The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-01-05
Several Frank Speeches by Southern
Representatives fn Opposition
TO the Resolution.
HoPKINss BILL TAKEN UP
SPEECH BY ITS AUTHOR IN FAVOR
OF HIS REAPPoRTIoNMKNT PLAN.
Bur1eigh's Proposition Condemned ss
Unfair-An Explanation sought by
Mr.. Shafroth, of Colorado.

WASHINGTON. Jan. l-The House to-
day had another spirited struggle over the
Olmsted resolution to investigate the
abridgement OF the suffrage in certain
Southern States. with a view TO reappor-
tionment upon the actual basis Of suffrage.
1t was finally referred TO the census COM
mittee. where the opposition desired IL to
go originally. Some OF the Republican
leaders were not in sympathy with the
resolution. Mr.. Olmsted tried &c get Mr..
Hopkins to agree that the committee would
consider the resolution within a week, but
the chairman OF the census committee de-
clined to make any pledge 60 that effect.
The debate upon the resolution was marked
by exceeding frankness. Some OF the
Southern members avowed that the attempt
to enfrachise the negro had been a lament-
able failure, and the action OF certain
States in legally eliminating the blacks as
factors at the polls. they said. was in the
interest of civilization and progress Mr..
McDermott. of New Jersey. asserted that
every State in the Union either added TO or
subtracted from the constitutional require
ments of voters, and challenged any mem
ber to show to the contrary-one that did
disposed of the reapportionment bill was
taken up and debated by Mr.. Hopkins. CT
Illinois, and Mr.. Shafroth, OF Colorado. An
attempt to agree upon a time for the final
vote on the bill failed. although the gen.
eral impression is that the debate will con-
ciude early next week.
Mr. Dalzell called the House TO order to-
day in the absence OF Speaker Henderson.
who was detained I'm his home by a severe
cold, which he contracted I'm New York
during the holidays. Immediately after the
approval OF the journal half dozen MEM
bers were on their feet demanding recog-
milton. Among them was Mr.. Olmsted, who
yesterday created a stir by offering reso-
luton to instruct the committee on census
tn investigate the alleged abridgement OF
the-right to vote in several Southern States
But the speaker pro TEN. first recognized
Mr. Lacey, who presented privileged
resolution, asking the President TO return
a minor bill in which there was a clerical
error. II was adopted.
Mr. Burton then presented the river and
harbor bill.
THE OLMSTED RESOLUTION.
In order to clear the way for Mr.. Olm-
sted. Mr.. Graft, chairman OF the committee
on claims, after stating that IL was ap-
parent that no claim bills could be consid-
cred to-day this being the day set aside
under the rule for their consideration.
asked unanimous consent TO postpone the
regular order for to-day until next week.
Mr.. Swanson objected.
The speaker pro tenn. was then about to
recognize Mr.. Olmsted, when Mr.. Under
wood headed him of with the point OF no
quorum. The House was counted, but there
were only 142 members in ALL Under the
operation OF the rule the speaker was
about 10 direct a call OF the House. when
Mr. Underwood interposed with a motion
to adjourn, and the filibuster was on. The
vote was taken by yeas and nays. and the
motion to adjourn was defeated-S5 TO l03.
The speaker pro tem held that the pend
ing question was the vote on the question OF
consideration raised against The Olmsted
resolution yesterday. During the previous
roll call the leaders on both sides had con-
ferred and an agreement hao been reached
that the resolution should be recommitted.
Mr.. Richardson. the minoritS leader. for
nally proposed that this course be followed.
Mr.. olmsted replied that he would con-
slider the proposition after the House had
voted TO consider the question. II may
say" said he. that It had been my in
tention TO follow the course suggested by
the gentleman from Tennessee"
''Why not do so now and save timer"
asked Mr.. Richardson.
But Mr.. Olmsted insisted on a vote on
the question OF consideration and the roll
was accordingly called The House voted
los TO 9l-to consider the resolution. where
the resolution 10 the committee on census.
On Mr.. Richardson's motion Mr. olmsted
demanded the previous question. and. not
withstanding some dilatory tactics by the
Democrats with assistance from several
Republicans. the previous question was or
dered-lO2 TO 9S.
Mr.. Olmsted explained that his resolution
had been offered. not in antagonism 10 any
OF the reapportionment bills OF TO any Sec
ton or State. but In order that the reappor-
tionment might be based on constitutional
provisions.
A SoUTHERNER's APPEAL.
Mr.. Underwood made a warm speech I'm
opposition 10 the resolution. He had
hoped. he said. that such a resolution would
not appear in the House. The real pur-
pose OF the fourteenth amendment had
been 10 enfranchise the negro. IL had
failed The fifteenth amendment had been
successful for time. bur In the end IL
had proved iamentable failure. Both
amendments had been mistakes. not only
10 the Democratic party. but 70 the Re-
publican. The time had come now. after
the bitterness OF the was over. when
the people OF the South. in fairness ana
justice TO themselves and the negro race.
were trying not 10 oppress the negro race.
but only 10 protect themselves and sheir
property against maladmlnistratlon. Hs