The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-03
HOUSE SURPRISED
OImstead Stirs Up the Demo-
Gratis With a Resolution.
Subsidy Bill Displaced by Army
Measure in Senate.

Washington, Jan. 3-When the house
reassembled today after the holiday re-
cess not more than rs members We're
present. It had been arranged before
the house met that the consideration of
the reapportionment bill was to be en-
tered upon today
Immediately after the reading of the
journal Mr.. Olmstead Pa-) sprung a
surprise by Offering as a matter of priv
hege a resolution reeiting the alleged
abridgement Of the right to vote in
louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina.
and North Carolina, and instructing
the committee on census to inquire into
the subject and report the facts to the
house.
The reading of the resolution caused
a furry on the Democratic side. Before
it had proceeded far. Mr. Richardson
(Ienn), the minority leader, jumped to
his feet and interrupted the reading to
ask whether the resolution required
unanimous consent
1T does not replied the speaker. TT
is offered as a matter Of privilege:
i make the point that the resolution
does not constitute a matter OF privi-
lege," said Mr.. Richardson.
The reading has not proceeded far
enough to determine that point" said
the speaker.
Mr.. Richardson took his seat. but be-
fore the clerk could proceed, Mr.. Tn
derwood (Ala-) was on his feet. Il
make the point that there is no quorum
present" said he.
The speaker glanced about the house
Evidently there was no quorum pres
ent- The chair viii count" ne said.
The house was counted, and when the
speaker announced 141 present-not a.
Quorum-AIr. Underwood Immediately
moved an adjournment The ayes and
noes were demanded and obtained upon
this motion During the roll~call there
were hurried consultations on both sides
Of the house.
The motion to adjourn was lost, 6s
to 95s present, but not voting, IA; not
present, 2 The speaker included him
self in order to make up the quorum.
Speaker Henderson held the Olmstead
resolution privileged The minority
raised the question Of consideration
against it, which forced another roll
call The vote to consider the Olmstead
present but not voting No quorum, and
roll call was ordered
At o'clock the-kouse adjourned
The Olmstead resolution remained un-
acted upon owing to the lack Of a. quo
rum.
IN THE SENATE.
Washington Jan. AT the first ses-
sion of the senate in the Twentieth Cen
tury business was resumed without the
appearance of a break in the continuity
of the proceedings. The work was taken
up just where it was left off when con-
greSs took a recess for the holidays
Notwithstanding the fact that the hoi-
idays had scarcely ended. the attendance
at the opening session was notably
large President Pro Tempore Frye
called the senate to order The time
just before the session convened and
just after. was occupied by many sena-
tors in the exchange of greetings That
was the only evidence that there had
been a recess.
The senate procpadad ~ 4Fe ronsfdera
tion of the army reorganization bill
Consideration is to be limited to the
morning hour tthe time before ?
o'clock.
Washington, Jan AT 2 O'Clock the
shipping subsidy bill was displaced by
the army reorganization bill as the IN
finished business Of the senate.
MR. SHATTUC'S PLAN.
Washington, Jan. Representative
Shattuc (Ohio) today introduced the
following resolution.
Whereas. In order that the appor-
tlOnment Of membership of the house of
a constitutional manner; therefore, be it
Resolved by the house of representa-
tlNesr That the director Of the census be
directed to furnish this house at the
earliest possible moment the following
Information.
First. the total number of male citi-
zens Of the United States over q years
Of age in each Of the several states Of
the union
Second. the total number Of male
citizens of the United States over u
years Of age, who by reason of state
constitutional limitations or state legis-
latlon are denied the right of suffrage.
such denial exists on account of
on account OF pauperism. on
account of polygany or on account of
property qualifications or for any other
reason
Resolved. further, That the speaker
Of the house of representatives be au-
thcrlzed and be directed to appoint a
select committee Of five members who
shall investigate the question Of alleged
abridgement of the elective franchises
for any Of the causes mentioned. in all
the states of the union in which con-
stltutlonal or legislative restrictions on
lne rlght Of suffrage are claimed to ex-
lst said committee shall be authorized
to send for persons and papers, to ad-
minister oaths to witnesses and to have
hearings at such places Is in the judg-
ment OF the committee the desired in
formation can be best had. The COM
mfttee is also authorized to employ a /
stenographer and such other clerical a s.
sistance as it may deem necessary The |
expenses Of the investigation to be paid |
out of the contingent funds Of the house |
Of representatives.
Harrison Not IN It.