The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1899-02-14

fair or courteous. but on the contrary
there was a disposition to find the officials
guilty, even though their records be white
as snow. Was il TO be wondered, then,
that these officials stood upon what they
considered their legal rights? he asked.
He believed they would have been no DIFF
ficulty had the committee requested in
stead OF commanded the auditor to produce
his documents. 1t was a serious question
whether under the organic act the legisla-
ture had the right 10 enact a statute 10
punish for contempt and he took the posi-
ton that the legislature had no right 10
make laws not permitted by the organic
act. He believed. in. conclusion, that If the
investigation were conducted in the spirit
manifested in the substitute there would
be no further trouble
Senator Hutto reiterated the position as
sun1ed in the debate last Saturday ques-
tioning the power Of the legislature TO
punish for contempt, and concluded by
expressing the belief that the terms OF
the substitute wera fair and offered IL
good spirit.
Here Senator Biddison read from the
record 10 show that his examination Of
the auditor had been courteous. and he
denounced the substitute as a subterfuSe
for more time to defeat the investigation.
Senator Thacker disclaimed any share
in the spirit Of the investigation resolu-
tions, bul agreed with their purpose. He
believed. though, that the committee had
the power TO make the inquiry and the
council should uphold that body. Possibly
the original resolution should have been
voted down, but the council had now
gone too far TO back down.
Senator Clarke arose TO can attention to
what he termed some remarkable features
Of the substitute as they would appear
to the outside world. II the substitute
meant anything. he proceeded, il meant a
complete abandonment by the council of
the right TO summon witnesses and COM
pei them to testify. He did not question
the motives of the senator from King
fisher in offering the substitute, but in
sisted thai kindness of heart and the
spirit of compromise had no place in par
Hamentary proceedings. He never before
knew of a committee being instructed to
be fair, just and respectful. and ne fur
Their called attention to that most extra
ordinary instruction ''couched in respect
full terms" He secuted the idea of the
committee doing anything of the kind and
undertook to say it was impossible. in his
judgment TO have a free investigation of
official affairs under the terms Of the
substitute.
In response to the suggestion of Senator
Winkler that he had drawn up the sub
stitute hastily and that il was subject TO
Senator Clarke moved TO
strike out the words "and exclude such
persons, not members OF the committee,
from the committee room as may be CD
jectionable TO either party" which was
agreed to without objection, as was also
the amendment proposed by Senator
Harms changing the resolution TO read as
That this committee be request
ed to address another respectful request"
etc.
Senator Biddison wanted the terms
changed so that the president of the
council should make the renewed IRE
spectful request" and when Senators |
Ravens and Winkler opposed the amend |
nent Senator Biddison denied the power
If the council to direct the committee. |
and as far as he was concerned, he would |
ign no more communications TO any de- |
oartmental official; that he would first I
'esign from the committee.
Notwithstandin gthis threat only three |
members voted far the amendment-Bid- /
lison, Brett and Clarke, and it was then 1
hat the former demanded a call of the /
council and that the sergeant-at-arms be |
'equested to bring in the absent mem |
)ers. The president explained that he
lad excused Senator aGrrison, and Sena-
or Winkler informed the council that
Senator Bellamy was confined TO his
Dom, and in his Judgment as his attend
ng physician, too i'll to be brought to the
ouncil chamber. Senator Biddison was
'bdurate, however, and insisted that Sen
tor Bellamy be produced. and seeing the
iopelessness OF further argument. Sena-
or Winkler moved a recess until 7:S0,
which was carried.