Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-08

GIL Tic tcSiliuOHy Tic postdl eases
sent to the committee at this time as a
basis for its investigation. because 1t would
result in having all this mass of evidence
leak out for the advantage of the men who
were Under Indictment.
Senator Clay wanted to know whether
1t was not natural presumption that the
committee could carry on it's investigation
and keep the facts away from the pub
lie until their effect on the prosecution
would no longer exist.
Il do not know about the presumption
said Mr.. Nelson. but we do have facts
leak from executive sessions
General Discussion Precipitated.
Mr.. Tillman made some reference to the
Investigation Of the Cuban frauds. and said
that in that case the rascals had escaped
punishment. This precipitated a general
discussion as to the exact manner in which
persons convicted undo the Cuban postal
frauds had gained their liberty by the par
doning power. In commenting on this.
Senator Bailey referred to those implicated
In the Cuban frauds as gentlemen"
'Donts call them gentlemen. for -
sake. said Mr.. Tillman in whisper that
could be heard over the entire chamber.
Senator Cullom seeing the discussion pro-
tracted beyond the time 1t was thought 1t
would be disposed of. suggested that the
Cuban bill under the general consent would
have to be taken up. Senator German ask
ed that this matter go over until tomorrow.
ana lnslt IL De QlSCOSSeQ the0 until U CLOCK.
The resolution went over.
A Lively Time In the House.
The Post Office Department scandals
broke out in the House also this afternoon,
and for more than half an hour there was
the liveliest sort of set-to between MEM
bers. with Representative Overstreet of
Indiana. chairman of the committee on post
offices and post roads. as the storm center.
Mr. Overstreet was piled with questions
from all parts of the chamber, and was
barely rescued from the maelStrom of in
terrOgations by the persistent and muscular
manner in which Speaker Cannon pounded
the gavel on the desk before him. The in
cident of today indicated that the members
of the House are taking a deep interest in
the postal scandals and that the Irregular
tiles developed in the recent investigation
will play prominent part in the political
discussions in Congress the coming winter
An Unexpected Outbreak.
The outbreak today was rather unexpect-
ed. Chairman Overstreet presented the IA
vorable report of the committee on post
Offices on the resolution introduced last
week authorizing the committee to call
upon the post office authorities for the
papers In the recent investigation.
Mr.. Wangei Of Pennsylvania asked for an
explanation which Mr.. Overstreet gave at
some length. He said the committee on
post offices and post roads was charged
with the preparation of the largest appro-
priation BILL save one, that will come be-
fore the House. In view Of the recent pub
lie disclosures of irregularities and the in
dictment of a large number of persons.
growing out OF these disclosures. the COM
mittee deemed 1t essential that 1t should
have before It all the information obtain
able concerning any possible misappropri-
alton of former appropriations.
No Congressional Investigation.
mo general investigation by Congress is
contemplated at this time, said Mr.. Over
street. land no mention of such an inves--
tigation was made in the committee report
The papers would indicate whether or not
such an investigation would be deemed nee
essary. The sole purpose OF the committee
in desiring the papers at this time Is to
obtain advance information for its uses in
framing legislation coming before it. This
information would enable the committee to
act wisely
As to Publicity.
'Does the gentleman intend that the
papers shall be made public?" asked Mr..
Wanger.
1.-THE question of publicity has not been
considered as yet" replied Mr.. Overstreet.
ut has not come before the committee.
Speaking for myself however, I must say
and papers should not be published so far
as they Will not embarrass the prosecution
OF cases now pending under the jurisdic-
ton OF the Department Of Justice"
Mr.. Robinson Of Indiana (democraU asked
If an opportunity was to be given to the
minority members of the committee to be
heard.
Committee Was Unanimous.
Mr.. Overstreet repeated that the resoiu-
ton had been unanimously reported. He
resented what he thought was q doubt as
to his veracity and called upon Mr.. Noun
of Tennessee, the senior minority member
Of the committee. for confederation.
Mr. Moon stated that the report was
unanimous. that the committee thought 1t
should have the papers for its uses I'm
framing legislation. He hoped there would
be no objection to the passage Of the reso-
luton, statement which called forth ap-
plause from the republican side.
Mr. Robinson said he should not be placed
in the attitude of doubling the word of
Mr.. Overstreet and asked three minutes
time to set himself straight Mr.. Over
street declined to Yield
Half dozen members attempted to Sc
cure recognition from the chair. Above
the pounding Of the gavel Mr.. Overstreet
was heard to move the previous question.
The motion was put. The ayes were de-
clared to have it. There was immediate
demand for a division. Again the ayes
won. Mr. Wanger voting with the demo-
Gratis, and Mr.. Moon with the republic
cans
Representative Williams. the minority
leader. called for the yeas and nays They
were ordered. The roll call had proceeded
but a few minutes. when Mr. Williams
called to the Speaker. He declared he
wished to offer a motion concerning the call
of the roll
The gentleman from Mississippi asks
unanimous consent for the suspension of
the roll CALL said the Speaker.
Upon certain conditions, corrected Mr.
Williams.
THE chair declines to entertain them"
With another resounding whack of the
gavel the taking of the vote was proceeded
with. The yeas were 172 and the nays 1853
The previous question was ordered.
Clamor for Recognition.
Immediately there was clamor for rec
ognition.
II desire recognition" called Leader VIII
lams.
The chair recognizes nobody" shouted
back the Speaker.
Mr.. Richardson of Tennessee rose to a
point OF order. He declared the chair had
misled the House. unintentionally. he pre-
sumed. in ruling that unanimous consent