Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-05-09
IN THE HOUSE.
Statehood Debate Continued-ResoIu
ton on Death of Sampson.

Washington, May S.-The bill to
place three stars in the American flag
had the right of way again, today, in
the House. General debate, the feature
of which was an extended speech by
GrosvenOr of Ohio, in opposition to the
measure was closed at 3 O'Clock and
the bill was then read for amendment
under the 5-minute rule. An amend
ment offered by McRae to consolidate
the territories of Oklahoma and In
dian Territory was defeated, 81 to 103
An amendment offered by OverStreet,
Ind, to consolidate Arizona and New
Mexico and admit them as the state
of MonteZuma was pending when the
House adjourned. The only amend
ment adopted was one providing that
nothing in the act should be construed
to legalize polygamy. During the day
"A resolution expressive of the regret
of the House over the death of Rear
Admiral Sampson was adopted and a
committee of seven members was APP
pointed to attend his funeral.
At the opening of the session of the
House, the Speaker announced the ap-
pointment of Gillett, Massachusetts, as
a member of the committee on appro-
priations to fill the vacancy caused by
the retirement of Secretary of the Navy
Moody.
Without preliminary business the
House then proceeded with the con-
sideration of the omnibus statehood
bill under an agreement that general
debate should close, today, at o'clock.
Moon, Tenn, the ranking minority
member of the committee on territories,
the first speaker, earnestly urged the
passage of the bill, arguing that the
admission of the three territories to
statehood would be only an act of sim
pie justice to the people residing there
in. The constitutional right of ad-
mission, he contended, existed in each
case.
Grosvenor, Ohio, spoke in opposition
to the measure. The claims of each
territory to admission, he argued,
should be considered separately. From
the time Of the admission Of Kentucky,
he said. political considerations had
governed in the admission Of states.
Did the Republican platform of 1900
declare in favor of the admission of
the territories?" asked Stephens, Tex.
Yes" said Grosvenor, but l ven
ture to say that hardly score of men
on the floor of the Philadelphia con-
vention knew that Mr.. Quigg had
struggled it into the PLATFORM
Was it smuggled into the platform
of 1862 asked Knox, Mass.
Il will come to that" responded
GrOsvenor.
why does the gentleman assume
| that the three territories would make
~,
Mass; ARE not two of the delegates
Republican and would not their ad-
mission place four Republicans in the
Senator"
THE gentleman is Democrat" re-
| piled Grosvenor. Does he say his dis
| trict is Democrat" Uaughter).
THE people of the district are pref
| ty well content" retorted Thayer.
"Then they are easily satisfied" (re-
newed laughter).
| He was willing, he said, to vote for
| the admission Of Oklahoma, although
he thought she would elect two Demo-
| cratic senators and two Democratic
representatives. but he was not willing
! to admit New Mexico and Arizona,
which he thought not yet fitted for
statehood.
At the conclusion Of Grosvenor's re-
marks the bill was temporarily laid
aside to permit Dayton. w. Va, to
ask unanimous consent to offer reso-
luton relative to the death of Rear
Admiral VIM. T. Sampson and pro-
viding that committee of seven MEM
bers be appointed to join the commit
tee appointed on the part Of the Sem
| ate to attend the funeral of the de-
! ceased. There was no objection and
CONTINUED on page %