Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1895-01-11
Bitter Attack on the President
Made In the House Tuesday by DEM
Ocratic Member from PennsyIvanIa.


Ocratic Member from PennsyIvNnIa.
What is said to have been the most saw
age attack on the Chief Executive ever
heard on the floor of Congress was made
Tuesday by Joseph c. Sibey, Democrat
ic member from Pennsylvania, as a part of
the debate on the Carlisle currency bill.
Referring to the published reports that the
executive department of the government,
in the person of the secretary of the treas
ury, was using its power to influence votes
in favor of the BILL Mr.. Sibley said
Mr.. Chairman, if | have read the con-
stitution of the United States correctly, it
defines the powers and duties of the Chief
Executive, and the powers and duties of
the membership of the House; and | tell
you that, if ever rebuke was needed to
one who has trampled down the preroga-
tives of the people, it is to that man who
has used his influence, or attempted to use
it, to create in himself the sole governing
power of this nation. 1t has come to a
time when to be the government of this
people requires something more than a
combination of brains, belly and brass.
Sensation and applause.
Mr. Sbley continued at some length to
assail the administration far its attitude
toward and action upon financial meas
ures. The repeal of the purchasing clause
of the Sherman law, he asserted, had been
secured by the promise Of internal revenue
collectorships as bribes to members if they
would vote for repeal. When asked to
give names he said II went three days
,Inr nj aely aJ tp al w
me the privilege of calling him up here.
He said, 'Mr. Sibley, you will place me
in bad position with my constituents -
But continued MI. Sibley, "within ten
feet of me sits a man who heard him
make the statement that he had been of
feredfederal offices for his vote"
Mr.. Sibley went on to say that his lips
had been padlocked long enough, and now
he had thrown off the paddock. When
asked, "Who put the paddock on your lips?'
Mr.. Sibley hesitated for a moment, aud
then with intense earnestness said: "Let
me tell the gentleman that | am not talk
/ ing today to men who believe in going to
hell in a handcart instead of to heaven
/ supported by truth. Let me tell you also
that | am not addressing men who believe
more in a bobtail flush than a contrite
/ heart A shout of laughter greeted the
| statement.
"We saw our distinguished Executive
after the election of 1892 Mr. Sibley
| continued, "hie himself away for re'rea-
tion. Where on earth did he 90? TO the
classic shores of Hog Island. The Bible
says that when they are set at liberty each
man will go to his own place. Where did
he go? To Buzzard's Bay. And ever
since the old ship of state has been bump
ing her nose into Hog Island and founder
] ing in the waters of Buzzard's Bay, with
I prosperity but a cable length away"
Farther along in his speech Mr.. Sib-
ley said: Look upon the condition OF
! the people of this country and you
can tell the merits of your administra'
tion." Mr.. Sibley declared that by the
standards of the fathers he believed he was
Democrat; he revered jefferson and
Jackson and worshipped at their shrine
But if he was to be carried in convey
ance labelled democracy" guided by al
obstinate driver, on an unknown road
precipices and chasms yawning on al
sides, he was going to jump ont and h'
was not particular as to where he lit
/ Laughter.