The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-09
Flags Waved and "Americn." sYanIxee
Doodle" "Dixie," "Star-SpnngIed
Banner and other Songs Sung.
CANNON CALLS BALL H LIAR
PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION PRE-
CEDED BY AN ANGRY QUARREL.
The IlIinOisan and Texan Restrained
the Closing Session of the senate.

WASHINGTON. July s-The end of this
session of Congress in the House was
marked by two notable incidents. One was
sensationally partisan, well-nigh resulting
in personal conflicts on the floor of the
House; the other was notably patriotic. and
swept away all signs of the former. In
the former Mr. Ray lRep., N, ". Mr..
Handy (Dem., Del), Mr.. Cannon (Rep., Ili)
and Mr.. Ball (Dem., Tex.) were the princi-
pal participants. In the latter all members
joined irrespective of party affiliations.
After the rather stormy session of two
hours the House, when adjournment was
announced, Joined in cheers for the Pres-
dent and war heroes and the singing OF
patriotic songs. making. perhaps, the most
notable ending to session since the civil
war. The only measure of Importance
passed was a bill to reimburse States for
expenses incurred in aiding the organization
of the volunteer army.
Mr.. Handy, by moving to strike from the
record a part of the speech which appeared
as that of Mr.. Ray. precipitated the dis
pute which brought on the closing incident
of sensational nature Mr.. Handy declared
the party question was never uttered upon
the fiocr of the House. and he read from
reporters notes to corroborate his asser-
tion.
Mr.. Ray declared he had uttered every
word The House was becoming excited,
the packed galleries were intensely inter-
ested
'Mr. Speaker" resumed Mr.. Handy, "a
question of veracity has arisen here. If
the gentleman from New York says he ut
tered the words in question. l declare upon
my honor he did not, and 1 hold here the
not, and 1 rely upon the memory of men,
bers to substantiate what / say
''Vote!" ''Vote!" came from members all
over the House. who clung to hope their
bills might be passed within the remaining
hour of the session and were in haste to
have the Ray-Handy incident closed.
A vote was taken. The House declined to
strike out the speech. division was called
for. and the negative vote again prevailed.
CANNON MAKES TROUBLE
Mr. Cannon, standing just across the CEN
ter aisle, with face flushed and eyes fixed
on the minority. was growing apparently in
dignant
II called for telIers," said Mr.. Handy. and
with that the veteran member from Illinois
stepped into the aisle.
'You are deliberately obstructing public
business in which the whole country is in
terested"-the rest of his remarks WIS lost
in the jeers of the minority, calls for the
regular order and the resulting confusion
as MIR. Cannon charged up the aisle, pour
ing out a flood of vigorous denuncations.
He had reached a point opposite Mr. Ball
(Dem., Texas.) Mr.. Cannon had caliesi for
the yeas and nays saying it was manifest
the Democrats would call for them. Mr..
Cannon had repeated his charge of cbstruc-
ITO odd
lican side, as it subsequently developed, de-
elared:
THE record is false, and you knew It was
false when you voted against correcting it,
THAT is a lie.'' cried Mr.. Cannon, and In
an instant the belligerent members were
struggling to reach each other, while many
others were pulling and struggling TO con-
troll them. The House was upon its feet.
Mr.. Marsh (Rep., Illinois,, seized Mr.. Can
non and thrust him aside, and when Mr..
Ball asked Mr. Cannon ito come outside
and the latter was moving to comply, Mr..
Lewis Dem., Washington, took charge of
the Illinois member and restrained him.
Meantime the speaker had been pounding
hard, and the sergeant-at-arms, Mr.. Rus
sell, had seized the big silver mace and was
moving among the members where the
greateat disorder prevailed Order was re-
stored slowly and a roll call proceeded.
while the galleries commented upon what
they had seen in the course Of visit to
Washington.
The roll call on Mr.. Handy's motion to
strike out resulted-yeas, 80; nays, 1O6
Later in the session Mr.. Cannon explained
that Mr.. Ball had addressed his remarks not
to him personally, and, therefore. he de-
sired to Withdraw his offensive statement.
rba faa y 70
burse the States for expenses incurred in
transporting. feeding. clothing and caring
for soldiers in aid of organization OF the
volunteer army. The speaker named Mr..
Henderson, Mr.. Hopkins and Mr.. Richards
son as a committee to wait upon the Presi-
dent in company with "A Senate committee.
and announce the readiness of Congress to
adjourn.
MIR. Speaker" said Mr.. Henderson. after
the return and reporting that the committee
had discharged its duties, the President
directs the committee to say that he has
no further communications TO make to the
House. and says he desires to congratulate
this Congress upon It's patriotic and faith
full work" The report was applauded
The remainder of the session passed with
out incident
BEDLAM BREAKS LOOSE.
At O'Clock when Speaker Reed an
nounced. This second session of this Con-
gress adjourned without day" great cheeS
arose, and then began a scene which. while
similar to the usual closing scenes of ses-
sions, far surpassed in enthusiasm and man.
ifest good feeling any similar episode in the
memory of the oldest member of the House.
The occupants of the packed galleries who
had risen to go paused as they heard a half