The Saint Paul globe., 1898-04-16

of Interest in the House sex-
sion.
WASHINGTON. April 15.-Only a
single incident Of the session of the
house today was worthy Of public no.
tice. Mr.. Bailey, the Democratic lead
er. arose to question of privilege to
reply to a Philadelphia newspaper
criticism charging him with RESPONSE
blllty for the diSOrderly scene in the
house Of Wednesday,. Mr.. Bailey said
that a public man was seldom Justified
In replying to criticism, but in this case
ne could not in justice to himself, al
low such a statement to pass without
reply. He affirmed that if there was
any individual responsible for the scene
1t must rest upon the speaker himself.
AS he proceeded with his arraign-
ment of the speaker there were mani
festat1ons of suppressed excitement on
the floor. The speaker listened with
imperturbable countenance.
Mr.. Bailey said: "Constrained by
what 1 considered the unfair and un-
just treatment of the chair, I objected
and upon that objection arose the scene
Of disorder that is regretted by every
member of this house. But, for the re-
suits which follow it, the responsibility
IS not upon me nor upon this side. The
responsibility is upon the speaker of
this house who sought a mean partisan
advantage by forcing his political op-
ponents into a false position, applause
on Democratic side), and the country
ought to know. understand the speak
er Of the house.
rs this an arraignment of the speak
er or question of personal privilege?"
1nterposed Mr.. Steele (Rep., Ind.).
Speaker Arraigned.
''The chair does not know, but will
probably soon learn" observed the
speaker. blandly
1T Is the daily airing the gentleman
gives himself" said Mr.. Dalzell Rep.,
Pa)
II did not understand the oracular
statement Of the gentleman" observed
Mr.. Bailey.
''Well, then. will repeat it," said
Mr.. Dalzell. ut is only the daily air.
ing the gentleman gives himself"
"And that is only the daily falsehood
that men on that side are guilty off,
retorted Mr.. Bailey.
Il did not expect a man belonging
to either party to cease to be a parti-
san when he became a speaker of this
house." continued Mr.. Bailey, "and
the speaker, whenever a fair occasion
offers. will exercise his Office for the
advantage Of his party. I expect the
present speaker to do 1t as certainly
as every man who ever occupied the
chair; but until short while ago I
believed that the present speaker Of
this house was a partisan, as an hon.
est man should be, and as honest as a
partisan could be; but, after the per-
formance of last Wednesday. 1 would
not be willing to father that senti-
ment any longer
Il have never known, on a great
occasion, any more unfair advantage
attempted and. even if it had sue
ceeded, what little advantage there
was would have passed from my men,
ory long before the recollection of the
speakers partisan action" cloud ap-
plause on Democratic side.)
Reed Replies.
When Mr.. Bailey took his seat, the
speaker leaned forward slightly and
replied, speaking slowly and distinctly:
''The chair desires to say that what
ever he has done, the other day or any
day since the commencement of this
session, has been done in the presence
Of the house and of thousand wit
nesses. He does not feel that it is nee
essary for him to discuss his conduct.
loud applause on the Republican
after two days of deliberation, has felt
that his situation demanded discus
sion and explanation. daughter on
Republican side) With that idea, the
chair entirely agrees. Gaughter) 1t
is not the first time that the gentle
man from Texas has assailed me. To
it, have no reply, except simply what
the house knows, that the gentleman
from New York (Mr. Quigg) did not
mean an objection, either really or
technically, and everybody in this
house knows it.
a. therefore, with reference to this
whole matter, appeal to the witnesses
Of the transaction and upon their judg-
ment the chair rests his justification"
applause on Republican side)
Mr.. Bailey attempted to reply, but
the regular order was demanded, and
the incident closed.
The house wrangled all afterr oon on
bill to refer claim Of the Erie rail-
road for mail service amounting to
about 100000 to the court of claims
1t was not passed.
AT AS p. m. the house recessed until
o'clock, the evening session to be de-
voted to private pension legislation.