The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1896-02-12
submit to the house


in such cases was discussed by Mr.
Crisp amid numerous. Interruptions
and questions.
BARRE7T's GRIEVANCE.
Mr.. Barrett explained the sequence
of what had occurred He said:
"On Wednesday night | was one
of the few members of this house,
who, Drawing the action Of the ele-
ments, we're present at the meeting
here for the discussion Of the bill
now or few minutes ago under dis
cussion in the house To my sur
prise, heard the remarks made by
the gentleman from South Carolina
at that time, and | supposed that
some member older and more expe-
rienced than myself would take pro
per action on the subject But seve
raj months having elapsed, and,
therefore, the point of order having
become properly applicable. that the
attention Of the house was not
promptly called to the subject al
lowed it to drop, thinking that per-
haps the gentleman from South Caro-
lima had in moment of excitement
made a statement of treason to the
constitution Of the United States
which sober reflection and time for
consideration would prompt him to
disavow This morning to my still
greater surprise, he arose and reite-
rated that assertion that under Ger
tain circumstances-he having with
in two months taken the oath of Of
6ce, carrying with it the oath of
allegiance to the constitution OF the
United statcs-he would approve
and endorse and participate IN Sc
cession. The gentleman might have
been allowed to proceed under the
ordinary Interpretation of the rule. if
he had simply violated the rules of
this house, under which he might
very properly have made immediate
explanation for which the gentleman
from Georgia might have asked leave
that he be given time.
TALBERT' S STATEMENT
Mr.. Crisp's motion was finally
agreed to, and Mr. Talbert explained
what he called the misinterpretation
rather than the misrepresentation of
his remarks, by saying that the cir
cumstances and conditions that ex-
listed when South Carolina seeded
could not and never would exist any
more, and ne was glad Of it Ap-
plause He added that while South
Carolina seeded as she thought it to
be her duty with the light before her
then. it is quite different today. And
he did not say that he wished to vio-
late the 18th amendment of the con
stitution by advocating secession, be-
cause those circumstances and con-
ditions cannot and never will exist
again.
At the request of Mr. Barrett, the
clerk read the resolution offered by
him. which declared that the words
uttered by Mr. Ta!bert care seditious
and reasonable, in violation of the
oath taken by said gentleman at the
opening Of this session, and that said
statement is hereby censured by the
house and that it be stricken from the
record" (Applause on the Republi
can side
The confusion and excitement
which had been temporarily allayed,
were renewed as Mr.. Barrett endeav.
ored tc address the house
Mr. Dazell (Rep. Of Pennsylvania
wanted to refer the matter to the com
mittee on judiciary, and Mr Cannon
(Rep J of Illinois to lay it on the
table. The latter proposition met
cries of "No,'' on the Republican
side, and applause on the Democratic
side; and Mr. Boutelle made the re-
mark: 81 think the man that makes
that notion ought to lie on tie
table !"
Mr. Cannon-Oh, very well l
will! make it when | get the opportu-
atty.
Mr. Dingley rep of Maine, sug-
gested to Mr. Barrett that it would
be we'll to refer the matter to the
committee on judiciary and have it
brought back to the house for delibe-
rate consideration. (Cries of "yes"
and "no'
Mr.. Boutelle-We don't want any
lawyers opinion on this question.
Mr. Barrett-Mr. Speaker, under
ordinary circumstances, any sugges.
tion made to me by the gentleman
from Maine (Mr Dingley) who is
very properly and deservedly the
leader of this side of the house,