Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-04-24
DEBATING THE QUAY CASE
MIR. PLATT DECLARES THAT THE
SENATE IS ON TRIAL.
Mr.. Penrose Begins His Address In
Support of the Claim of the SEN
ator From Pennsylvania.

Debate on the Quay case occupied the
Senate yesterday afternoon until adjourn
ment. After The Stars report or the SEN
ate proceedings was closed yesterday after
noon Mr.. PIatt continued his speech. He
maintained there was practically no diner
ence between the Quay case and the Cor
bett case and the decision in the Corbett
case ought to be regarded as sacred as was
the Judgment of a constitutional court
Mr.. Hoar. interrupting. said that when
senators believed a decision in case had
been reached in violation of constitutional
right. and that the Senate had been in
fiuenced by personal and political considera-
tons as he believed was true of the Corbett
case it was their bounden duty to reverse
that decision
Il wonder" said Mr. PIatt eff the sena-
than it was when it decided the COrbett
case? Does the senator think the Senate
will act with him now from high constitu-
tiOnal motives when he says it did not so
act with him then?
ITO admit Mr.. Quay to seat here is to
go step backward. and seat a man in cir
in before. and which would reverse the set
ted decisions of the Senate"
The Senate is on trial at the bar of pub
lie opinion" said Mr.. Plat, in conclusion.
This case is known throughout the length
and breadth OF the land. 1t is known that
this case resembles that of Mr. Corbett of
two years ago If Mr.. Quay is seated the
people will want to know why the Senate
changes front They will hear it has been
said on the floor of this chamber that sena-
tors voted against Mr.. Corbett because of
certain political considerations, rather than
ON constitutional grounds. This IS why /
implore senators to stand by former decis-
ions Of the Senate. why I appeal to them to
stand by long line of settled action.
If the decision in the Corbett case is re-
Versed no case will ever be settled in the
Senate Cases thereafter will be settled
upon likes and dislikes upon political ext
SencleS- and perhaps even uD1n revenge.
DO not overturn what already has been set
tied. or nothing will hereafter ever be re-
garded as settled Once the presidents are
overturned. seats in this body will become
the sport of political eXigency.
Conferees ON the District Bill.
The Senate agreed to a conference on the
District of Columbia appropriation bill, and
Senators Allison. SewelI and Cockren were
named as the conferees
Mr. kenney (DelD then addressed the SEN
ate in support of Mr.. Quays right to a seat
He voted against the seating of Mr.. Corbett
two Yeas ago. and said he felt il proper to
explain why he would vote for Mr.. Quay.
He held that the COrbett and Quay cases
differed radically. and entered into an
elaborate explanation of the difference
He added, however, that certain charges
were made against Mr.. Corbett, and he ad-
united frankly that the charges had more
weight in influencing his vote than the con-
srtutional argument against him.
MIR. kenney pointed out that if the legis-
IatUre of his own state should fail to elect
senator when it again came together the
state would be without full representation
In the Senate for two years to come In
response TO question from Mr. Tfllrnan
Mr. henney said that the governor of Del
aware was waiting for a decision in the
Quay case before acting with respect to the
vacancy that existed in the senatorial rep
resentauOn from that state.