The Washington times., 1902-05-28
Charge of Discoultesy
Brought Against Chair
man McCleary.
AN INDIGNlTY TO MEMBERS
Tir. Ball Declares That Seats Were Set
Apart for Certain Representatives
and Their Friends at ROchambeau
Ceremonies.

During the consideration Of the imni-
grafton bill in the House yesterday Rep
resentative Ball CDem., Texas) took oc-
casion to severely criticise the Commit
tee on Library. and particularly the
chairman of the House Committee on
Library. Mr.. McCleary. Tor what he
characterized as discourtesy and "a
gross and fragrant indignity 10 the mem
bers of the House" in connection with
the ceremonies of the unveiling OF the
Rochambeau statue last Saturday. Mr.
Ball charged that especial favors had
been shown to certain members OF the
.douse in the matter OF seats.
He declared that Mr. McCleary had
stated to the House that members
would be provided with two seats on
the grandstand. but that there were no
reserved seats. Notwithstanding. mem
bers who reached the scene early found
The best seats-those nearest the statue
and nearest the Presidents stand-un-
occupied, and were informed by an en-
ploye of the House in charge that those
seats had been reserved.
Mr.. McCleary Assumed Responsibility.
Mr.. Ball said he was then unable to
ascertain who had given orders TO have
the seats reserved, but that he learned
yesterday that it was done by direction
of Mr.. McCleary and the Third Assist
ant Secretary OF State. Furthermore
he said that Mr.. McCleary had told him
that he assumed responsibility for that
asion
"Now," continued Mr.. Ball, 'in the
name Of the humble membership OF this
House that has no desire TO make ex-
eeptions in behalf of any member-that
does not recognize that any member
of the House stands one inch taller or is
untitled to any greater recognition in the
distribution Of the courtesies and fayors
which belong to this body than any
other member-I desire to denounce in
the most unqualified and positive man
ner the action of the members having
this matter IN charge, as a gross and
iiagTant inngnity to the members of this
House.
So IA a. am personally concerned
il makes very little difference to me
because, having gone very. early in ac-
cordance with the instructions of the
gentleman having the matter in charge
In order that / might secure a seat. /
had personally 4 very fair seat upon
that occasion. But we have a good deal
OF talk about flunkeyism and favoritism,
and about sending our emissaries abroad
TO attend foreign courts. and about our
receiving statues here as the represent
atives Of foreign kings: but | think we
might have little reform at home and
at least express on behalf Of this House
our positive, unqualified disapprobation
and disapproval of the action Of the
committee on arrangements for this oc-
casion, who have attempted 30 favor
certain members Of this House upon the
assumption that they are better entitled
thereto than the rest OF US.
An Act of Gross Indignity.
81 say that this was an act Of gross
indignity that it was fndefensibIe. that
1t was in violation OF the assurances
given TO this House. and to members
personally, and is severely reprehens-
ible"
Mr.. Sutherland Rep., Utah) asked Mr..
Ball who the occupants OF the reserved
seats were.
They were reserved for, certain mem
bcrs ol The House and their friends" re-
piled Mr.. Ball. Il do not care to call
their names. I make the statement, and
IL viii not be denied"
Mr McCleary did not reply TO Mr..
Balls statement, and the incident was
thus closed.