The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-12-08
A TALK BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS
Determining Plan of Proceed
ure in Roberts Case
HOUSE FINANCE BILL.
TO DETERMINE RULES FOR
LIMITS OF DEBATE.
THE COMMITTEE ON RULES MEETS TODAY
The House Session Was Only Half an Hour 10
Length. Announcement N de of The
Death Of Representative Green,
of Nebraska.

Washington, Dec THE special COM
mittee of the House appointed to inves-
tigate the charges against Mr.. Roberts,
the Mormon representatives from Utah,
held its first meeting today behind closed
doors. The meeting was called for the
purpose of determining the method of
procedure in the case lit was held III
the room Of the Committee on Elections
No. j, and was presided over by the
chairman. Mr.. Taylor, of Ohio. All the
other members of the committee were
present.
PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE.
Washington. Dec. THE session of
the House lasted only half an hour today
Mr. 0verstreet lind in charge of the
Finance Bill attempted Ito reach an
agreement for its consideration next
week, but Mr. Richardson. on behalf
of the minority, rejected all proposals
on the ground that a bill as important
as this should go through the regular
channels.
The Speaker thereupon appointed the
Committe on Rules, which is to include
himself. Mr.. Dalzell Pa.), Mr.. Gros-
yenor fOhiol. Mr.. Richardson, of Zen
nessee, and Mr.. Bliley, of Texas. They
will hold il meeting tomorrow and de-
eide upon rule for the limits Of the
debate which will undoubtedly consume
the whole of next week.
Mr.. Roberts. the Mormon Representa-
tive. despite the adoption of the Tayler
tOhio) resolution, which in terms de-
prives him of his seat during the pen
dency of his case in committee was IN the
hall throughout the session, and occupied
the sent he selected ON Monday.
Mr. Meyer Ga) announced that he
had been incorrectly recorded as voting
..aye'' on the Roberts resolution ON
Tuesday He had voted mo-
Mr.. Oyerstreet Qnd) in charge of The
Finance Bill, then arose for the purpose
of reaching an agreement if possible, for
the consideration of the Finance Bill.
He asked that an arrangement be made
for commencing the debate next Tues.
day.
Mr.. Richardson, the minoriy leader,
said the proposal was unusual. 1T was
that most important measure, perfected
in all details during the recess by mem
bers on the other side should be brought
into the House without having been cor
sidered in committee and taken up upon
two days notice. He insisted that the
bill should go to committee for first
consideration. There was no imme-
diate call for the passage of the bill,
and he objected TO the proposed arrange
ment.
Mr. 0verstreet asked unanimous con-
sent to Print iii the Record an analysis
of the BILL
II understand the gentleman desires to
inject stump speech into the Record" :"
observed Mr.. Terry tArk) Il object.
Upon the motion Of Mr. Grosyenur
fOhio). a resolution was adopted to print
5000 copies Of the opinion Of the Su-
preine Court in the case of the Addy-
stone Pipe and Steel Company ct al,
appellants VS.. the United States for the
nse of the House. This Is the antitrust
decision of the Supreme Court.
Mr. Mercer (Neb.) then announced the
death of the late Representative Green
of Nebraska. and after Che adoption of
the customary resolutions. the House, at
1926 p. m. as further mark of respect,
adjourned.
Little progress was made at the meet
ing today and an adjournment was taken
rntil tomorrow at ten O'Clock. 1t has
not yet been formally decided whether
Mr.. Roberts is to be allowed counsel or
whether the hearings viii be open or pri-
vate. The determination of the latter
question it is believed, will depend upon
Mr.. Roberts wishes. Mr.. Roberts
will doubtless be allowed counsel.
The question Of whether the committee
will go to Utah to take testimony was
also raised hut it. too, was not decided
at the meeting today. Almost all the
time was occupied in 4 general exchange
of ideas as to methods of procedure.