The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-10
CONFUSION IN THE House
Ciairma Hepburn Refuses to Rec.
ogniza Mr.. Talbert.


night not more than half a hundred mem
beers were in their seats. notwithstanding
that Mr.. Talbert OF South Carolina, at the
last Friday nights session. had served no.
tice that he would insist on the presence of
a quorum for the transaction of business.
The House was called TO order by
Speaker Henderson. which was something
unusual for as a general rule the Speaker
always designates some other member TO
net as Speaker pro tempore on such occa-
sions
Mr.. Sulioway of New Hampshire moved
10 go into Committee of the Whole for the
consideration of private pension bills.
Mr.. Taibert called for division, and
eighty-six members we're counted in the
affirmative by the Speaker and none in the
negative
mo quorum is present. Mr.. Speaker, .
said Mr.. Talbert.
The gentleman makes the point of no
quorum voting" said the Speaker.
Mr. Sulloway demanded the yeas and
nays. which were ordered, and by vote
of les yeas. no nays. and thirteen present
but not voting the House went in to Com
mittee of the Whole with Mr. Hepburn of
Iowa in the chair.
At this point scene, such as was often
witnessed during the stormy days of the
Fifty-irst Congress. when Car Reed
held sway. occurred.
The bill reported was one granting a
pension Of s12 per month 10 James NJ
Kercheval. The Clerk started in reading
the bill. when Mir. Talbert addressed the
Chair.
Chair ignored Mr. Talbert and put the
usual question preceding the passage of a
bill.
Great confusion followed. Mr.. Talbert's
voice could be heard shouting. mir. Chair
man. MIR. Chairman" but the Chairman,
so far as Mr.. Talbert was concerned, was
deaf. Leaving his seat, Mr.. Talbert
walked down the centre aisle. still shout
ing MIR Chairman. until he stood in
front of the Speakers desk.
Il demand to be heard" exclaimed Mr..
Talbert. Il want TO make some remarks on
this bill" he shouted.
THE gentleman from South Carolina is
out OF order. lie viii take his seat said
the Chair.
THE Chairman is out of order" retorted
Mr.. Talbert
A number of Democrats denounced the
Chairs action and Kisses were heard on
the Democratic side.
Finally Mr.. Talbert was recognized and
he addressed the House. He said the fact
that a quorum was present vindicated his
course in demanding a quorum at the FRI
day night session. There was no feeling
nj d md he oil
soldier. His opposition, he said. was d.
rected at the loose unconstitutional
methods which prevail at Friday night
sessions. lie suggested that the District of
Columbia had day, war claims had a day
and why not. he asked. have soldiers
day? The Republicans he said were re-
Eponsible for Legislation. and they should |
be present 10 transact business His rec
ord, he said, showed that he always voted |
to go into Committee of the Whole. and |
never opposed meritorious pension bills. |
In conclusion. Mr.. Talbert said: Now, / |
want to say that l think the present occu-
pant OF the chair owes an apology TO the |
House for trying to stifie debate The |
titled to recognition, and the Chair has
acted in way unbecoming the Chairman
OF a great Legislative body
Mr.. Sims of Tennessee criticised the Re- /
publicans for refusing to adjourn as |
mark of respect TO the memory of Cen |
eral Lswton. He made plea for the con-
sideration OF the bills reported from the |
Committee on War Claims. He thought ii 1
was as important for the Government 10 /
pay its debts as IL was to bestow fayors on /
the old soldiers.
The committee then proceeded with the
Of bills on the calendar, and |
disposed OF thiriy-four, which were favor
ably reported to the House. The previous
question was ordered on their passage,
which made them unfinished business, and
the House, at 1890 p. m, adjourned until
The morning session was very brief
After the reading of the Journal several
resolutions from the Committee on Ac-
counts regarding the appointment of as
eistant clerks were reported and passed.
On motion of Mr.. Payne Of New York
II was agreed that when the House adj
journ it would be TO meet on Monday next
Mr.. Payne then moved 10 take a recess
until o'clock.
Objection was made 10 this by Mr. Sims
Of Tennessee. who wanted the House to
consider bills on the private calendar
which had not yet been accorded a hear
Ing this session.
To end the discussion Mr. Payne moved
The previous question, which was ordered.
MIR. Loud Of California moved that tie
House adjourn.
On division this was agreed to, but
Mr.. Hill OF Connecticut called for the yeas
and nays, and the motion 20 adjourn was
lost by a vote of sc to $50.
The motion 10 take a recess until
O'Clock prevailed by standing vote of
107 TO 10.
NEW HOUSE EMPLOYEES.