Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-05-16
IN The SENATE.

Washington. May 15.-Mr Clark Of
Montana fairly swept the Senate with
surprise. today, hy formal announce
mcnt that he had sent his resignation
as senator to the governor Of Mon
tana. The announcement came with
out previous notice and probably not a
half dozen persons in Washington
knew that il was ~ be made Nj.
Clark struck just al the instant tn
iron was hottest.
Mr.. Chandler. chairman Of the com
mittee on privileges ana elections. had
given notice that. at l o'clock. h.
would call up for consideration thu
res luton unanimously reported from
the committee declaring MI Clark not
m BE- entitled to his seat in the Sen
atr. A spirited contest over the reso-
luton was expected. Every senator in
the city was at his desk
just after the routine business was
concluded. Mr.. clark quietly rose and
addressed the Chair He desired h
said. in a low. tense voice to address
the Senate on q question Of privilege
personal 70 himself Instantly there
was buzz If expectation in the
chamber. Senators from both SID : Of
the main aisle hurried To seats near
Mr.. Clark and 4 hush fell upon the as
semblage as the Montana senator be
gan T. speak. At first his words could
be scarcely heard. but as he proceeded
his voice became clear ana while at no
time did HI speak loudly. the intense
.carnestness Of his uttcrancc carried his
address TO the remutcst parts Of the
chamber. His address was a sharp ar
raignment of the committees action
and report, analytical discussion of the
evidence adduced at the investigation
an explanation OF political ana business
affairs in Montana ana 4 bitter oXoria-
ton Of Marcus DAILY ana his friends.
As Mr.. Clark advcrted to his desire
to hand down To his children a name
untarniShed even by the breath Of dis
grace, tears Welled to his eyes and his
voice trembled with emotion. He al
most broke down. Then. brating him
self. he read the letter he had sent to
the governor Of Montana rendering his
resignation. At the conclusion Of his
speech Mr.. Clark became the center of
group of senators all DESTROYS of
pressing his hand.
l-lltit tliiti DuSlUtSS OF importance
was transacted. The resolution relat-
ing to Mr.. Clark went over until to-
morrow, and the Senate proceeded to
the transaction of routine business.
Senator Clark. tonight. received the
following telegram from Helena. Mont
announcing his appointments: Il have
the honor to inform you that | have
this day appointed YOU to fill tire va
cancy in Montan3's representation in
the Senate Of the United States
send you certificate by registered mail.
| trust you will accept the appoint
ment. (SigneO A. +. Spriggs, Acting
Governor"
Senator Clark accepted the appoint
ment in the following reply to Lieut.
Gov. Spriggs' message: II have the
honor to acknowledge the receipt Of
your very complimentary message in
forming me Of my appointment to fill
the vacancy in the United States Sen
ate caused by my resignation and to
inform you of my acceptance thereof.
| fully appreciate the high compliment
implied by your action and pledge my
self to discharge the duties Of the office
in the interests Of all the people Of
the state to the best Of my ability"
Scarcely had the routine bust
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