Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-12-02
RIGHT TO SEATS
Question as to the Louisiana Delega-
ton in the House.
4 RESOLUTION BY Mr.. MOODY
Whole Matter of Reducing South
ern Representation Up.
OTHER MEMBERS VIEWS
OTHER MEMBERS VIEWS


duced today by Representative Moody of
Massachusetts. An investigation is pro-
posed to determine whether Louisianas S
representation should be reduced, on ac-
count of the dsfranchisement of a portion
of the vote of the state, If it is found that
such disfranchisement has occurred.
Mr.. Moody's action is in line with the
determined effort of a number of repub-
licans Of prominence in the House to bring
the long agitation of the subject of the
misrepresentation of the southern states
to a definite issue, and if possible, to
cure action at this session to remedy the
evils complained Of for years past.
Louisiana has been selected the state
against which the test is to be made, for
the reason that the delegation appearing
today is the first congressional delegation
to be elected under the new disfranchise-
ment laws and constitutions of the south
ern states.
Mr.. MOOdy's Resolution.
1t was at first proposed to challenge the
Louisiana delegation at the bar of the
House when the members appeared to be
sworn in and to have them stand aside un-
til the subject was investigated. After
consideration, however, Mr.. Moody thought
it better to reach the question through the
following resolution:
Resolved, That the Speaker shall ap
point select committee Of eleven men,
bers, who shall inquire and have leave to
report, by bill or otherwise, at any time,
whether at the election in the state of
Louisiana, wherein the members OF the
House Of Representatives from said state
were chosen the right of any of the male
inhabitants of said state, being twenty-one
years of age and citizens Of the United
States, to vote at said election was by the
constitution and laws of said state denied
.1us1
stitution of the United States or the articles
in addition thereto and amendment tnereof;
whether If the right of any person to vote
was denied or abridged as aforesaid the
members from said state chosen at said
election are entitled to membership in this
House, and whether it Is eXpedient that
Congress should enact appropriate legisla-
tion to enforce the provisions of the four
teenth and fifteenth articles in ad..,lon to
and amendment Of the Constitution OIL the
United States" ~
His Views ON the Subject.
This believe to be the most direct man
ner to reach the end in view,' said Mr..
Moody to a Star reporter. THE House is
the final judge of the qualifications of it's
own members and there is no appeal from
it's decision. That is an additional reason
for greater deliberation and care in passing
upon the rights Of members to their seats.
This is question that strikes at the
ment. 1t is certainly worthy of as much
consideration as questions of foreign policy
and trade expansion. .''
Mr.. Moody's resolution is drawn with care
to cover all points that may be at issue.
The: fact that state has disfranchised a
portion of the vote under form of law does
not exempt the state from the investiga-
ton proposed by the resolution. The four
teenth and fifteenth amendments to the
Constitution prohibit the abridgment of the
rights of citizens. forbid the denial of suf-
frage on account of race or color and pro-
vide for the reduction of the congressional
representation of the states that violate the
clauses. His, resolution goes to all ques-
t1ons covered by those amendments to the
Constitution.
. The resolution will be referred to the
committee on rules and Mr.. Moody will ask
an early report. There rs no question that
strong pressure will be brought to bear on
the committee from republicans of promi-
nence In the House for favorable action on
the resolution.
1t is declared that this movement is not
a flash in the pan, but that it means busi-
ness and that it is backed by strong repub-
lican influences. 49,.
Mr.. Crumpacker's Bill.
Representative Crumpacker of Indiana,
who has been one of the most persistent
advocates Of the proposed reduction Of rep
resentation of southern states, also has
bill he will introduce this week. 1t pro-
poses to amend the apportionment act of
last session so as to reduce the number of
in Congress from southern
states An arbitrary reduction will be
fixed but it will be based upon calcula-
tions made on the last census figures
which show the number of colored voters
In the states and the election returns from
the states. .-.=
Mr.. Crumpacker Is in favor of going at
the question in vigorous fashion Since his
arrival he ha cd Uif n
a number of his colleagues, and says he has
received encouragement from all sides.
Many of his colleagues have hunted him
up since he reached the capital and urged
him to go ahead with the work.
Mr.. Olmstead of Pennsylvania, who Of
fered a resolution Of investigation at the
last session of Congress and who made a
speech in which he quoted statistics Of the
extent of the misrepresentation of the
southern states, Is watching developments
with interest.
= II am where I was last session. said Mr.
Olmstead to a Star reporter today. II have
not altered my opinions bit, and I think
explained them pretty thoroughly at that
time
Mr.. Dayton Of West Virginia is another
prominent republican who is in sympathy
with the movement, and has proffered hts
aid to those who are starting the bali roll
Ing today. The political managers of the
republican party in the House are deeply
Interested In the outcome of the efforts,
and, 1t Is understood, will lend their earnest
aid.
To Consult the President.
Information is at hand indicating that this
week may determine whether the proposed
is to be made party policy or
not. 1t is said that President Roosevelt will
probably decide the future action of the
House. He will be consulted this week by
the republicans who are back Of the prop
aganda, and If he acquiesces In the plan 1t
will be pushed to conclusion.
1t will be remembered that last session
a similar movement was deprecated at the
White House, and the attitude Of the ex-
ecutiye undoubtedly stopped the proceed
lngs. Men who were known to be In SYM
pathy with the cause withdrew their sup
port because the President was against it.
II President Roosevelt is not In sympathy
with the present undertaking it is quite
probable all the bills Will died in commit
tee, It Is saids The prospective chairman
Of the new permanent census committee Is 1
Mr.. Hopkins of Illinois He sided against
the reductionists last session. but 1t is
known that Mr.. Hopkins reasons were en-
tirely based upon consideration for the
opinion of the executive, and he has since
expressed himself in sympathy with resiuc-
tion. II 1t can be made q harmonious re-
publican policy.