The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1901-06-13
ME-. KELLER SCORES TIE MACHINE
He uses Strong Language in the House. on
the Passage Of the Emery-focht
Railroad bill.

The Emery-Focht railroad bill
was before the House last week,
Wednesday. Representative Ikeler
who is recognized as one Of the
ablest leaders Of the Democratic
side made the following speech:
"In rising to say few words on
this bill. l do not entertain the
slightest hope that any weak words
of mine can stem the tide of political
prohigacy that has swept over this
chamber. But in opposing this
measure l have at least the same
consolation that animated the dying
frame of England's greatest minist-
er, who when crushed and defeated
by majority drunk with power;
when carried from the scene of his
legislative labors to rest upon the
couch of death, exclaimed
THANK God-The people will
understand in time. "
"Now, Mr.. Speaker, if there is
one among the majority party on
this floor who has not lost his indie
pendence in this struggle for politi-
cal power; if there is one who still
dares to be master of his own opin-
ions; if there is a stalwart Republi-
can who appreciates the distinction
between stalwartism and political
slavery, I want to appeal to that
man. This bill is framed to carry
false impression on its face. 1t is
pretended that it will promote COM
petition in railway service, when, in
fact, it will create the greatest mon
opoly that the State has ever known.
The corporations organized under
this act will practically stake off our
unoccupied highways and use them
for barter and trade. They are given
powers such as were never dreamed
of before in any scheme of corporate
legislation, and they need not make
one cent of actual investment. In
my limited time l cannot hope to
discuss these bills, but, Mr.. Speak
er, l want to ask you this question:
Was ever an honest measure passed
as these will be passed Did ever
a righteous cause require such in
iquitous support-conceived in secret,
presented, reported and passed by
Senate whose proceedings have
become-but l dare not say what
they have become lest I offend
against the rules of debate-reported
into this body i'll the face and teeth
of our standing rules and orders and
by virtue of a ruling Of the chair,
which l must not question, but
which, at least, was most peculiar;
railroaded beyond all precedent, past
or present, do they bear the ear
marks of honest legislation?
"But as l said before, I cannot
hope to convince you. Logic,
reason. the law, the constitution,
even the truth itself, is lost upon this
floor. An ancient prophet Of Israel
once used strong language when he
said: We have made a covenant
with death and with hell; are we at
an agreement Of course, I would
not dare to apply those words to
this body, but, oh, sir, temptations
do sometimes press a man. But l
am glad you have reserved this
measure to almost the last. In that
at least you have been consistent.
This is fitting and final climax
( to all our outrageous work. With
the passage Of this bill you may we'll
go back to your homes, for beyond
the wickedness of your present action
there is no iniquity under Gods
heaven possible of accomplish
ment.'
His remarks created great excite
ment among the opposition, and
efforts were made to get the Speak
er to stop him. The bill was pass
ID finally, and has been signed by
he Governor. A number of chart
us have already been issued to the
parties instrumental in procuring
he legislation.