The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-16
GVATOR CLARKS
POLITICAL COUP.



--ors in Washington knew that it was
- made. Mr.. Clark struck just at the
w-tant the iron was hottest. Mr.. Chan
I ~ chairman Of the committee on privi-
sAsss ard elections, had given notice that
- o'clock he would call up for con-
saeration the resolution unanimously re-
900 from the committee, declaring Mr.
csyk not to be entitled to his seat in
- senate. A spirited contest over the
...oh,tion was expected. Every senator in
~ city was at his desk.
senator CIark's Statement.
A. p:@ Just as the routine business was
,.ncI,ded Mr. Clark quietly rose and ad-
s.sxsed the chair He desired, he said,
q low, tense voice, to address the SEN
~ on a question of privilege personal to
himself. Instantly there was buzz of
~rractation in the chamber Senators from
.oia sides of the main aisle hurried to
seats near Mr.. Clark, and hush fell up
m the assemblage as the Montana SEN
stor began to speak.
Al first his words scarcely could be
heard, but as he proceeded his voice be-
zane clear. and while at no time did he
speak loudly, the intense earnestness of
his utterances carried his address to the
yemotest parts of the chamber.
His address speaks for itself. 1t was
A sharp arratgnment of the committees
action and report, an analytical discussion
Of evidence adduced at the investigation.
an explanation of political and business
Affairs In Montana, and a bitter excoria-
ten OF Marcus. Day and his friends.
As Mr.. Clark adverted to his desire to
hand down TO his children a name I'M
furnished even by the breath of disgrace.
tears weiled to his eyes and his voice
IL at~
DOWN Then. bracing himself, he read the
litter he had sent to the governor of Mon
,sna, rendering his resignation. At the
conclusion OF the speech Mr.. Clark be-
came the center of a group OF senators.
IN deslrous of pressing his hand.
Little other business of Importance was
transacted. The resolution relating to
Nj. Clark went over until tomorrow.
and the senate proceeded to the trans
action OF routine business. Mr.. Clark
sxid:
What He Had to Say.
1T has not been my intention to dis
turb the recognized traditions of this
most honorable body by intruding my
opinions upon any questions that might
arise for consideration during the pres
eui session, but the question called up
today for discussion so vitality concerns
my own interests and the interest OF the
great state which / have the honor In
part to represent, that I shall ask the
Indulgence OF the senate while I, as BRIEF
" as possible, submit some remarks,
referring first to the character OF the in
yestigation; second, to the majority re-
port Of the honorable committee on priv
ieses and elections. which has submit
led Its findings adverse to q retention of
my seat In the senate: third, to the con-
ditlons existing in the state of Montana
for number Of years prior to my cleo
ton which justified my political actions
and, lastly. statement as 10 the course
deem best to pursue in the premises.
The Committee Was Unfais.
1T IL not my desire to cast aspersions
upon the motives which actuated the dis
ilnguished senators composing the COM
mittee, and yet. with the most respectful
eonsideration for the learning, legal abil-