Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-12
Session of the House Of Rep
resentatives.
Mr.. THAYBR'S INQUIRY
OCCASIONS MERRIMENT AMONG
THE LAWMAKERS.
Mr.. williams Wants the Minority
Given More Time on Cuban
Reciprocity Matter.

Although the session of the House OF
Representatives was brief. today. lasting
scarcely ten minutes, it was enlivened by
two interesting incidents that not only
amused the members on the floor, but made
the spectators in the gallery feel that the
long trip to the Capitol had not been in
vain.
The first of these incidents was colloquy
between Representative Thayer Of Massa-
chusetts. Speaker Cannon and Mr.. Payne,
the majority leader. The Speaker had just
announced the personnel of the committee
on ways and means, when Mr.. Thayer
arose in his place ON the democratic side.
Catching the Speakers eye, the member
declared he rose for question Of personal
privilege.
1.-The gentleman will state It," spoke the
chair
Mr.. Speaker began Mr.. Thayer, "since
we have been called together in extraordi-
nary session at extraordinary time, two
weeks before ito seemed it was neces-
sary-"
The gentleman from Massachusetts, was
Interrupted by Mr.. Payne of New York,
the floor leader of the majority.
Il make the point of ORDER" said Mr..
Payne that this is not a statement of a
question of personal privilege"
80 far it Is not declared Speaker
sachusetts states to the chair that he has
a question of personal privilege, the chair
will hear him. in ORDER -..-..-e
ut seems to me-" rejoined Mr.. Payne,
"he could state his question of privilege
first. and make his other statement after
ward"
"If the point of order is made, that is cor
rect ruled the chair. <
Mr.. Thayer was not to be silenced how
ever, and continued:
II NAV take own order of Speaking i
suppose, as to what shall say first or
second And it Is a matter Of personal
privilege to which rise. I say in view of
this"
The Speakers Position Stated.
At this point Speaker Cannon again en-
tered the discussion with statement as to
his position on questions Of personal privi-
lege. He said:
1.-THE chair thus early in the session de-
sires to say that it is impossible for a men,
Der to state everything in one sentence.
If the gentleman from Massachusetts states
that in his judgment he has a question of
personal privilege to present, the chair will
hear it-and the gentleman proceeds upon
that understanding"
Mr.. Thayer continued.
Mr.. Thayer's Question.
I'm view of the fact, Mr.. Speaker, that
four hundred men have been here assem-
bled for four days and substantially Moth
ing whatever has been accomplished, with
the prospect that for the next four days
nothing will be accomplished, and in view
of the fact that many who live in places
accessible to the Capitol have already re-
turned home and others wish to go, and in
view Of the fact that this Cuban question
was thoroughly discussed at the last seS-
sion and no substantial amount of time is
needed to pass or reject this matter at this
session. L a
would be suspected of being derelict In duty
or open to criticism by this House If he
should return to the quiet of his home and
the bosom of his family, there to be en-
gagged in getting up the winters wood or
mending his fences. if they perchance need
ed mending, providing he returns home with
the understanding: left with the chair that
he would return to the Capitol at any time
when@he six or eight prominent members
of Congress (who constitute practically the
Congress) notified him that there would be
any thing to do
At this there was much laughter on the
democratic side. 49, 80
THE chair states.". began Speaker Can
non with marked emphasis, that the gem
tlemans question of personal privilege
hardly amounts to a faint assault upon the
dignity of parliamentary inquiry" The
Speaker gave sound whack On the desk
with his gavel.
Mr. Payne was anxious for the last word,
however.
Il am somewhat inclined to ask" he said
sarcastically that the gentleman be ex-
cused from attendance"
This called forth peals of laughter from
the republican side.
Mr.. Payne then introduced the Cuban reci-
procity bill. which was read by its title and
referred to the committee on ways and
means 80 = e
A Tilt With Mr.. Williams.
A moment later Mr.. Payne was in the
midst of an interesting and lively little
tilt with Representative John Sharp Wit
lams, the democratic leader. Mr.. Payne
after the reference of his bill, had moved
that the House adjourn.
Before that motion is put" spoke up
Mr. Williams, 81 should like to ask the
gentleman question concerning this bill"
II made my motion" said Mr.. Payne
II ask the gentleman to withhold the
motion for a moment" Mr.. Williams add
ed.
II will not stand in the way of the gen.
tleman making a statement" consented
Mr.. Payne
Then Mr.. Williams continued: ct would
like to ask the gentleman If he Is prepared
from his side of the House to give us any,
thing in the nature of notice of the modus
vivendi plan in connection with this
matter. To what committee is the bill to
go?'
ITO the committee on ways and means"
Mr.. Payne replied. II would state" he
a meeting of the committee on ways and
means for tomorrow, and l hope to report
the bill at the session of the House tomor-
row."
You are going to call meeting of the
committee on ways and means and report
the bill the same day." asked Mr.. williams
in incredulous tone.
Certainly" Mr.. Payne spoke, emphat-
ically.
Mr.. Williams rejoined:
wanted to know the magnitude Of the
outrage .wey would be expected to submit
THAT is Simply promptness not outrage"
declared Mr., Payne. soothingly
THAT may be from your standpoint"
replied the democratic leader. speaking in
comparison with some other things that
have occurred"
There was much laughter during the
dialogue.
1--WE would be most happy to consult
with the gentleman In the matter" Mr.
Payne added at last.
AT what hour Is the meeting of the
committee?" asked Mr. Williams
eat half-past TO-"
Cannot you make it 10 instead of half
past 10 and give us half an hour longer?'