The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1903-03-03
LIVELY DAYK CONGRESS
Representative ]. ]. Butler Unseated
Amid Exciting Scenes.
FilIausTeseks WERE DEFEATED

The Handful Of Democrats Were over
ridden Rough shod and Mr.. Wagner
Was Seated - Drastic Measures
Agreed On.
Washington. Fob 27.-Amid scenes
which recalled the memorable and ex-
citing days 81 the 5ist congress. when
party feeling ran fercely and the hall
of representatives resounded with de-
nunciation OF the alleged "high-handed
mcthous ci the majority. James J. But.
Ter. OF Missouri. was unsoated by the
house and George c. K. Wagner was
seated In his place. The Democrats
had decided At their caucus yesterday
that II this case was called up they
would prosecute "a tlibuster from now
until March 4. regardless OF conse-
quenccs to legislation. and they BEGAN
the usSt as soon as the gavel fel at
noon. Roll Cail followed roll call. and
It took over three hours to approve
the journal OF Wednesdays proceed
ings. Then when the decks were
cleared the case was called \ spirited
debate Of two hours followed. ana
finally after repeated roll calls the
case was brought To vote The
Democrats then attempted 20 block
things by leaving the hall but enough
absontees finally were brought in 20
make up tho necessary quorum The
Closing chapter was dramatic Mr..
Dalzel of Pennsylvania. who was in
the chair. declined To- recognize a de
maiO FOR division. and Mr. Richard
son. the minority leader. stood in his
place and denounced his course in nn-
measured terms, crying out that 10 was
"tyrannical. unheard of. unfair and I'M
just" The Republicans jecrcd. but
he continued 20 invoigh against the
chairs action In loud tones.
When the vote on the resolution de-
claring Air Wagner entitled To the
seat was taken a similar scene fol.
lowed. 81 did not believe the chair
would be guilty OF such an action. %
cried Mr. Richardson Tho handful OF
Democrats We're overridden rough
shod and Mr. Wagner was seated.
The Republican leaders in deciding
10 force this case TO vote did so
with perfect realization OF the en-
barrassments which would follow if
me Democrats carried out their ali-
clustering threat. and they have ar
ranged a program 10 reduce the minor
ity's obstructive power TO minimum
So far as appropriation bills are con
cerned. This is To De accomplished bv
special rule which has been tepta.
lively prepared by which an the pre-
Nminary parliamentary steps for got
ting appropriation bills with senate
amendments into conference can be
crt of. But later yesterday afternoon
Republicans Interested in the omnibus
public building bill. threatened 20 vote
AGAINST the rule unless IL made pro.
vision for the bin This disturbing
factor in the situation was not
straightenod out
The Republican programme also in.
cludes proposition 10 continue the
legislative day OF yesterday until noon.
March 4. in order 70 ohviate the long
and tedious work OF approving the
journal against Administering tactics \
recess was then taken until today. and
rule has been prepared which here
after VIII give a motion to recess
precedence over a motion TO adjourn.
Under the operation of these drastic
measures IL is believed that none OF
the appropriation bills or other neces-
sary measures will be jeopardized. but
the present situation undoubtedlv
sounds tho death knell Of many minor
measures