The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-02-06
IN THE SENATE.
Lively Interchange Between Palmer
aud Frye On Federal Elections Bin.


WAsaIsGroS CRY. Feb. 5.-The Fed
erai elections bill occupied the entire ses-
sion in the senate today. Chandler con-
cluded his speech and was followed by
Palmer. who argued that the law having
entirely failed of its purpose aud being
generally obnoxious. should be repealed.
Palmer in his speech contrasted the a.ti-
tnde of the Republicans towards the ne
groes OF the South and the black men of
the Hawaiian islands. being very solicit
Gus for the rights of the former. while in
the case of the latter they were only con-
cerned about white sn npremacy.
Frye reviewed the history of the presi-
Dental election of 1sss and the Tammany
frauds in New York city. and asserted
that Tammany was just as determined to
avail itself OF violation of the law now as
in 1858. Turning to Palmer. he asked:
Does the senator from Illinois think it
was the duty of the United States 10 take
cognizance of these violations and crimes
against the ballot IN the Empire state, or
does he think there was any attempt to
crush freedom9"
"My answer" said Palmer. ''is that tae
instance named by no means jus,ifies the
law. The fact that there was crime in
New York furnishes no reason for subject
ing any other congressional district in the
United States 10 an act placing over it
supervisors and masters. Nothing of that
kind justifies placing whole country un-
der supervision"
II am disappointed with the senator"
said Frye. Il do not think he is any bet
ter than any other Democrat. / am afraid,
as sometimes happens to new recruits.
that he is even worse. ELaughterI A
citizen of n state is a citizen of the United
States, and this republic owes that citizen
some duty" Senator Frye then quoted
the constitution of Mississippi and de-
nonnced its provisions requiring voter TO
be able to read the constitution or give
reasonable Interpretation of section of it
when read TO him.
Does not the senator know that Massa-
chusetts has an even more stringent pro-
vision ?" inquired Gray.
mo, il does not"
Yes, il does, and viii show ii to you"
why. there is not senator on this
floor" said Frye, "gho could. perhaps,
interpret the constitution OF the United
States TO the satisfaction of an examining
committee, as is required by the eonstiiu-
ton of Mississippi
THAT constitution then" suggested
Palmer. very much resembles the consti-
tuition of Hawaii, established by the pro-
visional government" Laughter.
Bate OF Tennessee interrupted TO read
the following provision from the consiitu-
ton OF Massachusetts: Every male citi-
zen Of Il years or upward, not being pau
per or person under guardianship. who is
able 10 read the constitution Of the COM
mouwealth IN English. and write his
name, shall be entitled 10 vote
"Ifthere had been added 10 that" re-
toried Frye. ''the words and interpret il
10 the satisfaction of committee it would
make material difference"
"Does not the senator from Maine see
now" inquired Gray. that the provision
OF the constitution Of Mississippi is no
more severe than the constitution of
Massachusetts,, where a voter mus. be able
to read the constitution and write his
name In Mississippi, If he can not read,
i; is sufficient If he can understand Its pro-
visions.
After some further colloqBy over this
subject between Frye. Gray and Palmer,
the senate adjourned.
Nominations -postmasters: Abram W
Wisner. Olympia. Wash. Frank 5. Hard
ing. McMinIyiiie or Register of the
land etfiee at Rosebarg. or, Robert VI.
Veateh; receiver of public moneys At Ia
tsrande, Or. Victor snelilng
Combinations w iliiam +. Watson. Of
Seattle. surveyor general of Washington.
John y. Terry receiver Of pubic moneys
at Seattle.