The Washington times., 1894-04-20
Mr.. COXEY IN The SENATE
Not Personally, But in the Debate in
Executive Session.
SENATORS SERIOUS ABOUT HIN
The Talk About Policing the City-Messrs.
PETER and Allen Defend the Rights Of the
Commonwealers-M Discussion Prom
ised for To-day.

Inquiry concerning the proceedings OF the
executive session Of the Senate yesterday de-
velops the fact that Senators take a more seri-
Gus view of the prospective gathering Of
Coxeyites and others here than the first re-
port would have seemed to indicate.
Senators who sat quietly in open session yes
terday while the Populist Senators were dis
cussing the proper method of dealing with
the Coxeyites expressed themselves quite
freely In secret session to the effect that i'm
mediate measures should be taken by the ex-
ecutive department to meet any of the
exigencies which may arise. The fact was
recalled that when 1t looked as II there would
be trouble at the inauguration Of President
Lincoln Gen. Scott honeycombed the city
with troops, and the announced purpose
of Gen. Grant to do the same thing on the
occasion of President Hayes Inauguration
was also cited.
The opinion is expressed by Senators who
participated in the executive proceedings that
in view of these precedents and the emergency
that is likely to arise President Cleveland
would be justified In issuing a proclamation
warning the men now on their way to the
city in connection with Coxey's movement
that the authorities will be prepared to re-
Qulre tno StrlcleSt observance OF order.
The opinion is also freely expressed In the
Senate and was advanced in executive ses-
sion, that Congress cannot afford to and
should not do anything looking to the susie
nance Of the Coxey army while here. 1t is
expected that If a large body Of men should
assemble, as is now regarded as probable they
will soon find themselves more anxious to Sc
cu-e food to sustain life than money to build
roads, and will be clamorous for an appro-
priatiOn to that end. Senator Cockrell, chair
man OF the Committee on Appropriations, has
given notice OF speech on the PETER resolu-
tion for to-day, and when asked for an ex-
preston OF his views declined to talk, saying
that he would probably touch upon that phase
OF the question in MS speech. 1t is probable
that several Senators will discuss the question
freely in this debate during the morning
hour to-day.
Senator Peffer stirred up quite hornets
nest yesterday by calling up his resolution
for the appointment OF committee on COM
munications to receive the petitions of Coxey's
army. He explained the object OF the resoiu-
tion as being preparation for the proper re-
ception OF this body OF men, and to give them
every facility to present their grievances to
Congress. The Senate. regarded by many as
the American House of Lords, would have an
opportunity to show that it was not out Of
touch with the people by appointing this COM
mttee.
lue country. ne salu. was on the verge OF
trouble. and unless We were wise and managed
our affairs with discretion we would regret it
in the near future. The times were ripe for
such movements but this was a peaceful body
Of men coming here to orally and personally
lay their grievances before Congress.
Senator Hoar asked Mr.. PETER question
which was not audible to Senator Harris who
without rising, suggested that il Senator Hoar
would address himself to the Vice President
instead Of turning around and addressing the
Senator from Kansas, his remarks could be
heard.
Senator Hoar turned toward Senator Har-
ris. saying, with a benignant smile: 1.-The
Senator from Tennessee is entirely out of
order in addressing the Vice President from
his chair. and is also entirely out of order in
fancying that he presides over the Senate
when the Yice-President is present"
ILaughter.l
The Senator from Tennessee admits that
he is out of order, but no one can watch the
Senator from Massachusetts, as closely as 1 do
and be in order" retorted Senator Harris.
After this little passage at arms Mr.. PETER
went on with his remarks for some time and
was followed by Senator Allen (Rep., Neb.l,
who. while not entirely approving Of Coxeys
action, asserted the perfect right of Coxey
and his followers to come to Washing
ton If they chose. And not only that. but
they had right TO come into the Capitol and
10 occupy tue SdllcrleS OF lne senate, ana IL
would be uuwise on the part of the Senate to
refuse them this privilege. They had also
right to be heard. and no man. whether he be
Senator or citizen, had a right 10 de nv them
that right. He bitterly denounced the report
that General Ordwav. of the National Guard
OF the District OF Columbia, was preparing to
mobilize the militia at the confines Of the
District of Columbia.
This man is coming here with perfect
right" continued Mr.. Allen. with rights
which under the Constitution are as sacred as
those of any other man, woman. or child. and
vet we witness the spectacle of this city being
thrown Into convulsions over the expectation
OF seeing this peaceful body Of men come into
the citv''
He also delivered a strong protest against
the policy of regarding even the grounds of
the Capitol as sacred ground, on which no
sacrilegious foot should be SER when he was
reminded by Senators Faulkner and Harris
that the public streets OF all large cities could
only be used by organized bodies of men or
by parades with the consent of the municipal
authorities.
While he was on the subject Mr. Allen also
complained that visitors from all parts OF the
country. coming here perhaps for the first
and last time in their lives. were not allowed
all the privileges in the government buildings
to which they were entitled, and very often
were crowded out OF the galleries of the
House and Senate by chronic loafers," who
occupied them day after day.
Even when they did get into the galleries
of the Senate they did not get their moneys
worth, for during the tariff debate at least
there were often not a dozen Senators on the
floor