The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-16
IN THE SENATE.
LynchinE of Negroes and other I'M
pOrtant Matters Discussed.

LynchinE of Negroes and other I'm
pOrtant Matters Discussed.
The subject Of lynching coIored people
was brought up in the Senate this morn
ing and led to considerable discussion.
1t originated in petition presented by
Mr.. Cullom, said 70 be signed by over
1900 colored persons and couched in these
words:
The undersigned would most respect
fully pray for the execution Of such OF
our constitutional laws as shall protect
the colored people and all citizens IN their
lives and liberties, and that shall be ef-
feetiye in suppresslng the barbarous Gus
tom OF lynching and burning colored men
Mr.. CullOm suggested the reference Of
the petition 10 the Judiciary Committee.
Mr. Hoar, Chairman OF the judiciary
Committee said that he thought such sub
jects had always gone TO the Committee Oh
Privileges and Elections There was no
Senator who would not be glad 10 have
some proper measure adopted 70 suppress
those wrongdoings and TO refer all offences
TO the orderly. peaceful, and certain course
Of the laws Of the different States.
II was a very difficult question, however.
action In the matter by constitutional
methods. He wished the Senator from
Illinois tMr- Cu!lomJ 10 give the Senate the
benefit OF his counsel and advice.
Mr.. Chandler Chairman Of the Commit
tee on Privileges and Elections. stated
there was no power in Congress TO prevent
crimes in the States. Under the Consti-
tuition. fifteenth amendment crimes com
mitted for the purpose Of preventing col
rad mo .r.N.a 4
under Federal law; but all Federal laws
for that purpose had been wiped on the
statute book in 1893; and there was ECw
no legislation on the subject
M CullOm remarked that 10 was incum-
bent on the Senate TO do anything it had
power 70 do on the subject.
Mr.. Tiilman asked him what was the
cause OF the petition and whether the ,rou-
Die complained Of by the peOple occurred
In Illinois or in the South
NJ. Cullom said be could not tell. He
knew, however. that in his own State. SIX
colored men had been shot down without
cause, but he was gratihed 10 say that
there were thirty or forty men now in iail
10 be trled for that crime and he trusted
hat they would be punished 20 the extent
Of the Law.
After some further discussion the 1eti-
ton was referred 70 the Judiciary Commit
tee
Mr.. Rawlins presented a document as
serting that the Mormon Church has pos
iuyely abandoned the practice Of pOlyga-
my or the determination OF plaral mar
riages; and II was also referred 10 the Ju-
dietary Committee.
Mr.. Gallinger reported from the Pensions
Committee. bin repeating with refer
ence to the parents Of persons who served
IN the war with Spain o. the Philippine
Isl rrra Ia
benefits Of the pension law those who had
aided the COnfederacy. and fl was passed.
The Nicaragua Canal Bill was reported
by Mr.. Morgan, and was placed On The
calendar.
Mr. Wellington introduced a Joint resolu-
tion in reference 10 the Philippine Islands
and gave notice that he would speak upon
IL next Thursday. II promises 10 the
FilipinOs Republic in which the principles
Of a government Of the people By the peo-
pie. and for the people, shall be absolutely
provided
Mr.. Cullom. who has introduced a bill
increasing The pension Of General John n
Palmer from $50 10 500. withdrew il on
reading letter from General Palmer de-
Ginning 10 accept the proposed increase.
The resolution heretofore offered by M
Hoar, requesting copies Of all communica-
tions received by the President from Agui-
Adluo OF any OJheT person undertaking 70
represent the people in arms against the
United States, together with the amend
ment offered by Mr. Lodge. extending the
held ot enquiry, was laid before the Senate.
and Mr. Petugrew moved 10 amend IL bv a
request for the Instructions issued 10 the
United States Peace Commissioners At
Paris
M Davis. Chairman OF the Committee
on Foreign Relations. and who was one OF
the Peace Commissioners. said that there
was nothing in the Instructions called for
which he feared 10 have disclosed. but he
thought the matter should be discussed
with closed doors.
The galleries were tnereu9on cleared
and the doors were closed. They were re-
opened in ten minutes. and then Mr.. Pet
tgreW's amendment was. on motion Of
Mr. Davis. laid on the table by d vote Of
Al TO 20