Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-04-12
THE ROACH CASE.
Some Plain Talk in Senate EX-
ccutive SessiOn--Eckels.
fsr telegraph % tho pIspatch.l

10y telegraph 10 the Dispatch.l
WASHINGTON, ID. g., April 1.-The
Roach case came prominently TO the
front to-day in the executive session OF
the Senate and was the cause for some
rather plain talk from both sides OF tho
chamber. The Senate only went into
secret session after yea and nay vote,
in which it was developed that the
Democrats had enough members pres
ent, added to the Republicans, TO make
a voting quorum. As soon as the doors
were closed the Republicans propounded
an inquiry as to whst the other side
meant by refusing to permit the Com
mittee on Privileges and Elections to re-
port the resolution relative to the con-
test OF Mr.. Martins seat by Mr.. Ady-a
resolution that had been agreed upon IN
the committee at the meeting Saturday;
and further, why they had exhibited
what appeared TO be bad faith IN the
Roach resolutIon-a resolution which the
Republicans contended had been agreed
TO bv the Democrats on the floor OF the
Senate.
This at once precipitated discussion
in which it WAS developed that the
Democrats we're opposed to taking up
the Roach case at this time and wanted
to postpone any further action until the
next session of Congress-. IL was de-
clared that the Democratic leaders, as
had been stated by them before. if
the Roach case was 10 he gone into there
were others that should be taxa up as
well. The Republicans retortcd that
they we're afraid OF no investigation con
corning any of their members. but they
insisted that some positive action should
be taken in this particular case. The
Democrats said they were willing that
the resolution should be modified so
as to instruct the committee TO report
whether or not they had the authority
TO make investigation concerning the
previous acts of a senator but the ke-
publicans urged that this did not 90 far
enough and insisted that the committee
shonld be still further authorized to 60
ahead and make the investigation II they
found they had such authority. 1t was
this couuter-proposition that the Demo-
Gratis opposed, and after a long discus
sion of the two views 50 yehemeatly ad-
hered to by the respective sides the
question was laid aside without any def
mite action being taken.
The Martin case was given its share
of the debate, the Republicans contend
ing that the Committee on Privileges
and Elections should report the resolu-
ton as adopted at its meeting, and that
the work contemplated under the reso-
luton should he prosecuted during the
recess IF the Senate. From the debate
that ensued the Republicans assert that
thew draw the conclusion that the
Democrats do not intend to do any
thing in this case. and will. if possible,
refuse TO look in the question OF the le-
gality Of the seat now occupied by dr.
Martin.
The nomination of Mr.. Eckels to be
COMPTROLLER OF the Currency was re-
ported favoraDly, but confirmation did
not follow, it going over for day under
the rules there being an objection to It's
present consideration. This objection
found expression in some very caustic
remarks by Republican senators IN re-
gard TO what they call the lack of WIS
dom manifested IN the selection for so
important an Office of man, who, by
his own admission, knew absolutely no.
thing Of the business OF banking.