Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-31
SENATE REORGANIZATION
A Lively Debate After the Republicans
Had Been Put in Control.
Democratic Charges Against the Popu-
lists-Messrs. Allen and Butler Ex-
plnin Their Positions.

After the Senate had been placed under
the control of the republicans yesterday
afternt on by vote of 80 to %, lively de-
bate was precipitated. Senator Harris
wished to show that the republicans and
pcpulists had combined to bring about the
reorganization of the Senate the latter
playing their part in the proceedings by
remaining silent, but this was Indignantly
denied by both republicans and populists.
Then the democrats reminded the repubH-
cans that they would be responsible for fu-
ture legislation, but this was denied. as the
republicans said they had no majority.
there being AZ republicans. 80 democrats
and 6 populists in the Senate.
Mr.. Allen explained the attitude of the
third party men, He said it was dstasteful
to populists to he referred to as republican
pCpulists,' or democratic populists." he
wanted tie &C untry to understand that the
populists formed a distinct and independent
political organization. He said there had
been an effort to organize the Senate on
silver lines, but with two or three eXcep-
lions. the republicans and democrats had
refused to respond to the invitation sent
out to them.
Mr. Harris wanted to know whether the
populists, with full knowledge that they
held the balance of power, had not deliber-
ately determined by their silence to allow
the republicans TO control the Senate.
The POpulist Position.
Mr.. Allen replied that the populists real
lied that they held the balance of power
I'VE have got it, he said turning to Mr..
Harris, land we propose to utilize it."
One Of two courses was, he said, open
to them; either to vote against the resolu-
ton and allow the democrats to retain con-
troll, or by negative action, and allow the
republicans to assume control. Evil must
result either way. In all fairness he de-
sired to say the democrats had shown
themselves absolutely incapable of legisla-
ton. When the present administration as
sumed power he had expected to support
the reform movements of Mr.. Cleveland.
The democratic party claimed to be the
party of tariff reform. He believed in
tightening the burdens of the people But
the tariff bill came in loaded to the guards
with protection. He had concluded that
the democratic party, as represented by
the capacity nor the disposition to relieve
the people. Republican laughter) The
same was true of the republican party.
Democratic laughter) The policy of the
republicans inaugurated in the other
branch of Congress, to be followed here,
he predicted. would work the ruin of the
party within six months.
Mr.. Mitchell of Oregon denied that the
republicans could be held responsible. They
had not been in the majority and were not
row in the majority. Whether they would
be before the session closed remained to be
seen.
Mr.. Mitchell said. In justice to the popu-
lists, that they had absolutely refused to
even suggest committee assignments. They
were, with one or two exceptions, per-
mitted to retain what they had had in the
Fifty-third Congress.
Was not the position Of non-action and
silence taken by the populists," inquired
Mr. Harris, quite as satisfactory as II
they had pledged their votes to the resolu-
uon?"
1--WE are always satisfied with what the
Senate does" replied Mr.. Mitchell, smiling
1.-The Senator from Tennessee under
stands that the rules give the plurality
coLtrol of the committees?" said Senator
Hoar.
Il am aware of the rule" replied Mr.
Harris. gruffiy.
THE Senator is aware of everything"
said Mr.. Hoar.
mo. not everything" retorted Mr.. Har-
ris. testify.
Mr.. Buffers First Speech.
Mr.. Butler made his first speech in the
Senate while the debate was in progress
by adding to Mr.. Aliens explanation his
own views regarding the attitude Of the
populists. After explaining the condition
in which he found the Senate in regard to
parties, he said it became plain that the
populsts must either act with the republic
cans or with the democrats, or remain quiet
and allow the two old parties to fight 1t out
among themselves"
Explaining, in reply to a question, the
combination by which he had been elected
to the Senate, Mr.. Butler said that his sue
cess due to the fact that the democratic
party in North Carolina had become SO cor
Iupt that it was repudiated by good men in
all parties.
Mr.. German said that the republicans had
sought the power which the control of the
committees would give them, and he said
that he was amazed that Mr. Allison should
thus early seek to avoid the responsibility
which his party had assumed. They had
assumed the responsibility and must meet
it like men.
Messrs. Allison, Hale Teller Chandler
and Cockrell took part in the debate until
the Senate adjourned. at 1850.
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