The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-21

cured in a political body Tn AiapaHia, ard certainly the most exciting scene which has taken place during the de- Alterations of the Convention.
 After a controversy between former Governor Thomas G. Jones of Mont gomery and Hon. John B. Knox, Pres ident of the Convention. the body was thrown into intense excitement by the President ordering Governor Jones to take his seat. which the Governor re- fused to do. The excitement was in- tensified by MT. Bulger of Tailapoosa' demanding that the former Governor be removed from the hall by the Ser geant-at-Arms.
 The incident consumed only about fifteen minutes of the time of the Con vention. but it threw many of the dei- egates into a white heat and more se- rious results were narrowly aVerteo. When order was restored. there were explanations py the delegates who had been the principal figures in the cis- turbance and the incident was closed.
 The free pass question was the ea- sis of the controversy. It will De re- membered that an innocent appearing amendment by MT. Burns caused the Convention to run into the rocks or confusion Friday afternoon. This amendment provided for punishment Of members of the legislature who accept free passes. One faction claimed that the Convention journal was correct n stating that this amendment was ta- bled during the confusion. Another faction claimed that 1t was not tabled.
 The report of the Journal Committee yesterday morning show sd that the amendment was table1, and Governor Jones sent up motion to strike out that part of the journal whi3 3E showed that the amendment hal heen tablet. He contended that the Journal was not correct because 1t did not show that an aye and nay vote on the proposi- tion to table the amendment had been ordered by the Convention. and that the aye and nay vote was not taken.
 Several delegates spoka on the prop- osition. and finally MT. Wilson of Clarke. moved the previous question on the amendment and the report or the Journal Committee
 President Knox began to put the question, when he was interrupted by Governor Jones. who asked if he would not be allowed to close the debate on his motion.
 The President again started to put the question, when Governor Jones arose to a point of parliamentary in ouiry. He insisted on his point, and President Knox ruled that he was out of order.
 Governor Jones's Appeal.
 Governor Jones then said he would appeal from the decision of the Pres ident. If he was permitted, but Presi- dent Knox requested that he be seated.
 Governor Jones resumed his seat, but got up again and appealed from the ruling of the President.
 The gentleman will please resume his seat" said the President.
 q have taken my seat in obedience to the orders of the Convention" said Governor Jones, "and I have arisen to respectfully appeal from the, de- cision of the Chair to the members Of that he will not put an appeai?"
 ''Is the gentleman from Montgomery the Chairman of the Convention, or Is the present occupant of the Chair?" asked President Knox with sarcasm in his voice.
 ..The gentleman from Montgomery is the peer of the Chair" retorted Gov ernor Jones, with passion.
 President Knox then ordered Cover nor Jones to take his seat, and the former Governor declined to do SO un- til the Chairman decided whether he would put the appeal to the Conven- tion.
 The President with emphasis declared that unless Governor Jones took his seat. he would be compelled to call upon the Sergeant-at-Arms to require him to do so. Tt, AsM
 In perfectly cool manner Governor Jones said he did not desire a heated controversy. but he would like to know if a delegate did not have the right of appeal.
 President Knox replied, Certainly" but that Govrenor Jones had ipo right to defy the presiding officer. He an nounced his intention of making a rul- ing, but did not say what l. would be.
 Notwithstanding this statement, the appeal was not put to the Convention, and Governor Jones again insisted on his right of appeal whereupon he was again ordered to take his seat.
 With warmth President Knox ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to make Cover nor Jones take his seat.
 'I have taken an appeal from the de- cisicn of the chair" declared Governor Jones in anger. and l ask to have it put to the Convention. If the Sergeant at-arms or anybody else tries to make me take my seat, he only does it over my dead body"
 This statement was made deliber- ately, and as the Governor concluded. he picked up one of his crutches. but made no demonstration with 1t.
 There was great confusion, and many delegates were on tteir feet.
 Retort to MT. Bulger.
 As a delegate to this Convention, 1 demand that the Sergeant at-Arms dis charge his duty" cried MT. Bulger of Tallapoosa.
 Suppose you try to do it?" replied Governor Jones, at the pitch of his voice. at the same time reaching his haud into his pocket. and taking out a small knife, which, however, he did not open. MT. Bulger resumed his seat.
 Then President Knox ordered the Sergeant -at-Arms to remove Governor Jones from the floor of the Convention.
 The Sergeant Arms. MT. Hasson of Etowah, moved toward Governor Jones. but did not undertake to make him leave his seat.
 In a much milder voice, Governor Jones started to say that if President Knox W ould hold his temper. he would explain the situation.
 The President retorted that Governor Jones was displaying temper, and aoain ordered him to resume his seat