The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-26
JIJDGE RHEA UNSEATED
AND MR.. MOSS SWORN IN

Mr.. Rhea. "If he did come here and deny
them | would show him to be the poor,
miserable creature l know him to be-"
Ruled in Order.
There was a tone of bitterness in Mr.
Rheas language and Mr.. Mann (Rep.,
I'D was on his feet instantly and calling
Mr.. Rhea TO order for bis language. Mr.
Rhea declined to retract his words. and
the Speaker ruled that he was in order
and should proceed
Continuing, Mr.. Rhea said that Mr..
Moss expected to come soon into the pos
session of his reward for going over to
the Republican party.
Il make no apologies for supporting my
party and its platform. When the time
comes if it ever does. that cannot sup
port them | will go openly and boldly to
the support of that party and that plat
form to which my conscience directs me- -
In conclusion Mr.. Rhea made an i'm
passioned appeal to the Republicans of
the House to rise above craftsmanship He
added that he did not want and would not
ask for the vote of any man against his
conscience or his honest judgment
Mr.. Rhea was warmly congratulated
when he concluded his argument.
Other Speakers.
MIR. Gaines tRep.. W. ya.) followed Mr.
Rhea in support OF the majority of the
committee and in favor of Mr.. Moss
The final argument in behalf of the con-
testant was made by Mr.. Mann (Rep.
ILL. He made reference to what he
termed Mr.. Rhea's scurrilous attack upon
his opponent. who was not in a position
to reply to it. II was such an attack. he
said. as no gentleman ought to make
Mr.. Mann said he was not in favor of
two rivals for seat INDUCING in billings
gate upon the floor OF the House. There
fore he had objected to Mr. Moss APPEAR
ing in his own behalf. He thought hir
Rhea's case would have been better mad
he left it in the hands OF the minority of
the committee and said nothing himself
lie denied that the majority of the com
mittee had been actuated By partisan
motives in deciding the contest. At The
conclusion of his remarks, Mr.. Mann
asked for a vote.
Mr. Richardson Dem.. Tenn re-
quested that the vote be first taken on
the minority substitute. declaring that
Mt. hfed hdh been uuiy elected ana vas
entitled to the seat. yea and nay vote
was demanded. and resulted in the defeat
of the minority resolution, i27 10 49,
Mr.. Hamburg and Mr.. Vreeiand were The
only Republicans to vote with the Demo
Gratis in favor Of Mr.. Rhea.
pairing" Matter of Honor.
Mr.. Tawney tRep., Mimi attempted to
raise the PORT that MIR. Hanbury was
paired with Mr.. Overstreet. and that
therefore he was not entitled to vote, but
the Speaker declared that pairing" .as
a question of honor and could not debar
a member from voting.
As the Republican majority Is thirty
nine, and MIR. Rhea was unseated only py
ten votes, the result was not without
some satisfaction to Mr.. Rhea and his
friends. large number of Republicans
absented themselves without pairs
A yea and nay vote was at first de
nlanded on the majority resolution. The
demand was withdrawn at the request o.
Nj. Rhea, and Mr.. Moss was declared
elected by viva yoce vote.
He was Immediately escorted to the bar
Of the House by MIR. Mann and the oath
Of Office was administered to him As &c
advanced to the space in front Of the
Speakers desk he was greeted with ap-
plauSe from the Republicans. mingled
with Kisses from the other side OF the |
chamber.
After the result Mr. Rhea remained for |
/ considerable time On the foor Of the |
Jouse. conyersing with his friends. Mr.. |
Moss retired to the cloak room after |
icing sworn in.