The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1894-12-06

Washington, Dec. 5.-The Senate
showed its first signs of animation to-
day, and although the session lasted
only until z:SO there was time enough
for several brisk debates.
Mr.. Vests efforts to secure a change
in the rules in order to expedite bust
ness was the chief event of the day.
Mr.. Vest, who was formerly opposed
TO cloture, today announced his con-
version
Another feature of the day was the
sharp debate on China4Japan ques-
tons, brought out by MIR. Lodges reso-
luton calling for information as 10
the torturing OF japanese students
Who were under American protection.
Mr.. PETER made the first formal
speech of the session. criticising, from
Populist point, the recent issue of
bonds and giving his views on finance.
At the close of Mr.. PETERS speech
the resolution was adopted without
division. 1t asks the judiciary COM
mittee to inquire into the action of the
secretary of the treasury in issuing
:. bonds.
Another resolution by Mr.. PETER for
Information from the president as to
the use of United States troops at Chi
Kago during the Pullman strike,
fEoucht out considerable debate on the
question as to its reference to the com
nittee.
Mr.. Chandler Republican,, of Ohio.
supported Mr.. PETERS contention,
NOW that the president has Congress
on MS hands, said Mr. Chandler, "it
would be we'll to get all this and other
pupnc information at the earliest pos
slble moment, so Congress could pro-
coed to deal with them"
The resolution was finally referred
10 the Judiciary committee.
MI. vest, Democrat, of Missouri. then
addressed the Senate on the need of A.
change Of the Senate rules. He modified
THE form Of his previous resolution SO
the committee on rules is to report bv
december 10, plan for closing debate.
Mr.. Vest said he had formerly opposed
&loture, but he was now convinced
cfoture was inevitable and that it
should be effected as soon as possible.
Inc question was thoroughly under
stood. having been debated for years.
so that tine Senate was in a position to
act at once. When the Senate num-
bered forty members, there was no
need Of c-oture, but with the Senate in
crasinS so that its membership would
soon reach 100, it was imperativelv
n eessary to have a rule bringing de-
Df 1e TO close. In reality the present
uHf7s stified debate. Senators will not
debate question when they recognize
me hopeless opposition under which
ThEy labor. These rules encourage
parliamentary bGackmail," declared the
senator. Amendments to bills are Of
fered under the deliberate threat that
If they are not excepted an indefinite op-
position will be inaugurated Bills of
vast public interest fingered here until
they were dead and the people were
weary and disgrlsted with the specta-
Gle of a. powerless Senate. Even when
the bills passed, after such a contest
they were so dfscredited as to have no
moral support from the public.
Mr. Vest said he expected no Interior
purpose of securing the advancement
Of the separate tariff bills, but in the
present case his only object was to Sc
cure the change of rules which was
essential and inevitable.
MIR. Harris (Dem.). Of Tennessee.
aided his opinion in favor of a change
of rules, but he suggested that the alb
sence from the city of the chairman
of the committee on rules, Mr.. Black
& burn, made it unwise to compel report
of form of cloture by December Is.
} AIR. Harris said he would undertake to
promise that some such resolution
would be reported soon after the re-
turn of Mr.. Blackburn.
II said said Mr.. Aldrich, that this
new rule is not to apply to legislation
Of this session, nor to the pending tariff
bills?"
1T applies to everything" said Mr..
Vest
IF this new rule is adopted" said
Mr.. Allen (Pop), of Nebraska, will
any effort be made toward financial leg
islation on the lines of the Presidents
message?"
Mr.. Vest said he was not authorized
to state what would be done in that re-
gard.
4 In order to terminate the random dis
cussion, Mr.. Harris moved ito go into
executive session.
Mr.. Ransom Dem), Of North Caro-
lima, secured recognition to present the
credentials Of Patrick Walsh, reelected
as senator from Georgia. Arm in arm
Messrs. Walsh and Ransom walked to
the desk Ct the presiding officer, where
the oath Of Office was administered
Mr.. Vest gave notice he would renew
his motion in behalf of the resolution
tomorrow.
Then the Senate went into executive
session and soon after adjourned.