Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-05-02
ACTION OF THE POLICE
Representative johnson Wants It Investi-
gated BY the House
He Offers . Resolution and Says the
Scene Was Disgraceful-Refer-
red to q Committee.

A movement was made In the House this
morning toward an investigation Of the ac-
ton Of the metropolitan police in the Capt.
tol grounds yesterday. The skirmish be-
tween the police and Browne and his lieu
tenants took place under the very windows
OF the House wing and was witnessed by
many Congressman. who crowded out upon
the balcony and to the windows Of the COM
mittee rooms.
In the House this morning Mr. Tom john
son of Ohio arose to a question Of privilege
and offered the following resolution:
Whereas. II is well known that the Capi-
tol grounds were. on May the 1st. overrun
by a large assemhlage Of people, including
a considerable number Of the regular and
special police Of this District. and. where
as, 1t Is publicly stated that the safety Of
the members Of this House has been en-
dangered thereby. making II necessary for
the House to rely upon the clubs Of police
men for their protection; resolved, that the
committee on public buildings and grounds
be instructed to inquire into the question
as to whether unnecessary force was used;
whether unonending citizens were cruelty
beaten. and whether the dignity of this
House has been violated; that the same
committee have the power to send for per-
sons ana papers and report the facts In con-
nection with the subject with their recon-
mendations as to whether any legislation Is
necessary In the premises"
An objection was made by Mr.. Outhwaite
that the matter was not q question Of
privilege. The Speaker said he would hear
Mr.. Johnson upon the question Of privilege
within the sight OF members of this
House." said Mr.. johnson, "men were
cruelty beaten by the police. There was
enacted upon our own grounds a disgrace
full scene. and 1t ought to be investigated
I claim that as the Capitol grounds are
in charge Of the two houses OF Congress
any cruelty. any such outrageous conduct
as was witnessed yesterday by members Of
this House at the portico on this side. Is
matter that affects the dignity OF this
House 1t is a disgraceful thing for inno-
cent bystanders to be clubbed by police
men. Now. I am not making this claim
because / am In sympathy with the pur-
poses OF the Coxey army. but In plain
justice to citizens who come here to witness
any scene, I ask for that investigation
Men were cruelty beaten here yesterday by
the police. 1t seems to me II presents a
question Of the highest privilege The
dignity Of this House has been assailed"
But the question Is about the allegation
Of the resolutions" interposed the Speaker.
1T Is not necessary that>th allegations
should be proved at this time" said Mr..
johnson. Il ask for its investigation"
The gentleman makes the statement on
his own responsibility" said the Speaker.
He recites that 1t is publicly stated"
That is not the point on which claim
II" replied Mr.. johnson. IT claim that
men have been cruelty beaten. that un-
necessary torce mas been used on our own
grounds under the pretense OF protecting
US. Nobody was frightened by anything
lot Of policemen were appointed and put
on duty here for the occasion. some Of them
excitable. and innocent men were out
rageously treated. Is not that an indignity
to this House?''
III 1t IL q violation OF law. the law can
take charge Of it." said the Speaker
The law gives power to Quell disturb-
ances, but what ! ask Ii an Investigation
as to whether innocent people were not bad
ly treated" replied Mr.. johnson. II can
not see why II Is not q question OF privilege
OF the very highest privilege. II It had oc-
CURED on the public street, on Pennsyl-
vania, for instance. that would have been
different thing; but II occurred right at
our steps. and where the jurisdiction be-
longs especially to Congress"
Not . Privileged Question.
TT Il asking US to make an Investigation
which might properly be had in the Police
Court or some other court" suggested Mr..
Outhwaite. Il think 1t ought to be inves-
tigated. but think 1t ought to be invesri-
gated In the courts where these charges
may be properly made and tried"
The Speaker held that 1t was not q
question OF privilege
Mr.. johnson then asked unanimous con-
sent for the immediate consideration Of the
resolution. but Mr.. Quigg, the new member
from New York. objected. The resolution
was referred to the committee on rules