The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-01-11

He Wanted to Reconsider "A Resolution
Directing the sergeant-at-Armst to Arrest
Absent Members-Thoma of Michigan
Defends tho Resolution-Two Hundred
and Thirty-Eight Members Absent from
Night Session of the House.
Washington, Jan. 1.-THE house of
representatives Saturday entered upon
the last stage of the debate on the Pa
cific railway funding bill Under the
rule already adopted the long speeches
were concluded Friday, Saturday being
given TO brief speeches under the Ave-
minute rule, with the final vote imme-
diately after the reading of the journal
Monday. The interest in the culmina-
ton of the debate was shown by an
exceptionally large attendance of men,
bers for Saturday session. Several of
the senator's were attentive listeners at
different stages of the debate: Before
taking up the funding bill the house
passed the senate bill for bridge across
the Red river above Fulton, Ark.
Sharp Parliamentary Struggle.
A preliminary furry occurred over
motion by Henderson, Republican of
Iowa, to reconsider the resolution adopt
ed at the night session Of the house
Friday night directing the sergeant-at-
arms to arrest absent members and
bring them to the bar of the house on
Tuesday next. 1t incurred a sharp
parliamentary struggle. Baker, Repub-
lican of New Hampshire, making the
point that Henderson was not present
at the night session, and had no right to
move to reconsider.
Thomas, Republican of Michigan, who
secured the adoption of the order for
the arrest of absent members defend
ed the justice of it, pointing out that
absenteeism at the Friday night ses-
sion, when private pension bills are
considered. practically brought pension
legislation to a standstill. There was
much confusion as Thomas sought to
read the names of all members absent
Friday night He said he wanted the
country to know just who were respon-
sibility for this delay of legislation.
Two Hundred and Thirty-Eig t Absent.
After many objections had been made
| the speaker ruled that the names could
be read as part of Thomas remarks,
and they were accordingly read from
the desk amid a loud murmur Of dis
approval 1t disclosed 23S absent from
the night session and now subject to ar
rest by he sergeant-at-arms. Gros-
venor created laugh by asking If the
| sergeant alarms was to furnish trans
portation, lodging and food for his pris-
! oners Meredith interposed the state
ment: II suggest that the gentleman
| (Thomas) have read his petition to be
commissioner of pensions under the
next administration"
There is no such petition, and the
| gentleman Incredibly knows it," re-
turned Thomas, warmly.
II have heard il was in existence,
persisted Meredith.
The motion to reconsider was adopted
-1S0 aye, 109 nay.
The Call Defeated.
Thomas sought to get a record vote
| but failed The call for a yea and ma!
vote was defeated-16 to 165.
rs the speaker counting member!
now under arrest?" interposed Thoma
as a last resort.
"The speaker is not aware that an,
member of the house is under arrest,
responded Reed, sharply.
mo arrests have been made unde
the order" added Henderson.
Certainly the sergeant-at-arms mad
arrests last night" insisted Thomas
And more were made today"
The speaker said he had no informa
ton of such arrests. Thereupon, with
out further division, all proceedings un
der the order of arrest were suspended
With this lively episode out Of the wa.