Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1896-02-08
A FOOLISH SPEECH.
Mr.. Ta|bert of South Carolina,
Still Talks Secession.
Resolutions Of Censure introduced by
Mr.. Barrett Of Massachusetts.
An Exciting Scene in the National House Of
Representatives. Friday.

| Washington, Feb As soon as the
House reassembled in today's session at
noon, Talbert, DEM, OF South Carolina
rising to a question of privilege, said he
had been, no doubt Internationally, mis-
represented by the press of the country in
regard to statements made at Wednesday
nights session. He reviewed the colo
guy between himself and Mr. Pearson
Rep, of North Carolina and repeated his
declaration that he believed secession to
have been right, and under the same condi-
tions he would do the same thing again
| Barrett, Rep, of Massachusetts,, called
Talbert to order and demanded that his
words be taken down. Talbcrt responded
in Il defiant manner that be was perfectly
willing that his words should be taken
down and that he proposed TO stand by
them.
Talbert, at the suggestion of members
about him, took his seat. Barrett said he
had made the point of order because he
believed the words to be violation of the
gentleman oath of office which he took
| at the opening Of Congress and he would
| offer resolution OF censure.
Crisp, Dem, of Georgia, moved that the
gentleman from South Carolina be per
| initred to explain, motion which he said
was the only proper motion under the
| rules. 1t was agreed to without dissent
| ing vote and Talbert again took the floor.
He had no idea or intention, he said of
violating the 18th amendment. That
question was settled by the arbitrament of
| arms, and settled forever. He stood here
to say that he was willing to extend the
| right hand of fellowship to those who Wore
| the blue and to say that the war of 30
years ago was over forever. He objected,
he said, to be held up as bore and ignor
ant person, advocating secession at this
period Of the oountry's history.
As to the attitude of the Southern men
| ut the time of the war, he desired to say
that he believed they were right, and had
| no apology tn make for the part they took
in the war. democratic applause.) That
was all be had to say.
5arrett's resolution was then read. 1t
recited the words taken down, declared
them to be seditious and reasonable and
in violation OF the gentleman oath, and
that they be stricken from the record
BY this time the House was in a great
uproar and proceedings were conducted
amid great excitement and 1t was diff
cult to hear what was going on. Barrett
was on his feet to begin his remarks on
the resolution and before getting started,
Dingley asked to make suggestion, which
was that, inasmuch as the House did not
have before it the explanation of the
gentleman from South Carolina, and the
Importance of the subject, that the matter
| might be referred to the committee on
| judiciary before the House enter upon any
| debate.
| This aroused cries of NO, no. from
both sides of the chamber, and some one
on the Republican side shouted, He
ought to be- expelled.
| The suggestion of Dingley was refused
and Barrett said he wanted to ask the
gentleman from South Carolina categori-
cal question, whether or no he was will
ing to rise in his place and definitely and
distinctly reject any implied suggestion in
his remarks that he would at any time or
under any conditions, enter upon or favor
a movement Of secession against the
United States? (Derisive laughter and
cries of "Oh, OH on the Democratic
side). If he would not Barrett continued,
he would state to the gentlemen on the
other side who made spokesman of the
gentleman from South Carolina, that this
resolution would be voted upon. Gap
plaues).
Another question by Barrett to Talbcrt
whether or not he would rise and retract
his statements and apologize to the House.
met the response from that gentleman
II have made my explanation to the
House and have not another word to say. "
Barrett-"Then, MIR. Speaker, demand
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