New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-05
FIGHT on IN THE HOUSE.
Democrats Try to Make Capital
ont of Postal Scandal.
TFEoN THE TRIBUNE BUREAU. 7

Washington. Jan. 4.-Iostilities to-day
sumed between the Republicans and Democrats OF
the House soon as II was possible 10 form line
Of battle. Parliamentary sParrirg political adj
vantage INDUCED in with vigor that indi-
Gated abatement in the aggressiveness of the
warning elements. 1t was clearly demonstrated
that fight between the majority and the minority
may be preciptated the most unexpected times.
when armed truce has been declared and
10th sides resting their
The trouble to-day arose over the introduction
of privileged resolution by Mr.. Hay, Demo-
cratic Representative from Virginia. and scerting
the possible manufacture of campaign material by
the minority, the Republicans opposed its con-
sderation
The resolution referred to the charges said 10
have been made by Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Bristow in his report the Postofice
Department Irregularities duplicating members Of
Congress- in the execution OF leases OF buildings
be used for postal purposes. and requesting ia
vors of George w. Beavers. then in charge Of the
Sa.aries and Allowance Division In the lively de-
bate that followed the leaders OF both sides took
part. bat final action was taken, aye and
vote disclosed lack OF quorum.
II was contended that Mr.. Bris,ows charges i'm
puEn-d the integrity of the House and the demand
that the member or members referred 10 be speci-
fed found many Democratic supporters. AS mat
ter OF fact careful reading OF the Bristow report
discioses that the member of Congress referred TO
in connection with leases is stated 10 be Senator
Dietrich The names Of other members of Congress
cite specific without the probable working Of
a grave injustice 10 a number OF congressman who
their requests IN the exercise OF the ordinary
course of their duties to their constituents II is
planned that in the communications from mem
bers of Congress asking favors OF Beavers
which fell into the hands OF the Inspectors 1t was
impossible 20 determine whether previous OF
subsequent understanding existed between the
writer and the recipient PostmaSters would write
their Representatives and Senator'S that an adj
was necessary for the good OF their particular
offices. These requests were Endorsed by the re-
Cipients and forwarded 10 Beavers. In some IL
apparent that action was desired unless Tor
good If the service. but in most instances the
documentary evidence left the inspectors unable 10
determine how much meant by the request.
Every executive officer should. according to Mr..
this character imply that they ought TO be granted
only when the service could be improved thereby,
but in these particular eases the meaning
obscure that the investigators found IL practically
impossible to dtfterentate.
II can be assumed that Mr.. BTistOws only desire
In thus wording his report was to caution members
Of Conrress against sending communications 10
executive officials that might be open 10 mlScOn-
st.uct!on.
Mr. Hays resolution provided for an investiga-
ton a committee to be appointed by the Speaker
a point of order made against the resolution by
Mr.. Gardner rep, y. il was oVerruled. and the
same fate met Mr.. Payne ReP.. y W, VINO de-
sired to refer the resolution the PostOfhce Com
mittec. \ vote ordering the previous question
resulted in a tie, the minority supporting MIR. Hay.
The vote developed no quorum, and the House adj