The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-02-08
1ALBERT TALKED TREASON
House Becomes Agitated Over Re-
marks Of q Fiery Southerner.
A SMALL NATTER MAGNIFIED
Business of the Session NJ Staudsttll
on Account Of q Speech-Mr. Frye
Chosen President Pro Tenn.
pore Of the Senate.

Washington, Feb. THE charge
upon the floor of the house today that
words uttered by member were trea-
sonable and seditious and in violation
OF his oath. precipitated the most ex-
citing and turbulent scene witnessed
in the hall since the early days of the
Fifty-ti congress. Mr.. Talbert, the
impulsive representative from South
Carolina. arising to u question of per-
sonal privilege. referred to the misin-
depreciation, IL not Misrepresentation
in the press OF what he said Wednes-
day night in response to the criticism
by the gentleman from North Carolina
iMr. Pearson) upon the action or Soutn
Carolina ut the outbreak of the war.
He reiterated what he then said. to the
effect that he believed secession to be
right and under the same conditions
would do as he had done. He was
called to order by Mr.. Barrett. (Rep.,
Mass.), who asked that his words he
taken down. He offered resolution
denouncing the words as seditious ana
reasonable and In violation OF tne
oath taken by Mr.. Talbert at the be-
ginning of this congress. Much eX-
element prevailed until the matter
was finally disposed of, the disorder
at times being so great as 10 preclude
the transaction or business.
Many Republicans did not approve
Mr. Barrett's course, not deeming the
matter of sufficient importance to war
rant his action, but others warmly
supported him, and one member de-
clared that Mr.. Talbert ought to be en-
PEELED. Mr. Talbert was permitted at
ter a time to explain. He said he had
no idea that the conditions OF 1861 could
ever recur and he was glad or II. lie
had no idea of engaging In violation
hA irfa
Barrett gave Mr.. Talbrrt the Oppor-
tunity and asked him to specifically
declaim any secession sentiment ana
apologiZe to the house, in event OF COM
pjiance, Mr. Barrett to withdraw the
resolution. But Mr.. Talbert declined
to say anything further.
Mr.. Dalzell (Rep., Pa.) moved to re-
fer the whole subject to the committee
on judiciary and this was agreed TO
yeas 200; nays 7l--with TINS disposluon
of the matter the exciting episode
ended.
Just before the house took a recess
at the close of the afternoon session
Mr.. Pearson (Rep. \. CD who had not
been present when Mr. Talbert made
his statement entered disclaimer of
the sentiment imputed to him. Mr..
Talbert, saying he could not nave de-
clared his shame at the course OF North
Carolina in the war, for that would be
treason by his own state to his own
blood He pleaded that Northern Re-
publicans permit Southern Republi-
vans to deal in their own way win
the1 neighhoring states piomtlng the
best and most satisfactory results from
that policy, Mr.. Talbert accepted the
disclaimer. and the incident will prob
ably not again be heard OF.
The remainder OF the session was de-
voted 20 the further consideration OF
the bond silver coinage bill. There
was an hour and half of debate be-
fore today's legislative session began,
the house meeting at 1890 o'clock.
Messrs. Newlands (Silver, ColO)
Hartman (Rep.. Mont. Williams (Dem..
Miss.), Frederick (Ren., kansas) and
Bowers (Rep., CALI, spoke in favor OF
free coinage; and Messrs. Tucker
(Dem., Va), Walker Rep.. Mass.) ana
Patterson (Dem.. Tenn) against 1t.
At 5.15 O'Clock the house took recess
until 3 o'clock. with the understanding
that further continuation OF the DAYS
session be held at 1O.30 tomorrow morn
ing. the silver debate to be the only
business.
MIR. Frye President Pro TEN.
Today's session of the senate present.
ed some interesting features. The Of
ficiating clergyman mot Mr.. Milburn,
the blind chaplain. but a substitute,
DR.. Hugh JoohnstOn, of Washington
in the opening prayer expressed thanks
for "the confidence of the people In the
financial strength Of the nation" "A
president pro tempore Of the senate
was chosen without dissent in the per-
son of Senator Frye. OF Maine. and the
Dubois resolution to distribute the APP
preparation bills among several COM
Ns1a Il 1nfA tAI hv
ing referred to the committee on rules.
with the instructions to renort it back
on the first Monday In December next.
The oportunity for the election of
president pro tenn was furnished by the
absence of the vice president. who sent
Il note To the secretary Of the senate
stating his inability to preside over
the senate today.
The president has signed the bill pro-
hibiting prize fighting in the territories
and District of Columbia.