The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-03-30
A Senatorial Vacancy Happens
When 1t Exists, and Should
Be Filled.
Parties Should Not Lose Their
Integrity Simply to Effect
an Election.
commodore Power Rises In the Senate to
s0uestion of Personal Privilege
AXIS Investixation. t

WARRINGTON, March 29.--In the the son.
ate Hoar called up ~ a question Of privi-
lege the resolution reported by him from
the committee on privileges and election,
declaring Lee Mantle entitled to be ad-
mitted to seat as senator from Montana.
Harris suggested that the senate was not
ready for action on the question ns the re-
ports OF the majority and minority had
only been delivered to-day. Hoar said hia
reason for calling up the subject to-day
was that some OF the senators were about
to leave the city day. and desired to ad-
dress the senate. The resolution was taken
up. Pugh, who Joined in the report of tho
majority, proceeded to address tho senate
in favor of that report.
Henrgued from debates in the constitu-
tional convention, that tho ''existenos OF a
vacancy from any cause" was O crucial test
OF the power of the governor to fill va
cancy. The vacancy happened" he
argued, II it existed. In illustration Of the
possible evils that might result from pro-
hibiting governors from filling vacancies in
the senate. PuRh said the force bill would
now be low IL one senator opposed to il
had been kept out of his seat by the opera
parties, he said. existed by regular organi-
cation in several states. These parties
favored specific principles and policea that
were fundamental and irreconcilable. Wasit
right in such case for the senate to estab-
lish tyrannical rules. that those parties
should surrender their opinions aud con-
victions. disregard their pledges and fidel-
lty to their constituents. and como to some
fnY ha a1a Of
A lengthy discussion followed, in which
numerous contentious were made and ar
Qued. many of the senators indicating con-
currence with the views of the minority.
adverse to the admission of the senator's.
The matter then went over till Tomorrow.
Mitchell having the floor to defend the
minority report.
Power, rising to question of personal
privilege. referred to an article in this
mornings Washington Post. quoting from
the remarks made against him in the senate
chamber by Senator Turpie two or three
years ago when the question of his tight 20
a seat was pending. He said his success in
thai party strife had caused competitor
to try to vent his spleen ON him Though
the press and in every conceivable manner
possible. He demanded the most careful
and thorough investigation by the special
committee. He asked that the cause Of the
remarks by Iurpie be thoroughly looked
into.
Vest said ii the senate were to appoint q
committee to enter on an investigation of
nll personal charges against senators in the
public press. it might as we'll dismiss all
other business and 90 into that matter ex-
clusively.
After further debate Chandler offered a
resolution referring Powers request to the
committee on privileges and elections,
German suggested that the resolution 60
over for tho present and hoped the senate
would fix day hereafter for the considera-
ton OF all such matters. After further
debate the senate. on motion of German.
went into executive session and soon ad-
iourned.