The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-05-21
SENATE PROCEEDINGS.

Washington, May 1S.-In the senate
today the following bills were passed:
Authorizing the purchase by the United
States and the making free of toll, roads
passing over the Yosemite national park
regulating the pay of non-commissioned
officers of artillery, cavalry and infantry
of the army as follows:
Sergeant major, $50; regimental quar-
termaster, $50; first sergeant, $50; SER
geant, $23; corporal, SIT.
A proviso to the last bill provides for
Il continuance of longevity pay as here
tofore; appropriating 100000 for pub
lie building and site at Deadwood, S. D..
Mr.. Chandler (Rep.) of New Hamp-
shire asked the adoption of resolution
calling on the attorney general for a
statement as to the condition of the joint
traffic association rates to the sea aboard.
The resolution recently introduced by
Mr.. Sherman for the appointment of Il
committee of five senator's to go to Alas
ka during the recess of congress and con-
duct certain inquiries as to seal life,
boundary, etc, was reported back by
the committee on contingent expenses
and placed on the calendar without favor
able or uhfavorable recommendation.
Mr.. Chandler objected to immediate
cOnsideratino.
The proposed inquiry into alleged elec-
ton Irregularities in Alabama came up
ON request by Mr.. Allen Pop) of Ne
braska, for unanimous consent to pro-
ceed to the immediate consideration of
the subject.
Mr.. Hill Dem.) of New York quickly
objected. saying other business had the
right-of-way, and this proposed inquiry
was not privileged question.
Mr.. Chandler, author of the resolution,
pointed out that the question has been
pending here in one form or another for
the last two years and it seemed evil
dent, said Mr.. Chandler that the resolu-
ton could not progress as long as the
New York senator was here to object.
Mr.. Chandler asked unanimous con-
sent that a vote be taken on the resolu-
ton on Wednesday.
Mr.. Allen argued that the alleged ir-
Irregularities question was one of the high
est privileges. He disclaimed however,
any desire to prosecute any inquiry
which would question the right of Mr..
Morgan to his seat at once took from
the question any privileged character it
might possess.
Mr.. Allen responded sarcastically that
he would not go so far as to term this
suggestion ''pettifOgging." yet he knew
it would not deceive the intelligence of
the senate.
Mr.. Allen added that in order to relieve
the presiding officer. Vice President Stew
enson. from ruling on question of priv
ilege. he would move to take up the reso-
lutions. This precipitated an unexpected
vote. The motion was defeated-6 to Al.
Those voting in the affirmative We're
Messrs. Chandler. Frye, Gallinger and
Morrill, Republicans, and Allen and
PETER, Populists.
On the announcement of the vote, Mr..
Allen. with great feeling. said this dis
closed to him what he had long suspected,
that there was no sincerity on the part of
Republican senator's, with the exception
of the author of the resolution. Mr..
Chandler. as to proceeding with the in
vestigatiOn. He had felt satisfied, he
said. that. when it came to show down"
Republican senators would join with the
Democrats in defeating the investigation
He said he desired this vote to go before
the country in view of the claim that the
Republican party stood for fair election
and an honest count.
Mr.. Sherman answered briefly that Mr..
Allen had entirely misapprehended the
causes leading to the adverse vote. 1t
was not for the present congress, but
for the one assembling March 4 next to
inquire into any questions affecting the
seats of senators whose terms begin at
that time. The senate had no jurisdic-
ton. Mr.. Sherman said, to examine into
the general subject of an election. It's
jurisdiction extended to an investigation
as to the right of senator to his seat
when that right had been formally chal-
lenged.
1t could not investigate the election
of members of the house. He made this
explanation, he said, in view of Mr.. AL
lens suggestion of insncerity.
Mr.. Allen rose to state that in his judg-
ment the vote was a deliberate refusal
to carry out party claims of championing
the causes of a fair election.
Mr.. Chandler said the vote had result
ed largely from the unwillingness to dis
place appropriation bills. If he bad been
consulted he would have advised against
crowding vote as against appropriation
bills.
Mr.. Allen, soto voce, expressed will