The Washington times., 1903-01-21
Motion To Proceed To Con-
Sideration Of Statehood Bill
Receives COnsentof Sena-
tor Beveridge
Action Of Opposition Delays
Vote Ont the Measure-Cri-
sis May Accompany At
tempt to Adjourn.

The strength Of the al Tocates Of tbs
omnibus statehod bill was formally rec
ognized by the opponents in the Senate at
12.25 today, when Senator Quay inquired
il the routine business Of the morning
hour had been concluded. He was in
formed that it had been.
Then, said the Senator. move that
we proceed to the consideration OF the
omnibus State5od bill"
Senator BeveTidge answered: There
viii be no objection to such an arrange
ment from the majority members Of the
committee in charge Of the bill"
Had objection been made the Senate
would have been compelled to vote on
the motion, and the result would have
been test Of the lineup on the state
+ hood measure.
This action Of the anu-Statebood sena-
tors at this tine does not mean that
the crisis has been long delayed. Sen
atOT BuTnham took the floor IN opposi-
tion TO the bill an hour and half be-
fore he would have done so had the bill
come up as the regular order at 2 2. m.
according to the Iong-existing arrange
ment- The crucial point viii come when
the Senate attempts TO adjourn this af-
ternoon. Senator Quay viii move to pro-
eeed with the discussion. To resist his
plan means q vote. 1t is agreed that
this cannot long be put of
Senator Quay has shown the whip
hand so far as Statehood legislation is
concerned. He made a demand for
vast a-4orr afre~-rru - oaFFaa
forth debate from Senator Beveridge
which continued until the Senate went
into executive session, near evening.
The controversy proved more entertain
ing to the Statehood Senators than to
the opposition Parliamentary tactics
were interesting. hat the usual obstacle
Of free speech was used to prevent de-
cis!ye action. Senator Beveridge de-
claTed that the Senate is the only re-
naming forum OF free speech on earth.
and he proceeded to exercise the pre-
rosative membership in the body thus
gave him.
The program Of the Statehood forces
evidently was to work up TO the point
where they could ask for night ses-
sion and give the opposition a chance
to discuss the bill as they aIlege IS nee
essary before q vote should be granted
on the measure.
Senator Quay suggested an immediate
vote when the bill came up IN the reg
ular order. yesterday. The result was a
speech on undue haste made by Senator
Beveridge. Debate was mixed into the
speech. in which Senators Quay, For
aker, Clay, and Berry took rhe side OF
Statehood and Senator's Beveridge.
Spooner. Hanna, and number Of others
spoke against the admission OF three
new States
There was general debate as to which
side is really obstructing legislation.
Naturally, the matter was not decided.
The factions point to one another ia
their charges.
After much bitter talk. Senator Quay
took the floor, suggested one date after
another, and asked unanimous consent
that the bill might be brought to a
vote, The dates we're January 2l. jan
uary %. February 4. February 9. and
February 16- In each case Senator Bev-
eridge voiced the objections Of the op-
position forces. Senator Quay then gave
notice that at the close Of the morn
ing hour today he would move that the
Statehood bill be Immediately taken up
AID that the Senate remain in session
until some agreement for a vote is
reached If carried out, this plan means
a session tonight and probably tomor-
row night
There IS a difference of opinion, evi-
IDENTIFY, as to which side actually has
the votes, and It is doubtful If the
matter is definitely known The Quay
forces appear absolutely certain, but
their claims We're denied last evening
by the Republicans present at the meet
ing OF the Senate steering committee
FAInF-E -rn ~ -1nHzrTRr