Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-04
Suddenly Sprung Upon the Senate
by Mr.. Turpie.
MOTION TO TAKE IT UP CARRIED
Subsequent Agreement to Wait for
the River and Harbor Bill.
MATTERS IN THE HOUSE


when the session opened today, including
the bill authorizing the Muskogee, Okla
homa and Western railroad, to construct
railway through Oklahoma and Indian
territories.
Also removing the political disabilities of
Col John Taylor Wood.
The bill concerning marriages in the Dis
trict of Columbia and giving parents the
guardianship of their children was finally
disposed of by agreement to some minor
House amendments. The measure is an
outgrowth of a recent sensational case in
the District of Columbia courts, which de-
veloped that father had the right by will
to give another than the mother custody of
the children.
Mr.. Call Fla.) then called up his resolu-
ton for a special committee of five Sena-
tors to investigate alleged election irregu-
larities in Florida
Mr.. Harris motion to refer the resolu-
ton to the committee on privileges and
elections prevailed, 30 TO 22.
The Du Pont Case.
The Du Pont case was unexpectedly
brought forward on a motion by Mr. Turpie
Qnd) to proceed with the consideration of
the case. On this he asked for a yea and
nay vote. Mr.. Mitchell, chairman of the
committee on privileges and elections, was
about to protest when Mr.. German made
the point that the question was not de-
batable.
Il am in charge of the resolution, and as
chairman of the committee l ask to make
statement" insisted Mr.. Mitchell.
MIR. German yielded and Mr.. Mitchell
proceeded TO state that it was surprising
that this move should be made to take the
case out of his hands. when there was no
disposition on the republican side of the
chamber to delay vote. He had expected
to go on with the Du Pont case as soon as
the river and harbor bill was out of the
way.
Mr.. Turpie responded that the Oregon
Senator assumed too much in stating that
he was in charge of the resolutions. He
CIurpie) had offered resolutions opposing
the seating of Du Pont, and Mr.. Mitchell
was certainly not in charge of those resolu-
tions.
THE Senator understands that he does
not represent the committee" replied Mr..
Mitchell, with earnestneSs. His resolutions
represent a minority, while speak for the
committee
Mr.. Turpie remarked with some sarcasm
that Mr.. Mitchell had given no new In
formation to being chairman OF the
committee, and insisted a vote on his
motion to take up the minority resolution.
AT this point Mr. German interposed with
suggestion of a compromise by which
the case would be taken up next Monday
and voted on at pm. next Tuesday.
Mr.. Mitchell wanted the proposition modi-
fed so that the TIyer and harbor bill would
not be interfered with.
Turpie's Motion Carried,
No consent could be obtained, and the
roll was called on Mr.. Turpies motion,
which was adopted, 30 to 81. All the re-
publicans voted against the motion, the
democrats and four populis.s, Allen, But
Ter, Kyle and Peffer, voting for the motion.
Mr.. Jones of Nevada was not in the cham
Der, but MIR. Stewart was, and did not
vote.
Mr.. MitcheIrs Characterization of the
The vote having been announced, Mr..
Mitchell. showing evident feeling despite
his efforts at calmness, said impressively
that IN eighteen years of service this was
the first time he had seen such untustilia-
HE action. Under ordinary circumstances
there was comfy among Senators without
reference to party. And yet, with several
Senators on the republican side of the
Chamber absent and impaired, without any
intimation or notice. this motion to proceed
with the Du Pont case was made and car
ned Under the circumstances, car look
at this action in no other light than as a
discourtesy," said Mr.. Mitchell.
In view of this statement" said Mr.
George MISSY, Il say to my associates on
this side of the chamber that we ought to
credit it,"
Mr.. Allinson suggested that 1t was unfor-
tunate to precipitate this case ahead of ap-
preparation bills. Mr.. George replied sig
nifcantly that there was plenty of time be
Tore July L next 10 pass appropriation bills.
Mr. Chandler spoke of the singular features
Of the action just taken. two republican
Senators being absent and impaired.
Mr.. Germans PROPOSAL.
After further debate a conciliatory tone
prevailed, and Mr.. German proposed that
the Du Pont case be taken up after the riv-
er and harbor bill was disposed of, the final
vote to be taken the second day thereafter
at pm. This was assented to by all con-
cerned. and the incident closed
The river and harbor bill was then taken
up.
Mr.. PeTcr's Bond Resolution
AT O'Clock Mr. PETER occasioned another
furry. At that time the bond resolution
was laid before the Senate as the unfinished
business. 1t was supposed the resolution
would give way. But Mr.. -Peffer insisted
on going on, saying he had yielded to three
appropriation bills and would yield no
longer.
MIR. HILLS Opinion.
Mr.. Hill declared that this "political-
fnancialpartisan'' resolution was entitled
to no privilege. Mr.. Sherman said he
thought the bond resolution should be acted
on promptly. in view of previous under
standings, and the desirability of granting
any request for information on treasury or
bond transactions. He did not think the
Secretary of the Treasury would object to
it, There was no reflection on him The
pond resolution should be disposed of in a
few hours.