Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1900-05-17
has RESIGNED.
Clark, of Montana, Resisns From the
Senate

Il
Senate.
| Washington, May 15.-(By Associat-
ed Press.3-Senator Clark, of Mon
the senate today.
Scarcely had routine business con-
cluded in the senate when Clark, OF
Montana, rose and addressed the chair
on a question of privilege personal 20
himself. He said it had been his in
tention not to intrude his opinions up-
on any questions that might arise dur
ing the present session, but the ques-
tions called up today for discussion so
yitally concerned his own interests
that he asked The indulgence of the
senate to submit some remarks upon
the character Of the investigation, and
the majority report which submitted
findings adverse to his retention of
his seat and the conditions existing
in Montana which existed for years
prior to his election. At the conclus-
resignation as follows: "Acting upon
my own Judgment and holding no one
responsible for the result, l have con-
Guided to place my resignation in the
hands of the chief executive of Mon
| 'oiAShs anu lSlSWiUl SuDilllU d CODS
of the letter addressed him under date
Clark expressed profound gratitude
for the generous sympathy and sup
port of nearly all his democratic col
leagues and the cordial good wishes
of great number of republicans.
Many senator's crowded around Clark
when he finished speaking and shook
hands most cordially. Chandler asked
that consideration Of the resolution
declaring Clark's seat vacant be post
poned until tomorrow, which was
done.
Clark was elected to the senate by
the Montana Legislature year ago last
winter. Immediately after his cleo
ton charges of bribery were made
against him. These grew in vehemence
until, when Clark came to Washington
last winter, the senate felt justified IN
refusing to seat him, until the charges
had been investigated. A committee
for this purpose was appointed and
after long consideration of the case,
reported few weeks ago against II
lowing Clark to take his seat. Today's
resignation is the outcome of the com
mittee's action.
Clark is Reappointed.
Helena, May 16.-Acting Governor
Spriggs last night appointed w. A.
Clark, of Butte, United States senator,
to serve until the next legislator shall
elect his successor. Senator Clark S
resignation was filed early in the day
with the governor, and last night he
was appointed by Governor Spriggs
to succeed himself. Governor Spriggs
has all along been friend of Senator
Clark. Governor Smith, a nartisan of
the Daily people, left the state two
weeks ago for California, to attend to
some mining cases in which he is re-
| tanned as an attorney. This resigna-
ton. filed yesterday, came as sur
prise TO the people of the state, who
had not an inkling of the coup pre-
| pared.
Differ as to Legal Phases.
1 Washington, May 16.-There is great
difference of opinion and intense in
terest among the members of the
senate regarding the Montana develop
ments in the Clark case. The reading
LOT the letter of resignation yesterday
was attended by many dramatic cir
cumstances, which impressed some Of
the older senators with feeling Of
sympathy Tor the man who has been
a pleasant companion for the past five
months. There were tears in his eyes
too, but apparently they were of the
crocodile variety, in view Of the palpa
BILE bargain with the Montana authori.
ties.
Senator Clark's name was stricken
from the role by order of the president
pro tempore as the result of the resig.
nation, but leading senator's of the
senate say this does not affect in any
way the question of the title to his
seat. The present plan is to take uF
the Clark case, which is simply reso
luton declaring that he was not elect
ed senator, and continue it's consid
Grafton until it is finally adopted.
L. On this basis Mr.. Clark had nothing
to resign, and the vacancy apparently
has existed since the adjournment o.
the legislature last year.
/ 1t is said in the senate that in nc
case can Clark's name be put on the
rolls again this session. His resigna
ton takes his name off, of course, anG
the appointment by Lieutenant Gov
ernor Spriggs means he will have tc
present new credentials to the senate
These must be referred to the com
mittee on elections, which means !
contest which could hardly be settled
before the end of the present session
The Montana legislature meets Mex
winter, and the temporary appoint
ment would lapse in any event, SC
there is practically no chance Of Mr.
Clark recovering his seat because oil
the opportune absence from the state o,
Governor Smith and the prompt friend
ship for Clark of the lieutenant gov.
ernor.
Opinions differ considerably as tc
what decision would be made of the
case if there were time enough to take
it up regularly. Some authorities hold
that the vacancy began March 4, 1899
and hence that it has been within the
power of the governor at all times tc
appoint senator. Some senator's hole
that as the governor did not do SO
the lieutenant governor could not take
advantage of the temporary absence
of the chief executive.
In any event, the only thing which
seems certain is that Montana will bs
without representation in the senate
Until ii chooses some one nv a leoisl,