothing. A caucus of the senate
appointed committee to get legal advice
as to which house was legal.
Both speakers then returned to the
representatives chamber, explained the
arrangement and both houses agreed to
adjournment till "a. m. tomorrow.
A conference, including the governor,
both speakers, house committees, Repub-
licans, Populists ana Democrats, was held
this afternoon to appoint a Joint commit
tee to formulate plan of settlement. Five
Democratic members have informed the
governor tnat II 1t came to show Gown
they would vote with the Republicans as
the legally constituted house.
Before adjourning this afternoon, the
Republicans adopted resolution to call
upon the Populist secretary of state to
turn over to the Republican house of rep
resentatives, as the constitutionally or
ganized body, ali records, dispositions
and evidence in contested election cases,
as required by law. The secretary this
evening declined to obey the demand. To-
morrow morning, unless in the mean
time the joint conference committee,
which is considering means to organize
the house, arrives at some conclusions,
the Republicans will institute mandamus
proceedings in the supreme court to COM
pei the secretary of state to show cause
why he doessuot obey the law.
The Joint conference committee ap-
pointed for the purpose of unraveling the
tangle in the house adjourned at mid
night without having formulated any
plan to present in the morning. It is
probable the conference will meet in the
morning before the house convenes, but
it is not likely any agreement on the mat
ter will be reached.