The morning call., 1893-10-12

Lore We nave done, SalQ ne, anu no dSkeu
the Senator from Idaho whether he would
fix day to take a vote.
| Dubois said there were many distln-
guished Senators who had not yet talked
on the subject and he could not nor could
any one else say when the debate would
probably close.
II understand the situation perfectly"
| said VOORHEES,, and added that this cpl
sode in the history of the Senate would
| result in reforming the rules. II believe.
said he, "that this body should have rules
by which to conclude discussion and reach
vote. That would be higher, more rea-
| s0nable. more sensible and more decent
than the struggle on which we are enter
ing now, which is the only one possible.
The opponents of this bill will not name
any day for vote. They will resort to
dilatory measures to prevent action bein
taken at all. Who is to quit? Sir. would
rather be carried from this desk feet fore
most and put to sleep at my home in Terre
Haute forever than to yield the principle
that the majority has the right to govern.
l stand here for the highest principle OF
free government known to history. We
started In here some weeks ago to discuss
| the repeal OF bad measure OF financial
| legislation. We have reached the question
OF free government. We have reached the
question of constitutional government.
We have reached the question OF whether
or not we have a government that can ad-
minister itself. Idle. vapid talk takes
place in the papers in regard to abolish
ing the Senate of the United States.
The Senate can no more be abol-
ished than can the constitution, for
it is great part thereof. but
it can be governed by rules of it's own
making so as to make it self-actiDg and
proper and reasonable body of legislation.
am tender of minorities." said VOORHEES,
II would not injury the minority. But
shall the minority govern? Answer me.
Shall the minority govern? Somebody
has to rule. Somebody has to control this
Government. Shall ii be the minority or
the majority? The Senator from Idaho
has sigDified that possibly they had ma
| jority. Then let US ascertain that by a
vote, and we will submit to it gladly,
willingly. if we are minority. Will you
not do likewise? Then the question comes
whether we have Government at all. l
stand here tonight not talking compro-
mise. / stand for the rule of the ma
jorty. There is a mighty principle in
volved in this. and If / 60 down will 60
down with my flag nailed 10 the masthead.
If compromise is to takeIplace on the prin-
ciple that the minority has a right to
dictate. it will be negotiated by others. not
by me-"
Harris D) of Tennessee and Jones (D)
of Arkansas said that they voiced the
sentiment of several Senators when
vote for unconditional repeal. and that
Voorhees, could have as long session as
he liked.
Butler D.) of South Carolina said that
Voorhees, had gono step beyond the
issue when he said the question now con-
| fronting the Senate was whether the Gov
eminent should stop or whether the SEN
ate was capable of self-government. lis
the country to be impressed with the con-
viction that because the repeal bill cannot
pass the Senate" said Butler. "tbat there
is a revolution in the country and that the
Senate cannot govern itself? l submit in
common fairness to those who oppose Ii
| that the conclusion is neither legitimate,
| logical nor fair. This bill is not the pivot
| upon which the Government stands, but
an edict has gone forth. and the country s
Government must stop until the bill does
pass, and we must perhaps obey. For one,
| l will not obey, as long as have power
under the constitution to express my dis
obedience"
Dolph R.) Of Oregon read from the Con-
gressioDal Record extracts from the debate
bo Cd al ra
showing that those on the Democratic side
had not always been willing for the maj or
ity to rule. and yet the minority did not
prevail on that occasion. II will stay hele
as long as the Senator from Indiana de-
sires." said Dolph, ''but il there fails to be
quorum / am going home"
From o'clock until II O'Clock the de-
bate continued without any unusual fea-
lures, Allen holding the floor. The crowd
in the galleries did not diminish until II
O'Clock. but gradually the Senators COM
menced vanishing and as midnight ap-
preached less than dozen were in their
seats.
But the thunderous voice of the big
Populist from Nebraska showed no signs
of weakening. OF the twenty-nine books
which be had stacked upon his desk only
three had been opened. The remaining
twenty-six represented so much stored-up
ability to talk against time.
Exactly at IL o'clock Dubois arose and
remarked as he looked about the cham
ber: "Mr. President, Ibelieve quorum is
not present"
The Vice-President directed the clerk to
call the roll. and from the cloak-rooms and
entrances the Senators crowded into the
chamber.
When the rollcall was completed Steven
son announced that ffty.five Senators
were present, quorum. and directed Sem
ator Allen to proceed. The Nebraskan
promptly took the floor again. and the
quorum as PROMPTLY began disappearing
through the cloakroom doors.
WASHINGTON, Oct 12.-At 12:45 Dubois
remarked the fact that no quorum was
present. and the occupants of the cloak
rooms again filed hastily into the ch amber
and the Vice. President announced fifty
| two Senators. quorum, pr esnet.
After several sarcastic passages between
Palmer of Illinois, White of Louisiana and
Allen, tho latter resumed his speech.
| At o'clock Hoar wearily interrupted
Allen to know candidly whether the