The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-04-11
DEBATE IN THE SENATE.
Exclusion Bill Speeches-Mr. Depew
on Popular Election of Senator'S.

Exclusion Bill speeches-Mr. Depew
on Popular Election of Senator'S.
WASHINGTON, April 1O-An effort was
made late to-day in the Senate to obtain
an agreement for a vote on the Chinese ex-
clusion bill, but it was unsuccessful The
indications now are that the vote will be
taken next Tuesday. The measure was un-
der discussion during the entire session to-
day, except for about an hour, in which
time the postofice appropriation bill was
considered and passed.
Three speeches were made against the
Chinese bill in it's present form. Mr.. Dill
lingham, of Vermont, concluding his re-
marks. and Mr.. Stewart. of Nevada. and
Mr.. Hoar, of Massachusetts, stating their
objections to the bill. Mr.. Stewart said he
would vote for the measure If it was the
best that could be obtained, as he favored
the exclusion Of Chinese laborers, but he
was opposed to many of it's provisions. Mr..
Hoar, with considerable feeling, announced
his vigorous opposition TO the BILL declar-
ing that he never would vote for It,
Early in the session Mr.. Depew of New
York, spoke briefly against the adoption of
the resolution providing for the election of
senators by popular vote In effect, he
served notice those States which had
limited their suffrage, that If the resolution
was enacted a demand would be made on
them to accord all their citizens the right
to vote or suffer loss of representatives
in Congress: "A number of States he
said. have by various devices prevented a
third or a half or more. of citizens, recog-
nized as such by the Constitution of the
United States, from exercising the right of
suffrage. The local reasons which have
led to the adoption of these measures are
not pertinent to this discussion. The
adoption of these new constitutions in sew
eral States. however. containing grand
father and other clauses, has led to a
movement in the House of Representa- tives
and in the Legislatures of some of the
States to change the representation in
the House Of Representatives from popula-
ton to votes. But IL in the election of
United States senators a small ogarchy
in any State can send here representative
equal TO that OF great States like New
York. which have manhood suffrage; If
States in which half of the voters are dis
fTanchised to have an equal voice in
this body with States like Pennsylvania of
hve or ten times their population and with
Z manhood suffrage; If New York. which
casts because of its manhood suffrage
1,547.912 votes. is to be neutralized in legis-
lation affecting her vast interests by
Mississippi, casting 5000 votes, because the
majority OF her citizens are DISTINGUISHED
then the situation becomes intolerable.
II am not, under ordinary circumstances
and normal conditions, in favor of the
proposed reduction of representatives in
the Southern States; / am not in favor of
any legislation by the general government
which interferes with rhe local affairs of
those commemorative. but il the door is
opened by the adoption of this amendment
to the Constitution for changing the char
acter and constitution of the Senate, then
that measure must necessarily be accom-
panied by power TO insure a full and honest
vote of the citizens of the Republic and
protect this body in the election Of those
who may be designed here as senator's
Mr.. Depew was accorded the profound at
tentiOn of the Senate as he spoke