The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-03-22
WARM DEBATE ON LOUD BILL.
MCPHERSON AND LENTz ExCHANG-
ED UNPLEAsANTRIEs.

Mcfherson Charged Lentx with Rep
resenting the Lobby Against the
Measure, and Lentx Intimated That
McPherson Was an Attorney for
the Express Companics-Mr. Loud
Accepted Two Amendments to His
Measure.
washington, March 21.-Duing the os-
bate In the House to-day upon the Loud
Dali relating to second-class mail matter.
there was sharp exchange between Mr.
Mcpherson Republican of Iowa. and Mr.
Lentz, Democrat of Ohio. over charge
made by the former that the latter was
the attorney of the lobby which il fighting
the bill, but otherwise the debate was
without incident Both sides believe the
vote tomorrow will he close.
Mr.. Loud has agreed to accep two
amendments, one TO increase the number
of sample copies which newspapers can
send out at second-class rates from 800 to
2,OOO, and the other 20 limit the provisions
requiring newspapers to separate their
mail to those having an excess of 5000
circulation. These are all the concessions
he will make. He says the debate has
strengthened the bill and he believes it
will pass.
The speakers to-day were Messrs. Brom-
well of Ohio, Griggs of Georgia, McPher-
son of Iowa, Burke of Texas, Bingham of
Pennsylvania, Heatwole of Minnesota
and Latimer of South Carolina in favor Of
the bill. and Messrs. Moon of Tennessee
I.entz of Ohio, Vandiver of Missouri
Snodgrass of Tennessee, Cochran of Mis-
souri, and Neville of Nebraska, against it,
what Mr.. Gfiggs said.
Mr.. Griggs of Georgia, said that two
thirds of the members who would vote
against it would do so under a misappre-
hension and because they did not care to
take the trouble to meet the objections OF
constituents who did not understand the
measure.
Mr.. Lentz argued that second-class priv
ileges for mail matter must be considered
part of the educa tional system of the
country. He had his desk and the sur
rounding desks piled high with, the books
of standard authors and poets which he
said were placed within the reach of the
humblest boys and girls, because they
had access to the mail at pound rates.
He created considerable enthusiasm, both
on the floor, and in the galleries as he
appealed for continue ton of these priv
neges.
Mr. Mcpherson of Iowa, In support of
the bill, denounced the lobby which, he
said, was infesting the corridors and gall
leries of the House carrying on corrupt
campaign against the measure.
During the course of his remarks Mr..
Hin of Connecticut, rising to a question of
privilege, stated that literature in opposi-
tion 20 the bill was being distributed on
the floor of the House by the pages. He
demanded that the rule be enforced, The
speaker directed the employees of the
House to cease distributing the documents.
Mr.. AIcPherson, proceeding, attacked Mr..
Lentz creating something of a sensatio
by charaterizing him as the attorney for
the lobby.
Mr.. Lentz was not on the floor al the
time. but Mr.. Richardson. the minority
leader, promptly called Mr.. Mcpherson
to order.
Mr.. Mcpherson withdrew the word "at-
torney,' and was allowed TO proceed.
Lentx Goes for McPhersOn.
Later Mr.. Lentz on question of priv
ilege, replied to Mr. Mcpherson, express
ing surprise that member even with the
limited experience in the rules of decency
enjoyed by the gentleman from Iowa,
should have charged him with being the
attorney for q lobby in connection with
the pending bill He proceeded to explain
the circumstances under which he had
brought into the House the books and
pamphlets complained of. and in concu-
sion said he did not know he could pro-
tect himself from charges based upon such
flimsy grounds.
But / want to say in the gentleman's
teeth" he said that the gentleman who
charges me with being the attorney of a
lobby is undoubtedly himself the attor-
ney of the express companies"
Here Mr.. Payne of New York nterpos-
ed TO call Mr.. Lentz to order
Later Mr.. Mcpherson got the floor say
ing that he had at the time withdrew the
Objectionable remark, but that the speech
of Mr.. Lentz when IL appeared would
display the facts which had called It
forth He said il would further show that
Mr.. Lentz was in telegraphic correspond
ence with those laboring to defeat the
bill.
Mr. Lentz explained that he had tele-
graphed for information regarding the
amount of postage paid by publishers
That was all.
The Senate amendments TO the urgency
deficiency appropriation bill were nom
concurred in and the bill sent TO confer
ence. Messrs. Cannon, Barney and
Pearce were appointed conferees.
At o'clock the House adjourned
-S-ae-s