Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-03-31

powers. No man up to this date has fol
an instant pretended or suggested that be-
cause the congress has the right to pass
laws upon certain topics that proposals
for these laws become questions of privi-
lege; never before. except once, and the
chair will present the decision to the house.
The same language Is used with reference
to our relations with foreign nations that
is used with reference to the creation of the
courts of law and all other power which
is concerned. 1t is a legislative power, and
adopted by each body. This is the first pre-
liminary idea that We ought to have in re-
gard to this matter.
Not Questions of Privilege.
But this proposition in regard to war,
or about recognition, or any of those sub
jects which may or may not be within our
purview, do not become questions of privi-
lege at all, because we have right to pass
upon them, because that would make every
thing question of privilege. and end by
making nothing a question Of privilege
Now let us see what this is founded on.
d
given any attention to, except in times of
interest, not to say excitement. The gen.
tleman from Maine (Mr. Boutelle) some
time ago presented to Speaker Crisp a
proposition which had in It certain ele-
ments charging that the executive was in
terfering with some of the rights and priv
iIeges of the legislative body. The speaker
ruled that 1t was question of privilege,
and you will perceive that 1t is entirely diff
ferent from the present proposition, has no
aspect like 1t at all; not the faintest re-
semblance to it; but the speaker ruled that
that was a privileged question. He also
ruled that, being a privileged question, 1t
should go to committee. Well, now,
against that doctrine, the chair has always
been opposed; and the questions. as mem
bers will see by turning to the record, that
were put to the house were on that part
Of the speakers decision as to whether 1t
should 60 to a committee or not, and II 1t
appears. as the gentleman from Texas says
I voted on that subject, voted accord
ing to my rights and voted against 1t. But
he has omitted to state to you that this
other question, the same question almost,
was put before Speaker Crisp and by him
promptly decided to be out of order at an
earlier day. on the 30th Of July, 1894.
"The gentleman from Maine CMr. Bou-
telle) demanded its immediate consideration
as presenting privileged question, and the
gentleman from Missouri, an old and expert
enced member (Mr. Dockery). made the
point of order that the resolution was not
privileged. daughter and applause on the
Republican side) Well, now. as a matter
of course, the speaker sustained the point
and that is precisely this question"
Mr.. Bailey Appeals.
Mr. Bailey-"May I inquire of the chair
II there was any appeal taken from the
decision of the chair?"
The speaker-"There was no appeal. 1t
was too clear for appeal even" daughter
and applause on the Republican side)
Mr.. Bailey Immediately appealed from the
decision of the chair.
In putting the question on the appeal
Speaker Reed made the following signifi-
cant and impressive statement:
LAS far as any question arising out Of
this matter is concerned" said the speaker.
"the chair has not the slightest doubt that
the wisdom of the house, which has al
ways been able to arrive at important ques-
tions in a suitable way. will get at them
now and at a speedy time for the occasion" !"
applause on the Republican side)
Mr.. BaiIey-'In reply to that suggestion,
which was not q part of the decision, of
course, 1 understand that 1t was made to
hold our friends on the other side, and
venture to say"
At this point Mr.. Boutelle moved that the
appeal be laid upon the table.
No Break i'm Republican Ranks.
The division was eagerly awaited. The
Republicans arose en- masse when the
speaker called for the yeas. The Demo-
Gratis, who anxiously surveyed the solid
phalanx for sign of break. were disap-
pointed.
A solid minority voted against the Re-
publicans. The division resulted. 1S0 yeas
to 100 nays.
As soon as the result was announced, the
yeas and nays were demanded and the roll
was called, resulting: Yeas. 1S0; nays, 133.
On the roll call, two Republicans, Ache
son and Robins, of Pennsylvania, voted
with the Democrats.
The Republicans enthusiastically APPROX
ed their victory with round of applause.
A parliamentary wrangle followed over
an attempt of Mr.. Bailey to appeal from
what he contended was ruling Of the
chair.
The house then went into committee of
the whole and resumed consideration of
the naval appropriation bill
Mr.. Cannon, Republican, of Illinois.
chairman Of the appropriations committee.
made a point Of order against the para
graph authorizing the construction of a
floating steel dry dock at Algiers. La The
chair overruled the point of order.
From time to time during the afternoon
the Cuban question was brought forward
and aroused intense feeling. Mr.. Wheeler.
Denccrat, of Alabama, said that this
morning the country had been stirred by
the announcement that the Republicans Of
the house had at last revolted and action
was to be taken. Tomorrow the Ameri-
can people would be Inundated when they
found that the Republicans of the house
had Joined the temporizing policy which
was betraying the American government
and the American name.
Mr.. Cummings, Democrat, of New York
How much time would 1t require, con-
sidering the prospective alliance between
the governments of Spain and the United
States. to put down the patriots of Cuba?"
Great applause in the galleries)
A Speech to the Galleries.
with my head bowed in humiliation"
replied Mr.. Wheeler, 81 have watched how
matters have gone. but l do not believe
the administration will go SO far as to
extend friendly hand to the murderers
of the sailors Of the Maine and the pa
tr:ots of Cuba" Renewed applause.)
Mr.. Cummings, speaking to an amend
ment, aroused the galleries to a high pitch
of enthusiasm.
THAT there will be war between this