The record-union., 1898-01-12
At 1856 the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE PROCEEDING

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-Moody
R.) Of Kansas, in charge of the execu-
tive and judicial appropriation bill, in
accordance with notice given by him
yesterday, moved in the House that
Immediately after the reading of the
journal all debate on the civil service
bill be closed to-day at o'clock.
Considerable opposition was mani
tested to the motion, but the steering
committee of the Republican opponents
of the civil service law had agreed on
this programme. The anita gonism to-
day to the motion to close debate came,
therefore, principally from the Demo-
Gratis. They were well supported by
the Populists and few Republicans
who believed the debate should go on.
After some wrangling the previous
question was ordered on the demand of
Moody, but the rising vote on the mo-
ton to close debate was very close
ayes 90, nays Sand on the demand
of the Democrats the roll was called.
When the roll call was concluded the
motion to close debate stood defea ted
by six votes A capitulation Of the
vote was called for, and it was whis-
pered about that assurance had been
received from the Rules Committee that
time would be given for the considera-
ton of the measure prepared by the
Republican opponents Of the law. Three
Republicans then changed their votes,
making it a tie The Speaker an
nounced the vote 125 to 125.
"A tie" added the Speaker, land the
Chair votes aye Thus the Speaker
saved the day, and the motion to close
a. I'd 40 HI iOaya
appIauded most vociferously. The de-
bate was then resumed.
Brossius, the Chairman of the Com
mittee on Civil Service, opened to-day's
debate with an elaborate defense of the
ia ming the law.
Mcguire Cd, California. defended the
last Administration against the allega-
lions of wholesale removals and COM
mended the efficiency Of the civil SER
vice, which had been an especial point
of assault from the outside. Ex-Pub-
lie Printer Benedict, he said had re-
duced the force In his Office from 5000
to $500 and had inaugurated conspic-
uous reforms.
He charged lands of Indiana, who
amused the House several days ago
with some private memoranda of Mr..
Benedict's Secretary, with Juggling and
dstorting the record. He read a letter
from Mr.. Penedict's Secretary. who is
now in the classified service, challeng-
ing come of Mr. lands statements,
and offering to resign if the Indiana
member could substantiate them.
After some remarks by Bell P)
of Colorado and May UR.) OF Minneso-
ia, Simpson CPD of Kansas enlivened
the closing hour of the debate with a
reference to the Senatorial contest in
Ohio. He said the debate had been
prolonged while the Republicans out
in Ohio were making promises to the
boys in the trenches in the interest of
Senator Hanna. 1t was all a bluff,
said Simpson. Whether the House
would have an opportunity later to con-
slider a bill for the modification or re-
peal of the law would depend on the
Speaker. said Simpson.
HE is the whole thingi" exclaimed
Simpson, and runs the House"
Gaughter)
"Have you consulted the Speaker"
asked Ouigg.
mo" replied Simpson, che never con-
suits me and I never consult him."
Bailey Cd of Texas, leader Of the
minority, closed the debate with some
remarks regarding the attitude of the
Democrats. If the law was good, he
said, it ought to be extended; If not,
it should be repealed. The Democrats,
he said, were ready to wipe it off the
statute books. They, did not believe in
life tenure While the repeal Of the
law might turn some of their friends
out of Office they stood by their party
platform.
With the conclusion Of Bailey's re-
marks the time expired, and the bill
was reported to the House. 1t was then
discovered that those who desired to
vote to strike out the appropriation for
the Civil Service Commission had neg
lected to make the motion in Commit
tee of the Whole No vote, therefore,
could be taken and the bill was passed
without division.
The agricultural and urgency def
cheney bills were reported to the House,
and at $50 p. m. the House adjourned