The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1900-05-16
sWEpT WTTH :eURPR1sE
Was the Senate by olark's Resigna-
ttou-surounded By Senators.

tior-surounded by Senators.
WASHINGTON, May 15.-Mr. Clark,
OiMontana, fairly swept the senate with
surprise to-day by n formal announce
nent that he had sent his resignation
as senator to the governor OF Montana.
The announcement came without pra-
yIOus notice and probably not half
dozen persons in Washington knew that
It was to be made. Mr.. Clark struck
,ust at the instant the iron was hottest.
Mr. Chandler, chairman Of the commit
.ss on privileges and elections had
gwen notice that at o'clock he would
call up for consideration the resolution
unanimously reported from the COM
ui,tce declaring Mr. Clark not to be
sn.ItleH to his seat in the senate. A
spirited contest over the resolution was
expected. Every senator in the city
was at his desk.
Spoke IN a Low Tone.
At 1890, just as the routine business
was concluded, Mr.. Clark quietly rose
and addressed the chair. He desired, he
said, In a low, tense voice, to address
the, senate on question OF privilege
personal to himself. Instantly there
was buzz Of expectation In the cham
Der. Senators from both sides Of the
main aisle hurried to seats near Mr..
Clark and hush fell upon the assem-
blage, as the Montana senator began 20
speak,
At lrss his words scarcely could be
heard, but as he proceeded his. voice
became clear, and while at no time did
he speak loudly, the intense earnestness
Of his u,,erance carried his address to
the remates, parts Of the chamber.
Sharp Arraignmsnt of Committee.
His address speaks for itself. 1t was
a5harp arralgnment of the committees
action and report, an analytical discus
sion Of the evidence adduced at the in
ye',Isatou, an explanation of political
and business affairs In Montana, and a
bitter excoriation Of Marcus Daily and
his friends.
As SIR. Clark ayerted to his desire TO
hand down to his children a name un-
furnished even by the breath of dis
grace, tears welled to his eyes ana his
voice trembled with emotion. He al
most broke down. Then bractng him
telf he read the letter he had sent to the
governor Of Montana rendering his re-
sgnatIon. At the conclusion of the
speech, Mr., Clark became the centre OF
a group OF senator's all desIrOus OF
pressing his hand.
Substance Of the Letter.
The letter In part was rs follows:
None Of the charges affecting my
personal honor. or which alleged that l
had personally been guilty OF corrupt
practices have been sustained by the
findings Of the committee.
'con7rIDus Of the rectitude Of my
own conduct, and after a critical exam
nation OF all the evidence
taken by the committee;, con-
vItc'd that those friends who
wefc 80 loyal TO mo during that bitter
eon'sri I'D not resort to dIshonorable
or corrupt means to influence the ac-
Ton Of tha members Of the legislature
In their choice OF n senator; yet l am
unwilling 10 continue 10 occupy seat
Ia the Esnatc Of tha United States under
CREDENTIALS which lts committee has de-
r'2Fd SITS for their authority upon
'ho action Of a legislature which was
D'' 'rae and voluntary in Its choice Of a
senator
Leaves the State Free to Act.
"SnI, respect and due regard for the
opinion OF my associates, and sense Of
duty 70 the people Of the state OF Mon
nn7 demand that ] should return the
Credentials under which / am acting as
one of The representatives In the senate
Of The United states. leaving the state
ard her people to take such action ns
wit. conserve and promote her best In
t"Fnsis In tho national council
dr President, 1 desire In retiring
i4'o The ssnate. to state that / have
h'i1 formed some warm friends. whom
If'Frrt 70 leave. ] have received from
Tn NDwgryhI. ..-..taf.o. ,etanr Ihn FnDgL