The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-09-03
IN THE HOUSE.


Fighting the New Rules.
WASHINGTON CTTy. Sept 2-The dehate
over the house rules is developing con-
siderable feeling between the Crisp leaders
and some of the gentlemen who consti-
tuted the factional opposition In his awn
party 10 the speaSer's administration in
the last house. This is apparent by the
vigorous manner in which they are fight
Ing some OF the changes in the rules pro-
posed in the interest of expediting bnsi-
ness aud preventing obstructive tactics.
McMillin. who is leading the Democratic
opposition TO these changes. is being ably
supported by Hooker of Alabama and
Turner Of Georgia, and quite q number Of
Democratic congressman who oppose the
adoption OF any OF the expedients of the
Reed congress. The Republicans, led hy
ex-Speaker Reed. are using all their inge-
ruity 90 drive q wedge between the Demo
cratic factions.
Hooker today presented in modified
form the amendment. he sought to.have
adopted yesterday. increasing the number
required 10 transact business by unani-
nous consent. and Il was defeated.
Tracey Of New York offered an amend
nent striking out the clause in rule 2i,
priation bills when these amendments are
in the interest Of retrenchment OF expendi-
lures. McMiiiin spoke vigorously In op-
position to the proposed change. as did
also Holman. Stone and Others. and
Tracey withdrew il.
Kyle Of Mississippi offered an amend
ment increasing the number OF members
constituting q quorum OF the committee
OF the whole to . majority of the men,
bers- Under the rule brought in by the
committee 100 members are made quorum
in committee of the whole. Kyle declared
this was not right. II was against public
policy and public sentiment and placed IL
practically in the power of 100 members to
transact the most important business of
the house. OuthwAte. sote ths commiitss
on rules, contended that if the members
were interested in legislation they should
be here whether the members constituting
quorum were 100 or 100. During the con-
sideration of appropriation bills absentee
ism was usually great, and house business
was obstructed. De Armond of Missouri
supported Kyie's amendment aud called
attention to the fact that Cultivate on
posed such an Amendments in the Reed
congress. Cultivate said he Was four
years older in Legislative experience than
when he made that speech. De Almond
said the objections adduced four years ago
we're as good now. The entire Democratic
side fought the proposition at that time,
as could be demonstrated by reference 10
the vote In the Record. Breckinridge of
Kentucky spoke warmly In support of the
amendment.
Catchings. the floor leader, asked to have
q rule passed temporarily until larger at.
tendance was obtained. but Hooker of
Mississippi objected and supported the
change He said the COMMITTEES of the
whole has no place in the constitution; it
is mere matter of convenience. and the
suggested change 10 TO make IL less cum
bersome. The question OF how Democrats
voted four years ago made no difference,
as at that time they were fighting the un-
precedented Reed rules.
A hot colloquy took place between
Catchings and McMlllin Of Tennessee.
The latter asked why, II this change was
advisable now, il was not made In the last
congress. Catchings replied warmly that
McMillin was the last man In the house
that should ask such . question; that O
number of changes desired by the speaker
and himself tcatchings) at the last ses-
sion failed because OF McMiIlin's opposi-
ton. This was taken by many members
as an explanation OF why McNiilin was
dropped from the rules committee this
time.
After further debate the house suspended
consideration of the rules 10 pass an
amendment TO the urgent deficiency bill.
aud after adopting resolution making
the day Of the centennial celebration OF
the laying Of the corner stone OF the cap
itol legal holiday. sdiourned until nexs
Wednesday.