Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-01-11
JERSEYS SENATE ROW..
Tho Two Bodies Are Now Organized Sep.
arately and Are Holding Distinct ses-
sions-A Cessation of HostiIIties Until
Monday-New York's Legislature.

Monday-New York's Legislature.
TRENTON, Jan. 11.-Crowds of excited
men were at the capitol before the time
came for the meeting of the Republican
senate. The doors of the senate chamber
had been locked by the Democrats, aud the
Republican senators held conference, aft
er which President Rogers waited upon
Governor Werts, but the latter replied
that he could do nothing. The janitor of
the statehouse said the keys were gone. A
locksmith was sent for, and when he could
not open the doors they were forced, and
the senators entered, followed by crowd.
The senate at once proceeded to business
The committee on rules presented a report
that the rules of last years senate be adopt
ed with the exception of rule So This rule
requires two-thirds vote in passing bill
through the senate without reference to
the committee. This was done in order to
pass the race track bills at once which were
passed by the house in the morning. These
bills were taken up and passed by a unan-
imous vote and will be sent to the governor.
A resolution was offered by Senator
Ketcham that 25 more sergeants-at-arms
be employed to maintain possession of and
hold the senate chamber for the use of the
senate of New Jersey. The resolution was
passed. Officers of the senate were author
lied to open their respective offices, and the
sergeant-at-arms was directed to employ
locksmith to open the safe. The crowd in
the galleries cried Justify at the resolutions.
Republican Officers In Charge.
Senator voorhees, took the floor and
said the gentlemen present were elected
senators by majorities beyond question
They had presented their credentials to a
body which it would he dignified to call
"McDermott's Senate" and in violation of
all the precedents of years they had been
told that the credentials would be refused
or accepted as that body saw fit. Had they
taken the chamber by force thousands
would have hailed it with delight, but
there might have been bloodshed. Now
they had come peaceably and were in the
right.
1--WE care not what opinions may be Civ
en- or by what official continued Mr. Voor-
hees "Such an opinion must be given after
hearing both sides of the question. We
believe that majority of the citizens of
this state are with us. They recognize that
those who organized yesterdays alleged
senate fear to allow the legally elected SEN
ators to take their seats. We will bow to
no opinions until the courts decide against
us. We have entered this chamber peace
ably, and we do not want to ,inaugurate.
force We have been informed that the
state chief of police and his minions have
been ordered to come here and use force.
If it comes to that let it come to the dis
grace of the discredited minority"
Senators Ketcham and Skirm spoke in
the same strain. Then the senate adjourned
until Monday evening. The officers of the
Republican senate were left in charge of
the chamber and instructed to remain there
unless force was employed. They are not
to fight or offer any resistance, but to re-
tain possession until violent hands are laid
upon them. The Democratic senate will
be in session today, but the contest will go
over until Monday night"