Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-01-03
FIFTY-SIXTH CONGRESS.
Washington, January 8.
SENATE.

SENATE.
There was little interest manifested
In the re-assembling Of Congress at the
Senate end of the Capitol. There was
fair attendance OF visitors In the CALLER
les but only few Senators were on the
floor to hear the opening prayer.
The army bill was taken up Tor con-
sideratiop upon the motion of Mr.. Haw-
ley, who asked that the reading of the
bill be dispensed with and that the
Senate act upon the committee amend
ments.
Mr.. Morgan asked that the discussion
OF the bill be confined to the morning
hours.
Mr.. Bacon announced that he would
object to action on the amendments but
not on The consideration OF the Gill. A
discussion followed on how the bill
should be considered. Mr.. PettiRrew
held to his motion that the bill should
90 read, which was done. This occupI-
ed an hours time, glviD, color 10 the
rumor that Petligrew, Allen aud Butler
purposed flibuster against the bill.
During the reading OF the bill Mr..
Bacon asked what provision had bseD
made as to the increase of the army.
Mr.. Proctor replied that the President
would attend to the increase.
Mr.. Hawley interposed q remark
that Aguinaldo would also have some
thing to do with the increase.
Mr.. Bacon took exception to Mr..
Hawley's remark. He deemed it most
iuopportune. He felt that Congress
and not the President should decide
upon the matter of army increase.
Mr.. Hawley explained that the bill
was elastic. and scaled from $50 000
men to 100000 men and that Congress
could approximate as might be neces-
ssry.
Mr.. Butler spoke against the bill,
after which Mr.. Hawley explained sew
eral OF the bill's provisions.
Mr.. Foraker was explaining the
elastic features OF the bill, and at 2
o'clock, the end of the morning hour,
the ship subsidy bill was called up az
unfinished business.
Mr.. Hswley asked for unanimous
consent to continue the consideration
of the army bill and the motion car
ried.
The reading of the bill was ordered
resumed.
Mr.. Petligrsw wished some one
would inform him OF the necessity fer
an army of 100000 men. ''Are not
these times of peace ?n he asked.
Mr.. Sewell said that if the Senate de-
sired the retention OF the Philippines it
was necessary to have large army in
those islands for several years.
HOUSE.
But few members were 10 their seats
when the House began its first session
after the holiday recess today.
Mr.. Omstead offered q privileged
resolution declaring tina: the States OF
Mississippi, South Carolina and Louis
lana had violated the provisions OF the
14th amendment to the constitution by
prohibiting male citiz,ns over the age
OF 81 years to vote. The resolution was
being read when Mr.. Richardson made
| point of order against the re:olu ioO.
The Speaker replied,that he could not
dedice;on the point of order until he
had heard the resolution read. Before
the reading could proceed Mr.. Under-
; wood raised the question OF quorum.
After count the Speaker announced
that there were 14l members present
not quorum. Mr.. Underwood moved
that the House adjourn. TIE motion
was lost.
The reading of the resolution was
then resumed. Il concluded with
provision that the census COMMITTEES be
authorized TO Investigate by sub.com-
mittee and report to Congress in what
State the right to vote at any election ia
denied to any OF the male inhabitants
over 81 years OF age and 10 also report
what proportion sucn debarred citizens
form Of the whole number in such
| States.
Mr.. Richardson renewed his point Of
order that the resolution was not privi-
legged aud demanded that 1t be SAINT to
a committee.
Mr.. Olmstead opposed Mr.. Richard
sons contention, saying that consti-
tutionsl question was one ofthe highest
privileges. Mr.. Olmstead declared ''ii
| it is true that certain Saes have re-
stricteu suffrage there are today men,
bars 10 this body who have no consIi-
tutional right here"
Mr.. Richardson replying, conceded
that bill or joint resolution affecting
apporlionment was privileged, but
held that the present resolution was
simply one Of inquiry and did not come
under the head OF legislation.
Speaker Henderson, 10 his ruling on
the point OF order, said the question
brought by the resolution was Que of
most vital Importance to the whole
country. He cited section 2. of article
IA, OF the Constitution, and held that
the resolution was 10 order, saying that
he hoped he should never have to rule
on q question the decision OF which
seemed 80 simple.
Mr.. Underwood raised the question
of consideration on which the ayes and
hayes we're demanded and roll call
again taken.
The vote on the motion to consider
was lost by vote of SO to 81, with
voting present. The Speaker an
nounced that there was no quorum
present, whereupon Mr.. Underwood
again moved to adjourn. This motion
was carried Oh rising vote, but roll
call was demanded and proceeded with.
The motion to adjourn was carried by
vote of II to rs md the House was
declared adjourded, the time being 2
o'clock.