The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-12-14
BAILEY OF TEXAS
ATTACKS GEN. WHEELER.
WANTS THE GALLANT ALABAMAN'S
SEAT VACATED.
The Young Democratic Leader Has
HIS reelings Outraged by the
Spectacle Of the Hero Of SAM
tiagO Occupying His Old Desk
ON the Floor Of the House, While
Still Remaining an Army OAcer.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13.-Representa-
tive Bailey Of Texas has decided to raise
the question Of the right Of MAJ
Gen. Wheeler 20 participate In. the
proceedings OF the house. should
he attempt to exercise the privilege
of a member. He will also raise the ques-
ton as against either OF the three other
members OF the house who entered the
service in the United States army during
the war with Spain. Messrs. Robbins. Rep.
Of Pennsylvania; Colson, Rep. of Ken
lucky, and Campbell. DEM, Of Illinois.
None OF these members Of the house who
entered the military service has partici-
pated in the proceedings since the session
convened, either to introduce bills or vote
upon roll call, but last Saturday night Gen.
Wheeler attended the Democratic caucus.
As none but Democratic members OF con-
gress are members OF the Democratic cau-
Gus. Mr.. Bailey says this raises the pre-
sumption that Gen. Wheeler contemplates
resumlng his seat in the house. Concern
Ing the question at issue Mr.. Bailey made
the following statement today:
II have heretofore refused to say any
thing on the subject for publication, but I
have seen SO many and such different
decided to state my position. and II will be
found that am simply insisting upon an
obedience TO one of the piainest provisions
OF the constitution. Section Of article /.
declares: That no person holding any Of
flee under the United States shall be
member OF either house during his con-
tinuance In office
Undoubtedly Gen Wheeler Is a per-
son. and very distinguished one: un-
doubtediy the major generalship which he
holds Is an office under the United States
and very high one: it Is therefore per-
fectiy plain that when he accepted his
appointment In the army he vacated his
seat In the house OF representatives. The
constitutional provision is not only as
plain as the English language can make
II. but this very question has been ex-
pressly decided twice. ana unanimously
decided the same way on both occasions
I'm the decision of Wheeier's case l have
heard quite a number of men say that
II should no: be raised. bait hav. not
heard single man say that Wheeler does
not yacate his seat in the mouse when be-
coming major general. Whether we
think the question ought or ought not be
raised will depend very largely upon the
way we regard the constitution Men
who believe in faithfully living up to all
of it's provisions win abhor the idea OF
permitting one of Its plainest and wfsest
safeguards TO be openly violated. out Of
personal consideration for any man, how
ever patriotic he may be. And for my
part, / shall regret TO feel compelled to
raise the question against any colleague.
and would especially regret 10 be COM
PEELED 10 raise IL against Gen. Wheeler:
but however much / may regret the ne
cessity OF doing 30 l will raise 1t when
ever any man attempts to assert his
rights a. member Of the house after
having accepted an office ssyder the United
States. ! am one of those who believe
that IL Is the highest duty OF every man
TO obey the law and to s~spect the con-
stitution. and / have little patience with
the weak suggestion that member OF
congress shall shrink from hts sworn duty
because public sentiment would allow
a brave man and distinguished man 10 hold
two high offices. even though IL be against
the constitution OF our country"