The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-01-05
THE STRUGGLE FIERCE
Negro DISTINGUISHED in the Interests
of Civilization.
FRANK AyOwALs MADE BY SoUTAERNERS
Hopkins Calls Up The Reapportionment Bill and
Opens Debate in Favor Of His Measure.
Sha'orth Speaks For Larger Repre-
senration in the HOUSE.
sentation in the HOUSE.
(By the Associated Press J

(By the Associated Press
Washington, Jan. 1.-The House today
had another spirited struggle over the
Olmstead resolution to investigate the
infringement Of the suffrage in certain
Southern States with a view to reappor-
tionment upon the actual basis of suff-
rage. 1t was finally referred to the Cen
sus Committee where the opposition de-
sired it to go originally. Some of the
Republican leaders were not in sympa-
thy with the resolution and gave their
support to the reference on condition that
that would be the final outcome Mr..
Olmstead tried to get Mr.. Hopkins to
agree that the committee would consid-
or the resolution within a week, but the
chairman of the Census Committee de-
clined TO make any pledge to that CT
feet although he said the committee al
ways did its duty. The debate upon the
resolution was marked by exceeding
frankne SIS. Some of the Southern mem
bers avowed that the attempt to en-
franchise the negro had Deen 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 in the
course of his remarks asserted that
every State in the Union either added
to or subtracted from the Constitutional
requirements OF voters and challenged
any member to show, to the contrary, one
that did not. After the resolution had
been thus disposed of the Re-apportion-
nent Bill was taken up and debated by
Mr.. Hoplins, of Illinois, and Mr.. Shat
roth, of Colorado. An attempt to agree
upon a time for the final vote on the
bill failed although the general impress
sion is that the debate will conclude ear
ly next week
Mr.. Burton (Ohio) presented the River
and Harbor Bill In order to clear the
way for Mr.. Olmstead (Pa) who was
seeking recognition. Mr.. Graf, Qll),
chairman of the Committee on Claims.
after stating that it YVES apparent that
no claim bills could be considered today
(this being the day set aside under the
rule fer their consideration, asked unan-
imous consent to postpone the regular
order for today until next week
THE STRUGGLE BEGINS.
Mr.. Swanson (va) objected. The
Speaker pro tenn was then about to rec
ognize Mr.. Olmstead. when Mr. Under
wood (Ala) headed him off with the
point of no quorum. The House was
counted, but there only 142 members in
the hall.
The Speaker was about to direct
call of the House when Mr.. Underwood
interposed with a motion to adjourn and
the filibuster was on. The vote was
taken by ayes and noes.
The motion to adjourn was defeated IS
to 103. The Speaker pro tenn held that
the pending question was the vote on
the question of consideration raised on
the Olmstead resolution yesterday. Lead
ers on both sides had agreed that the
resolution should be recommitted. Mr.
Richardson, the minority leader. finally
proposed that this course be followed.
Mr.. Olmstead replied that he would con-
slider the proposition after the House
had voted to consider the resolution. The
roll was called.
The House voted 1O3 to 81 to consider
the resolution, whereupon Mr.. Richard
son moved to recommit the resolution to
the Committee on Census. Upon Mr..
Richardson's motion Mr.. Olmstead de-
maGded the previous question. Mr.. I'm
derwood attempted to interpose a mo-
tion to postpone consideration of the
resolution indefinitely, but the Speaker
ruled this motion out of order. Upon
rising vote the motion for the previous
question was not sustained GA to 49, but
Mr.. Olmstead Immediately demanded
the ayes and noes which were ordered
Several Republicans remained seated
both on the motion for the previous ques-
ton and on the demand for the ayes and
noes. Mr.. Richardson tried to interject
motion to lay on the table, but it was
ruled out of order.
The action of the minority leaders had
angered Mr.. Olmstead and instead of
acquiescing in the motion to re-commit
he had now resolved upon a direct vote
upon the adoption of the resolution.
PEARSON CHANGES HIS VOTE.
The vote on the previous question was
close. Before it was announced Mr..
Pearson IN. CO. who had voted no,
changed his vote to aye, stating that he
made the change as he had reason to
believe that the resolution would be re-
committed. The previous question was
ordered 102 to SO. This gave 20 minutes
debate on a side.
Mr.. Shattuc (Ohio) read a resolution
upon the same subject which he had In
troduced and which he said he was will
ing should go to the Census Committee
with the Olmstead resolution. He ex-
planned his object was that the re-appor-
tionment might be based upon the Con-
stitutional provisions
Is it the gentleman's idea that the
information he seeks to elicit can De
obtained for action at this Congress-
asked Mr.. Pearson On. CD
Il think So replied Mr.. Olmstead.
Il am informed at the Census Bureau
that this information will not be avalla-
Die In the next ninety days, stated MI
Pearson.
Mr.. McDermott On. J.) cited the eonstl-