The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-28
LEWIS LAYS DOWN THE LAW.
SPEAKER REED GIVEN a POINTER
ON PARLIAMENTARY RULES.

The Issue Arises over the Former
Savannahians Attempt to Have the
House Pass n Resolution of which
He Is the Author Recognizing the
independence of the Cubans-He
Claims Questions Affecting the
Foreign Relations of the Govern
ment Are Always Privileged.
Washington, May 27.-There was an at
tempt to bring forward the Cuban ques-
tion in the House to-day. AS soon as the
journal had been read. Mr.. Lewis. dem,
of washington, shouted: "A question of
privilege" and sent to the clerk desk a
resolution for the recognition Of the bel
ligerency of the Cubans.
The gentleman should state his ques-
ton" Mr.. Dingley interposed.
This Mr.. Lewis began to do. saying that
the Senate had recently passed such a
resolution, and the House should take it
up.
Mr.. Dingley made the point that this
was not a privileged question, but Speaker
Reed said nothing, and Mr.. Lewis proceed
ed with a parliamentary argument.
He contended that any question dealing
with the foreign relations of the govern
ment was one of highest privilege
In support of this position, MIR. Lewis
quoted Fox in the British parliament.
Henry Clay in 1922 on the question of rec
ognition of the Spanish republic. and a
resolution relating to Hawaii which Mr.
Dingley had attempted to call up in the
second session of the Fifty-third congress
and against which Mr.. McCreary of Ken
lucky had attempted to make point of
order. 1t had been then represented he
said, that the present speaker said a
question of foreign relations was ALWAYS
a privileged question.
The speaker permitted the resolution to
be read. 1t follows:
Whereas, the United States Senate as
sembled, has duly, by a proper form of
resolution, declared for a state of mem
trallty according TO the island of Cuba all
rights as .belligerents as against Spain.
and
Whereas, it is asserted that such right
Of recognition exists only with the exec
utive of the United States; therefore. be it
Resolved, by the House of Representa-
tves, That as foreign policy of the
United States, it is the right and authority
OF the Senate and House of Representa-
uves in adopting foreign policy of the
United States to recognize, as congress.
the be.ligerency Of and declare the attf-
tude of neutrality of the United States to
the island of Cuba, or any other govern
ment or country when in the sense of the
House such course is demanded by exist
ing conditions"
The resolution having been read, Mr..
Reed promptly declared it out of order.
Such a resolution can be introduced
IN the regular course and can be referred
to a committee" he said
Does the speaker hold that the resolu-
ton should be referred to some committee
that is yet to be appointed9s" Mr.. Lewis
inquired
Certainly" replied Mr. Reed tersely.
From this ruling Mr.. Lewis appealed.
and Mr. Dingley's motion to table the APP
peal was carried-91 to 81.
Messrs. Cooper of Wisconsin, Linney of
North Carolina, Mahany of New York of
the republicans, and Berry of Kentucky,
Meyer of Louisiana, Mcclellan of New
York, Settle of Kentucky and other demo-
Gratis refrained from voting.
On roll call, the speaker was sustained
" to 81, present and not voting II, and
he announced mo quorum"
Immediately Mr.. Dingley moved to adj
journ, and with several democrats shout
ing for recognition, the motion was car
red by a party vote, and at 1856 o'clock
the House adjourned to Monday.