Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-04
Allegations Regarding Use Of
Congressional Influence.
Hay WANTS INQUIRY
HOUSE TIED ON CALL FOR THE
PREVIOUS QUESTION.
No Quorum Discovered - Representa-
lives Thereupon ADJOURN Until
Tomorrow.

The members Of the House OF Repre-
sentatives today celebrated the reassem-
bling Of Congress after the two weeks
holiday recess by INDUCING In another lively
discussion Of Post Office Department af-
fairs In connection with the lately reported
scandals and frauds. Only about one-third
Of the members have returned from their
homes, but as no point as to quorum was
raised the House proceeded to business.
The post office discussion was precipitated
soon after the House met. This time the
discussion revolved about the charges al
legged to have been made by the fourth as
sIstant postmaster general affecting men,
bers Of Congress with reference to the exc
oution Of leases Of buildings to be used for
post Office purposes, and In requesting va
rtous favors OF Beavers. who had charge OF
the salary and allowance division.
Tho chaplain in opening the HOUSE
prayed that the threatened war between
Russia and Japan might be averted Oy q
peaceable and amicable adjustment OF the
differences between the two countries lie
prayed that all nations might unite IN more
firmly cementing International ties OF
friendship.
MI. Hays Resolution.
While matters of routine business were
being laid before the House by the Speaker
Representative Hay Of Virginia obtained
the floor for the purpose of presenting
privileged resolution. which he sent to the
clerks desk to be read. The resolution re-
cited the fact that in the report OF Mr..
Bristow ON the Post Office Department IT.
reeularities charges were made against
members Of Congress- regarding leases OF
post office buildings at higher rates OF
rental than other buildings of similar char
aoter In the community, and In Influencing
promotions In the postal service, the mat
ter Of leases being in violation OF the re-
vised statutes of the United States.
The resolution declared that the integrity
of the House and the individual members
thereof had been impugned by the charges
1t was proposed that committee be ap-
pointed to investigate the charges and other
matters pertaining to the irregularities
Mr.. Gillett's Point Of Order.
Representative Gillett of Massachusetts,
made the point of order that the resolution
was not privileged In that 1t took wider
range than the mere charges against I'M
named members Of Congress"
Speaker Cannon sustained the point OF
order against the general features OF the
resolution which was then amended by MT
Hay.
Mr.. Gardner's Point overruled.
REPRESENTATIVE Gardner On, j. made q
no,nt of order against the resolution as
amended. He declared there was nothing
g., tha pr;s.ouy ronort RI ,nd,cata that the
III '"o D'o" ~ 20 a.,
charges referred TO present hehioers VI ti'e
House. As matter OF fact. he stated, the
details showed the alleged irregular leases
to have been executed several years ago.
The chair, after considering the matter
ruled against the point of order, amid ap-
plause from the democratic side.
Mr.. Gillett, arose and said he wished II
reply to the insinuations Of the gentleman
from Virginia to the effect that he could
not see why the gentleman from Massa
chusetts had flown to the rescue of the al
legged criminals Mr. GIllett said he hat
nobody to defend He made the point o
order against the resoiu.,1n IN ,ts of'g gina
ciples, as he did not believe dragnet inves
LEGATIONS should be sprung upon the House
under the guise OF privlegea resoao'i o1.
,oatior nv tha raso1,tion In Ito annanded
form which had brought It within the pur-
view of the privilege rule.
Mr.. Hay said he had not intended to re-
| fleet on the gentleman from Massachusetts
In any way.