The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-02-22

That understanding the fact that
came into this senatorial fight a friend
of the candidacy of o. w. Powers
Representative Jackson got no fur
ther. He was cut off by point of oroer
from Senator Smoot, who said:
The gentleman has been subpoenaed
TO appear before committee that mas
been appointed by this assembly to in
Vestigate this question thoroughly. AT
this time the gentleman's statements
in regard to the existing facts are en-
tirely cut of order; they should be
made before the committee, and L.
therefore, object to him proceeding any
further"
Then Representative Shepard re-
marked:
L do not think that this assembly
has got to listen to every explanation
that any man may wish to make. 1t
is not a question of personal privilege
at all As far as 1 can see, if Mr.. jack
son has any troubles. he can either tell
them to the committee or the police.
Charges have been made by Repre-
sentative Law, and 1 do not care about
sitting here and hearing all the details;
that is the duty of the committee, and
1 agree with Mr.. Smoot.
The chair desires TO state" inter-
jected President Nebeker that this is
in line with the privilege granted to
in the prerOgative of the assembly to
decide whether this privilege shall be
extended to Mr.. jackson or to ssny other
representative who desires to rise to
the question Of personal privilege
Representative Johnson ,IuoteG from
Roberts Rules of Order to show that
Mr.. Jackson was proceeding in order,
while Representative Shepard cited the
rule that no member could speak to
question of personal privilege If the as
sembly did not wish to near him.
THE PRESIDENTS RULING.
President Nebeker replied: THE chair
rules that this is in line with the prece-
dent that has been laid by this joint as
sembly, and Senator SmOot puts the prop
osition virtually in an appeal to this as
sembly. Shall the decision of the chair
stand as the decision of this joint assem-
bly,? Are there any remarks on his propo-
sition?"
Senator Evans argued in favor of Mr..
7 concede there is some logic in the
arguments Of the senators from Utah
county" said Representative Lapish. but
on general principles am opposed to the
stialng OF discussion. | would be in favor
OF allowing Mr.. Jackson to make his
statement"
DO you. or DO you not Mr.. Lapish, in
tend TO adopt the report of the committee
when it is sent in?'' asked Senator Evans.
Why, II all depends on what the re-
port is replied Representative Lapish.
1t would be a hard matter for me to
state now, before l hear the report, 10
state whether L will accept it or not.
Representative Lloyd said: What 1
have TO say is on different line. do
not rise to object TO any man making a
reasonable explanation of his vote or his
position. But the committee has been
appointed, and ! take it they have the
powers of court, and this gentleman has
been Subponaed to appear before tnat
court, and before that court alone should
he be permitted to give his views"
JOHNSON'S EXPRESSED VIEWS.
Representative Johnson said: II de-
sire to say that any objection that has
been made after what Mr.. Jackson has
already said strikes me as being the
most remarkable opposition that ever oc-
Cured in an assembly. Here is q man
who has risen on the floor. When a mem
Der. a reputable member of this assembly.
who was considered worthy by the peo-
pie TO represent them in this assembly.
comes here and proposes to take this floor
and make a statement which involves the
of one of the candidates for the
highest position that we can offer, then l
say that the attempt to shut his mouth
upon the feeble pretence that he can be
heard elsewhere. involves the honor of
every member of this joint assembly,
MR.. CUMMINGS POSITION.
THE thought occurred to me-" said
Cummings. that the COM
power necessary TO examine into any
scandals that have occurred and in be-
half of that committee, in justice to that
committee although l am authorized to
speak for no member of that committee
except myself it seems to me that the
should be allowed to investi-
gate itself"
MR.. SHOOTS REPLY.
Senator Smoot. by way of reply. said:
Under the resolution as amended by
1,a Lon oh rlA hls-
eloquently stated the absolute necessity
Of free speech, but has not answered
Senator Evans argument, judicial powers
were conferred upon the committee.
They were specifically directed as to what
their duties were. They Immediately. I'M
der the order of this assembly. proceeded
to the discharge of those duties. They
are working early and late in the dis
charge of those duties. When that action
was taken by this assembly. the queS-
lion OF personal privilege. which has been
this assembly. was closed upon that ques-
ion, and that was the spirit and intent of
that resolution
But when the report OF the committe is
made and the result of their investiga-
ion is laid before US for discussion. then !
and not until then. will / consent to have
The gentleman from Salt Lake or any
other gentleman rise to this question of !
personal privilege and consume valuable |
line.
FOR AND AGAINST FREE SPEECH. !
Representative Lapish-Are you in IA
-or of not allowing any person to speak /
until the report is in?
Senator SmoOt-Yes. sir.
Representative Lapish-DO you think |
hat pending this investigation the bal |
OTIS should be informal?
Senator Smoot-I think they should be |
lust as formal now as they ever were; l /
mink they should be more formal than /
hey have been.
Representative Johnson-And yet you
hink that matters which Immediately |
'oncern the election Of senator should
lot be discussed?
Senator SmoOt-Yes. do.
Admitting said Representative Fish |
p, all that the senator from Utah coun-
Y has gust stated, those who desire to
make personal explanations should have
ne same privilege as they have hereto
ore.
sentative Shepard of course. l would
Ike to listen 10 Mr.. Jackson for three or
our hours. at least, but We have not the
ime: II IS simply. in my judgment. a
ested by the remarks of MIR jackson. of
oreinS the election of United States sem
tor.
Il object" said Representative Iapfsh.
to the gentleman making a personal at
ack on this floor while speaking TO the
uestion.
Then I understand from the chair that
am not allowed 10 discuss this PROPOSE
ion, and that the gag law IS applied to |
ne. member not speaking in unison
. III. the ehair?1 was Representative
Representative Shepard can place upon
he words OF the chair any construction
g may see nit, remarked President Neb-
At this juncture Representative jackson
ana; 4 withdraw my request to rise to
he question of personal privilege. | am
eady to go before the committee. 1t is
matter of the supremest indifference TO
he what Mr.. Shepard thinks I am NOT