The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1898-01-12
Speaker Watkins Enforces
Gag Law on the Demo-
Gratis at the Very
Start.
LEADER ALLEN BADLY sNuBBED
Not Recognized When Raising
Point Of Order-Unsuccessful
Attempt to obtain Justice.
fspseIal to ~rhe jersey clty News."I

TRENTON, Jan. 12, 1Ss7.-Speaker Wat
kins hung out in a very conspicuous place
yesterday afternoon, and in letters which
no one needed glasses to read, the sign,
No Democrats need apply" He enforced
gag law with an iron hand, which was
worthy the palmiest effort of Tom Reed,
Gar of all the Republicans, and he re-
fused to listen to Mr.. Allen. the Demo-
cratic leader in a manner which complete
ly eclipses the n~erviest effort of Tom
Flynn, to whose arbitrary rulings the Re-
puDlicans still love to refer.
The preliminary proceedings of the or
ganization were well under way, and Mr..
Gledhill, the Republican leader, offered the
usual resolution that the rules of the last
Assembly be adopted. Mr.. Allen moved as
an amendment except 4hat the previous
question shah not be put unless ordered
by a two-thirds vote of the members pres
emit.
According to the rules of the last As
sembly, Mr.. Allen said, the previous ques-
ton could be ordered by a bare majority
vote. He did not think hat debate and
discussion upon any question should be
cut off by the vote of a mere majority OF
the Assemblymen, but that at least two
lAlIuS VI tit fittlDClS oiiOdA ooJ
whether such an important step should
be taken. If there was any time when
there was need of thorough debate and
discussion, it was when laws for the gov
erinment of a great State were being
enacted. The dignity of the occasion de-
nlanded that the propositions hould be
thoroughly and conscientiously debated.
If his memory served him correctly Mr..
Gledhil said the rule. which Mr.. Allen
wished to amend was adopted when the
House was under the control of the Demo-
Gratis, and it did not become the member
from Hudson, even IL he was in the minor
ity, to raise such objection to it. He hoped
Mr.. Aliens amendment would not prevail;
Mr.. Benny made his maiden speech, and
showed that he was made of the stuff
which will make itself felt before the ses-
sion is over. He did not believe in citing
for the rules until the RENDERS, especiany
had had an opportunity to study them
and %acquaint themselves with them; Mr.
Aliens resolution was declared defeated,
and before the Speaker could say any
thing else the gentleman from Hudson
was on his feet asking for the floor. The
Speaker paid no attention to Mr.. Alien,
and directed the Clerk to call the roll. Inc
Clerk started, but Mr.. Aliens cries OF
aMr. Speaker .Mr Speaker" complete
ly drowned his voice.
ileil MI. AIl6it diliUuilced tlldL iS diooC
to Il point Of order, which is popularity
supposed to be always in order, but the
Speaker continued to ignore him.
I'VE may as well have this out now"
said Mr.. Allen, as he continued to declare
tina he arose to a point of order.
MI. Gledhill remarked that even a point
of order was out of order, during roll cali,
but entirely overlooked the fact that Mr..
Allen was on his feet before the Clerk
was directed to call the roll.
BY this time the Clerk had inhaled fresh
wind and threw more vigor into his voice,
and the members began to answer to their
names. and Mr.. Allen subsidized.
Mr.. GledhilTs resolution was finally
adopted by the strict party vote. This
glaring exhibition of unfairness and
gross p-artisanshfp on the part of the
Speaker caused much comment, and the
Speaker was generally condemned.
To q friend who asked him how he came
to do as he did he said he couldn't help
it. he had TO.