The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-26
FRYE LEAVES THE
SENATE TO DECIDE
The Two Senator'S Names
Restored to the Roll.
RESULT OF DISCUSSION
Republican Members Thought His
First Action Unjustifed.
BURROWS. COMMITTEE MEETS TovAY
May Prepare Resolution Providing For Ten,
porary Suspension. Some Senators Hold
That Such Action by Senate Would
be Subject to Criticism.
be Subject to Criticism.
tBy the Associated Press, /,

Washington, Feb. 25.-The most impor-
tant development today in connection
with the Tillman- -McLaurin episode Of
last Saturday was the act OF Senator
Frye. president protein of the Senate, in
ordering the clerk of the Senate to re-
store the names of the two South Caro-
lint Senator'S to the Senate roll II the
present plan is carried out this act will
be followed by the adoption by the SEN
ate OF resolution before vote on any
other subject is taken, practically en-
dorsing the action OF the president pro-
tenn in ordering their names erased and
suspending the two Senator's for some
definite time.
The order or Senator Frye for the res
toration of the names to the roll was is.
sued almost Immediately after the Senate
convened today and was the result of .
general conference among the Republi-
can leaders of the Senate.
When asked for an explanation OF this
order, Senator Frye said
In my rulings yesterday believe tbat
was strictly within parliamentary laws:
That Senator's in contempt are not emit.
tied to recognition either TO speak or to
vote and thai logically their names should
not be called / still adhere Ia Thai
OPINION; but. desirous of shifting the re-
sponsiblity from the chair to the Senate
have directed the clerk to restore to
the roll the names Of the two Sena-
tors from South Carolina
When asked il the result of this action
would be the recognition of either of the
Senators to either vote or speak. Sena-
tor Frye replied that it would not and
thai that was a question which must be
decided by the Senate. He declined how
ever, To state how the question would be
brought 20 the attention OF the Senate.
Inquiry in other quarters deveioped the
fact that there had been conference
o. the Republican leaders in Senator AID
rich's committee room during the fore
coon and that tho extent of Senator
frye's ruling and especially it's far-reach,
ing effect. not only in this case but as
a precedent had been very cyhaustively
discusse |, the conclusion being that the
action OF the president protein in st,,ik.
iDg the names OF the South Carolina Sen
ators from the roll and his refusal OF a
request to have their names called was
beyond precedence in the Senate and not
entirely justified.
On this account it was decided that
this particular phase of the question
should be Immediately taken up by the
committee on Privileges and Elections.
Senator Burrows. who is chairman of
that committee. was called into the con-
ference and the details of carrying out
the plan We're intrusted to him 1t was
decided that resolution should be form-
ulated providing for the Temporary sus
rension of the two Senator's and that
This resolution should be passed upon by
Mr Burrows committee and presented to
the Senate as soon as possible after the
eonvening OF that body tomorrow. The
general opinion OF the Senators present
vas that the South Carolina men should
be punished to some extent for the al
tercation OF Saturday and the Senator's
present were quite agreed that sispen-
sion would be the most practicable and
reasonable form OF infictng this punish
rent. Five days was suggested as q |
reasonable time for the suspension and
there was some suggestion that Senator
Iiliman should be given n somewhat lon
scr suspension than his colleague The
question OF time was, however, left in
definite. the understanding being that
This should be determined by the commit
tee.
Immediately after this conference SEN
ator Burrows issued call for meeting
or his committee tomorrow morning. In
response 10 questions. Mr.. Burrows said
he could make no explanation OF the pur-
pose OF the meeting beyond the general
statement that the question OF privilege
connected with the conduct OF the South
Carolina Senators would be taken up for
Investigation.
The Democratic Senator'S also spent the
day In general discussion among them
selves OF the situation. They were unan-
'inous IL their characterization OF Sena-
tor Frye's ruling as arbitrary and an
hounced their purpose to resist by pro-
ionged debate ii necessary any further
euorts 70 enforce the ruling Senator
Turner, acting fer his Democratic col
leagues prepared a resolution declaring |
70 TO be "the sense of the Senate that |
the names of Senators Tillnan aud Nc !
Laurir should be restored TO the Senate |
roll. and in addition asserting that these
Two senators are entitled TO vote on oil I
questions coming before the Senat te.' This |
resolution may not be pressed owing to |
The action Of the majority.
The adjournment OF the Senate for the |
day vas also decided upon az the fore-i
noon conference or the Republican lead ]