Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-04-27
tpy Telegraph to vlrginian-pilot3

(By Telegraph to Virginian- Pilot.)
Washington, d. c.. April 2G-Almost
the entire session of the Senate to-day
was devoted to the consideration OF the
right OF Nathan j. Scott, of West Nir-
ginia, to retain his seat in the Senate.
MIR. Pettus. of Alabama, who alone of
the members OF the Committee on
Privileges and Elections. is opposed to
the claim OF Mr.. Scott to seat made
on elaborate argument to sustain his
views. Mr.. Morgan, of Alabama, spoke
In favor of his colleagues contention.
Mr. McComas, of Maryland; Mr. Tur-
ley. of Tennessee: Mr.. Chandler, OF
New hampshire; Mr.. Teller, of Colo
RADIO. and Mr.. Allen, OF Nebraska, adj
dressed the Senate in support of the
resolution declaring Mr.. Scott entitled
to his seat. The case went over with
out action.
a resolution introduced by Mr.. Per-
kins. of California. calling on the Sec
rotary of the Treasury to send to the
Senate the imports by months and the
rates of duty under the reciprocal
agreement that went into effect in 1898,
was adopted.
Mr.. Pettus. of Alabama. then adj
dressed the Senate in opposition to the
resolution declaring that Mr.. Scott IS
entitled to Il seat. Mr.. Pettus presented
the minority report of the Committee
on Privileges and Elections in the
Scott case, being the only member Of
the committee who declined TO sign the
majority report.
II desire" said he ito spcal. TO Ssna-
tors who can decide fairly, upon their
own Judgment, and not upon caprice
and whim."
Mr.. Pettus analysed the work in the
LEGISLATURE declaring of H.
The debauchery OF such Internal pro-
cecdings cannot be too strongly char
actcrized. 1t IS a horrible state of af-
fairs. And yet we are told that the
United states Senator cannot examine
into a fraud like that"
Later he pointed out that at one point
of the proceedings Mr.. Scott needed
just one more vote. There are some
very smart people in West Virginia"
said he and they went Immediately 10
the bargain counter"
Further along Mr.. Pettus sharply
criticised The action of the Governor of
West Virginia In entering into the case
In the interest OF Mr.. Scott 'It makes
mo sick" said he. chat the Governor Of
a State should get down into the mud
and dirt of a vile case like this Ana
from his actions ! should think they
needed civil service in Charleston"
How about Alabama?" inquired Mr.
Elkins. of West Virginia, facetiousiy:
I'm not dIscUssfNg -T1yTU,T7r17r rr077,, =
replied Mr.. Pnttus. But the Senator'S
picture is in this thing. too. Don't get
inpatient; TIL get to you after awhile"
IaughteU.
MIR. Pettus maintained that the case
had not been fairly investigated by the
Privileges and Elections Committee.
and urged thorough investigation OF
the case
Mr.. Turley. OF Tennessee, followed
with argument in nf AIR
SCOTS right to retain his seat.
Mr. Chandler. chairman of the Com
mittee on Privileges and Elections pre-
serted an explanation of the agreement
entered into by the Republican and
Democratic leaders in the Legislature
and in the State of West Virginia. and
declared it was perfectly valid, perfect
ly honest and perfectly afr.
lie held with Mr.. TURKEY, that the
Senate had no right to enter into an
investigation of the action of the I4egs-
1ature in respect to the seating or I'M
seating of any OF its members lie be-
1ieved the contest made against Mr.
Scott had been wrongfully and unjusti-
flably.
Mr. Morgan. of Alabama. made an ex-
tended argument in support of tho
motion of his colleague (Pettus) to re-
commit the case to the committee with
instructions to make n thorough inyes-
tigation Of it.
Mr.. Teller maintained that the United
States Senate could not pass upon the
action of the West Virginia Leglsla
ture. as it was a constitutional body
and fully qualified to determine all
matters for Itself.
An effort was made TO fix time for
a vote upon the case, but MIR. Pettus
objected denouncing the effort as Fin
descent haste.
The case then went over until to-mor-
row. At $40 D. m. the Senate adj
journed.
IN THE HOUSE.
After four days OF discussion the
House to-day completed the consldera-
ton of the pos toffice appropriation bill
and PASSED IT. The attempt TO strike
out the 1896 Geo for special mail facili-
Ties from New York to New Orleans
and from Kansas City to Newton, Kas
met the fate il has ever since the APP
preparation was 0laced in the bill, in
1898. No one demanded n separate vote
upon the amendment striking out the
pneumatic tube provision, and the
House. by a large majority, stood by
the amendment to give extra compen-
sation to letter carriers for work in
excess OF forty -elght hours week. al
though the carriers were said by Mr.