Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-12-07
BILLY MAsoN's RESOLUTION
HE WANTS UNITED STATES SENATE
TO "RooT, FOR THE BoERs.
MIR. Rawlins Asks for q Senatorial
Investigation of PoIygnmy-sen-
ator Harris Made q Member
of Committee on
Elections.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6-Nearly 500 bills
and joint resolutions. several important
concurrent resolutions. and petitions num-
bering hundreds were presented to the
senate to-day. A majority of the bills were
old stagers. A few were of national in
terest and importance.
Mr.. Aldrich had the honor of introduc-
ing the first measure in the senate. 1t was
the financial bill drawn by the senate COM
mittee on finance, of which Mr.. Aldrich is
chairman, and probably was the most i'm
portant measure introduced during the day.
Resolutions were offered providing for
an investigation by the judiciary commit
tee of all phases of polygany recently pre-
scented in connection with what is known
as the Roberts case; expressing the SYM
pathy of the senate for the Beers in their
war with Great Britain, and declaring that
Senator n. B. Scott. of West Virginia, is
O.. not TO be entitled to seat in the senate.
Mr.. Harris, Populist, of Kansas, was ap-
pointed a temporary member of the COM
mittee on privileges and elections. The ap-
pointment is important and significant be-
cause the committee has under consider
alton the Quay. Clark and Scott contests.
Mr.. Mason, Of Illinois, offered the fol-
lowing resolution, which he asked to be al
lowed to lie on the table until he should
call 1t up:
Independence the people OF the United States have
regarded with sympathy the struggles Of other people
fore,
Resolved, by the OF the United States, That
we watch with deep and abiding interest the heroic
battle OF the South African republic against cruelty
and oppression. and our best hopes go out for the
full Of their determined contest for liberty.
Mr.. Rawlins. of Utah. offered the fol-
lowing resolution and asked that 1t be
considered Immediately:
That the committee judiciary is hereby instruct
ed to inquire into and report to the senate:
First-To what extent polygamy is practiced or
poygamous marriages entered into in the United
States in places which they have jurisdiction
Second-Haye polygamists or persons repuied 10
have more than one wife been elected to Office by
the people of Utah. and If so has such election been
for the purpose OF encouraging polygamy in yio-
lation Of any compact between said state and the
United States?
ThIrd-Eaye poygamists. or persons reputed to
have mere than one wife been appointed to office by
the president by and with the advice and consent
OF the senate or in cases where the concurrence o
the senate Is not required. and, II g. have such
appointments been made in aid Of polygsmy or In
violation Of the compact between the United State:
and the state OF Utah with reference 10 the subject?
Fourth-what, If any, steps should be taken oil
measures enacted for the prevention. Of poygamy
have Jurisdiction! - - - - 49,
Mr.. wolcott. OF Colorado. objected Il
immediate consideration and the resolu
tion was referred to the judiciary commit
tee.
concurrent resolution adopted by tn
legislature OF Michigan was presented b!
Mr.. Mcmillan. of Michigan. The resolu
ton protested against the policy of tn
Russian government toward Finland ant
was referred to the committee on foreigl
relations. 1t expresses profound an,
heartfelt sympathy for the downtroddel
people of Finland in their, present hou
of darkest trouble and urges Fresiden
Mckinley to express to the government o
the car the serious concern of the govern
ment of the United States because of tn
abrogation OF the act OF assurance of AL
exander l., the abolition OF the Finnisl
constitution and the consequent destruc
tion of Finnish autonomy