The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-10-06
A sK1Rm1sH IN THE SENATE.
Indian Agents Confirmed Despite
Stubborn Opposition.

Washington, Oct. g. With azsix-hours'
continuous executive session the Senate
to-day broke the record Of the last con
gress, but in so doing managed to dispose
of considerable business and get out OF
the way a number of nominations against
which the republicans have been making
determined resistance. The ses-
sion was the result of an agreement and
produced some surprise.
The struggle was over certain nominal
tions of citizens from one state, selected
to act as Indian agents at agencies located
in other states, and there republicans op-
posed their confirmation on the ground
that such nominations were a violation of
the home rule plank Of the Democratic
party platform. Added TO this was the
further charge in some cases that the
nominees were not qualified for the
position. After several previous inef-
fectual attempts to secure action by the
Senate. it was agreed last week that to-
day should be devoted 10 this particular
business, and within twenty minutes
after the Senate convened the doors were
closed and the debate over these uomina-
tions begun.
Messrs. Davis and Washburn Of Mimi
esota, Stewart of Nevada and Dubois Of
Idaho made vigorous speeches denuncia-
tory of the violation OF the home rule
principles, while Mr.. Voorhees, eloquently
defended the President from the shaft of
his assaliants.
The surprise of the day, however, came
in the reported action of Senator Hill,
who is understood to have aided the Re-
publicans not only by his vote, but by his
voice.
The Indian agents under discussion
were all confirmed but one, two or three
democrats voting with the republicans.
The first yea and nay vote was not taken
until almost 4 O'Clock.
THE MEN CONFIRMED.
The men confirmed were William L.
Hargrave of Indiana, to be Indian agent
at Western Shoshone agency in Nevada
Joseph Robinson of Missouri, at the Nez
Perces agency in Idaho; Robert NJ. Allen
Of Illinois, at the White Earth agency in
Minnesota; and James A Smith of Missis-
sippi at Yankton, South Dakota.
Perhaps the most bitter fight was made
against Isaac j. Wootten of Delaware,
nominated to be agent at a Nevada
agency. Senator Higgins led the opposi-
tion against Wootten while Senator Gray
was equally as earnest in his behalf
There appeared TO be considerable ele-
ment of antagonism to this nominee In the
ranks of his own party, and his case was
laid over without final action.
The same opposition manifested itself
against the confirmation of Thomas
Smith of Virginia, nominated to be chief
justice Of New Mexico. but, after a dis
cussion Of more than half an hour, a vote
was taken resulting in his confirmation.
During the speeches there was only
slim attendance, and it became necessary
about 2:30 O'Clock to order a call Of the
Senate.
1t is understood that an effort was made
TO have the favorable report on the nomi-
tiOn of Il. +. Preston to be director of the
mint taken up for action, but Senator
Stewart and other silver senators took
such a determined stand against it that
it went over and will be called up prob
ably at the next executive session.
Quite a number of combinations were
disposed Of and some headway was made
in clearing up calendar that has grown
too large.