The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-01-13
In the Nations Legisla+ i've
Chambers.
Mr.. Villas AND ,MR. ALLEN
Have a Tilt on Question OF
Partisan Politics.
AND TWO WESTERN oLADlAToRS
johnson ard Mcguire Make Yester-
days Session in the National
House of Exciting
interest.

Interest.
Washington. Jan 12.-Some lively
political sparring marked the later hours
OF the Senate session to-day. The free
homestead bin was under discussion and
Mr.Anen found in it opportunity for ques-
tioning 2Ir. Villas. Of Wisconsin, concern
ing the party differences of last fall.
There was 4 spirited three -cornered colle-
guy when Mr.. Allen sought to question
Dir. Villas on the homestead plank of the
"Demoegaie platform" as Mr.. Allen
called it. referring to the platform adopt
ed At Chicago.
IF that platform is the one l under
stand i to be-, interrupted Mr.. Villas, Il
viii say that there is almost nothing
in Ii that is not ininlical to the interests
OF the United States"
NJ. Pettigrew interposed the facetious
suggestion: I suppose the Senator is
readirg from the Republican platform,
for that Is the one the Senator from
Wisconsin (Eilas) supported"
by no MEANS returned Mr.. Villas.
The Senator from Wisconsin Villas sup
ported the platform adopted at Indiana
polls and ifthere is one sentence, line or
word in that platform unfounded on
Democracy. I would ike to have it point
ed OUT
Mr.. Alien was about to read from the
platform wien Mr.. Villas protested: IF
he is reading from the platform adopted
at Chicago, then | direct the Senator's
attention to the Democratic platform at
Indianapolis"
II am reading from the Democratic
platform, the regular Democratic plat
form" insisted Mr.. Allen, 'and not from
that rum affair.""
Mr.. Villas showed some disapproval at
being diverted from his theme, where
upon Mr. Allen said: THE Senator is a
little tender on this point
"Not tender in the least" answered
Mr.. Villas
The latter was soon involved in another
lively political controversy with Mr..
Allen. Reference had been made to the
vote of Wisconsin
'Let me ask the Senator" queried Mr..
Allen, '.is- he pleased with the course of
Wisconsin IN going Republican last fall?'
Il most cordially approve" answered
Mr. Villas, with great deliberation. 'The
determination Of the people of Wisconsin
by which majority of 10000, in a vot-
ing population of a little over 100000
was cast against policy detrimental to
the interests Of the United States
"Then the Senator approves of the
election of Mckinley and the success of
the Republican party" persisted Mr..
Allen.
II am not interested in political quibs
and quibbles," answered Mr.. Villas.
s'There was no step taken in political
course Of last year that brings reproach
to me-
Mr.. Villas said he did not wish to in
dulge in mere political bandinage in the
United States Senate. He proceeded
without further interruption.
The homestead bill was further debated
but a vote was not reached. Mr.. Villas
attacked it as a measure giving away
$35,0G0,000 Of government money. Mr..
Nelson (Rep., Minnesota, Mr.. Allen and
Mr.. PETER Pop, Kansas spoke for the
bill.
Mr.. Hill Dem., New York;, who has
not often addressed the Senate of late,
spoke in favor Of a law fixing four years
as the term of fourth-class postmasters.
HOUSE PROCEEDINGS.
Washington, d. c., Jan 1.-THE
House to-day witnessed sensational se-
quel to the remarkable attack made by
Mr.. Johnson, of California, on Editor
t.
Democrats, Of California, were the anita
gonists to-day Their wordy duel grew
out of the publication in the record as
part of Mr.. Maguire's remarks comments
on the formers speech last week in which
he defended Mr.. Hearst, and without the
mention of Mr.. Johnson's name detailing
some matters in the early life of, the
latter when he resided in Syracuse, New
York.
Mr.. Johnson got the floor on question
Of privilege. He was very dramatic.
at is," Mr.. johnson said, evidently
nerving himself up tor the effort, "just
as well for me to face this matter now as
later, and meet the cowardly insinua-
tons made against me at the diction of
VIM. r. Hearst. 1t is true" he proceed
ed, that 30 years ago ] was in trouble
in New York; that was indicted; that
went to California to- rear a new home
and live down the past, but it is untrue
that ! went under an assumed name"
tie went on to describe how he had
worked day after day in Sacramento to
make amends for the past. His voice
shook and trembled as he told the story.
lie was greatly moved, but he told of the
victory he had won. how ''by the bless
ings Of God and the help Of his good
wife he had at last been able to pay back
every dollar Of what he owed" The
House fairly rose and greeted him with
perfect storm of applause.
Continuing he told how, ever since
1870, he had returned each year to SYRIA
cuse and had been received at the scene
of his youthful indiscretion. He told Of
the honors he had been accorded In Cali
fornia, where the story was known, but
it had remained for the man from the
Fourth district Of California (Maguire),