The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-05-03
TuE ArtY ,f,T Un9rD DJsEAsr.
cLUBBfNG or C0xEYITES.
Tom johnson Wants the Matter investi-
gated. but the House Refuses.

WASHINGTON, d. c., May 2-After
some uninportant business in the House
to-day Mr.. Johnson Dem, o.. rising to
a matter OF privilege. he said, offered the
following resolution:
Whereas, It is well known that the
Capitol grounds were on May list overrun
by u large assemblage of people including
a considerable number Of the regular
and special police q the District: and
Whereas. it is publicly stated that the
safety Of the members Of this House has
been endangered thereby, making il neces-
sary for the House 90 rely upon the clubs
Of policemen for their protection,
Resolved. THAI the Committee on Pub
lie Buildings and g.. .unds bee instructed
to inquire into the question as TO whether
unnecessary force was used. whether un-
offending citizens were cruelty beaten, and
whether the dignity Of this House has
been violated; that the said committee
have the power 10 send for persons and
papers and report the facts in cOnnec-
ton with this subject with their recon-
mendations as 10 whether any legislation
is necessary In the premises.
Mr.. Ou hwaite suggested that the resolu-
ton presented no question OF privilege.
In support Of his contention that it was
a matter Of privilege Mr.. Johnson said
that In the sight Of members OF the
House within the shadow OF the Capt.
tol, citizens were cruelty and unneces-
sarily beaten, and he asked that 10 be
investigated, believing that the whole
proceeding directly and Ttally affected
the dignity Of the House. 1t was dis
graceful, he said. that such a thing could
occur. In presenting the resolution Mr..
Johnson said he was not moved by any
sympathy with the purposes or aims or
the COxey army He acted because the
clubbing took place under the prctenSe
that 1t was 10 defend the members OF
the House. No one here. he said, was
scared but at the doors Of the House,
where the jurisdiction Of Congress IS SUI
preme, citizens were clubbed. and he
thought IL ought 10 be investigated.
The Speaker ask d how that presented
a question OF privilege Those people were
violating the law. Mr. johnson respond
ed that he believed Il to be question
of the very highest privilege Ihe
Sneaker suggested that the matter could
be investigated IN the Police court OF
other tribunal established Tor that pur-
nose. but the resolution did not present
a question OF privilege. MI. Johnson
asked unanimous consent for immediate
VAS refused by several members.
Representative Johnson. failing TO get
consideration Of his Coxey resolution IN
the House to-day as matter OF priVi-
Ieee. changed it's form, and had II re-
ferred to the House Committee on Pnbhc
Puildings and Grounds. IL insuucts thal
',,.,,,,,,ittae 10 Investigate the action or the
nolIce al the Capitol grounds yesterday IN
Connection with the Coxey movement ana
ronnr, eoI'r'S its conclusions Of fact and recon-
roendations of legislation, II ary
TO PROVIDE WORK FOR The uNsapIofAD.
Mr.. Bell Pop.. Cob introduced IN tne
Reuse to-day a joint resolution to pro
viSe for the appointment Of a committee
70 devise means for the employment OF
the idle men OF the country, ls''',cS i,craa"e
,,,,gration. start up the mines increase
the the currency. and to prohibit the issue
~ NJ ,nterest-bearing bonds without me au-
tbarity OF Congress. The committee IA 10