The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-12-11
EXCITING SCENE.
Opponents of Constitutional Convention
Try to Defeat Measure in House.

Montgomery, December 10.-(Specia1)-
The house had a very stormy session this
afternoon. 1t was occasioned by the oppo-
nents of a constitutional convention for the
state, but their little game failed of FAC
cess Speaker Waller was too firm for
the opposition, and he again made a repu-
tation as a presiding officer which few men
have gained in Alabama. He simply ruled
the house. but he did 1t in a manner as not
to lose a friend In his refusal to let a
minority rule majority he has gained
firmer hold upon the members than he has
held before.
Only few moments before the house was
convened in afternoon session. the oppo-
nents of a constitutional convention, led
by Messrs. Brandon and Hubbard, set to
work to break quorum. Success in this
undertaking meant that the constitutional
convention bill could not be passed by the
house before the adjournment for recess.
Seeing the game of the opposition, friend
of the bill moved that the house remain in
session until the senate should adjourn
The motion was declared carried, but Mr..
Brandon raised the point that no quorum
had voted, and in consequence the motion
was lost. The speaker overruled the point,
and Mr. Brandon appealed from the de-
ciison of the chair. The chair was over
whemingly sustained by the members pres
ent, and Mr.. Brandon again raised the point
of no quorum voting.
Messrs. Tunstall, Brown and Robinson
were leading the fight for the bill on the
floor, and Mr.. Tunstall presented rule 5 of
the house, which provides that fifteen men,
bers may demand of doorkeeper to COM
pei the attendance of absent members. This
motion was adopted and the doorkeeper
ordered to loo kthe door, and allow no men,
Der to absent himself without the consent
of the house.
In the meantime the doorkeepers depu-
ties had brought in half dozen members
and the roll call revealed the presence of a
quorum. A few bills were passed, and
parliamentary wrangle followed, every con-
ceivable eqort being made to adjourn the
house before the bill could be passed by the
senate and sent to the house. Members be-
gar to receive kilograms that sick wives
demanded their presence at HON, others
became suddenly i'll, but the doorkecper
held fast the key, while the prisoners
ranted. When it became known in the
house that the senate was voting on the
measure the few opponents in the house be-
came frantic, and some hot protests were
entered without avail They were caught
in their own game
Finally, there came a rush against the
house door from the senate. The bill was
pdsseu anu was DelnS Drought with cheers
to the house. The doorkeeper hesitated
but recognizing the senate secretary the
great door swung open. With the clerk
was score of jubilant senators, and as
they entered a half dozen house members
escaped.
Mr. Speaker, a message from the SEN
ate,' announced the doorkeeper.
Invite the gentleman in" responded the
speaker, and Secretary Proctor read the
caption of the bill. As the bill was sent to
the desk, Mr.. Brandon was in front of the
speakers stand frantically demanding a
roll call, but the speaker very coolly de-
manded the clerk to read the senate mos
sage Mr.. Brandon was still demanding
recognition. and he was successful only 10
be ordered to his seat by the speaker
AS the clerk concluded reading the speak,
er announced 1.-THE bill having been read
one time in this house Is referred to the
committee on judiciary"
The applause which greeted the an
nouncement was deafening, and several
wraps for order were made before quiet
could be obtained. A motion to adjourn
was declared carried, and more jubilant
crowd never left the house chamber No
on ewas mad, however. 1t was a fight in
the family. The bill will be placed on the
calendar Monday and Tuesday 1t will be
passed. KERSH