The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-04-28
MR.. l|TTlEHElD TAKES
HIS TURN IN "BAIT|NG"
DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS
He Fails to Arouse Cochran, but
Wakes Up Clark, De Almond
and Williams
POLITICS IN THE HOUSE
Tariff, Trusts. Party and Indi-
vidual Records Are Discussed
with Much Vim.
TAUNIS, JEERS, CHEERS
Greet the Speakers as They Drive
Home Their Points-The Ex-
citable Mr.. Baker.
POLITICS IN THE HOUSE
rAUNIS, JEERS, CHEERS

ence OF cfOWdeQ galleries ana OF diiio''
full membership Messrs. Littleheld' OF
Maine. and Williams. Of Mississippi IN the
House to-day made speeches intended for
the coming presidential campaign Ire
two speakers were wildly applauded by
their respective sides, but there was an
absence of personalities such as character
szed the clash between Messrs. Dalzeil and
Cochran Indeed. the best of humor pre-
vailed
NJ IIttIefeId continually taunted the
Democrats with the utterances of Mr..
Cochran and by name called on several
OF the prominent members of that party
In the House 10 answer yes" or no
whether they approved Mr. Cockrans
tariff views. and whether they intended
going before the people on the issue of
free trade He defended the protective
tariff system from every point of view.
Mr.. Williams, adopting the tactics of
Mr.. Littlefeld, endeavOred to force from
the Republicans and from Mr. Littlefeld
in particular. categorical answers to sew
eral questions which he deemed pertinent.
Mr Littlefeld answered yes" when asked
If he approved of everything in the Nc
kinley administration. which enabled Mr..
Williams TO remind him that he CLittle-
feld) and Mr.. Williams had stood together
IN opposition to colonialism. Mr.. Williams
asserted that the Republicans were going
before the people ION the issue borrowed
from the gamblers table of standing pat
The House sat until late in the afternoon
and then recessed until o'clock at night
The night session lasted until after mid
night.
MR.. LITTLEFIELD's SPEECH.
In beginning his speech Mr.. Littleteld
said it recently had been the privilege of
the House TO witness some very unusual
and remarkable displays of parliamentary
eloquence. "The gentleman from New
York." he said. has contributed in large
and remarkable degree to that rhetorical
display" He congratulated the country
upon Mr.. Coekrans return to Congress,
which brought forth Democratic applause,
and paid tribute TO him man of
ability and great capacity. but he said that
the arguments that are supposed to main
tain that utOpian theory for hScal leg1sla-
tion" had long been threadbare, frayed out.
tool worn. travel stained. and he said they
now achieYe a new olstInctlve,iess py the
rhetorical display OF the gentleman from
New York
Mr. Cochran. he said. spent little time in
developing the metaphysical theories and
general line of argument and discussion
which were supposed TO lie behind and
Justify the doctrine of free trade. On the
contrary. he said. Mr.. Cochran devoted
his time largely 10 an assault, a vitupera-
tive, vilifying and demagogic assault on
the doctrine OF protection Republican APP
plause greeted this assertion.
Mr.. Cochran. he declared, mistook epithet
for argument and denunciation for demon
stration. He would not he said degrade
himself to the level OF assault, vilifcation
and vituperation in the discussion of a
great question that concerned the welfare,
happiness and prosperity of great people.
While admitting that the performance
of Mr.. Cochran, Saturday last, was one of
the finest iaurels ne had added TO his repu-
tation. he said the discussion added noth-
ing to the sum of human knowledge and
did not add 10 the store of human wisdom.
PROTECTED FOR FOUR YEARS.
Mr.. Littlefeld referred TO the Democratic
platform recently adopted in New York.
and said the convention did not dare pro-
claim any proposition that had any idea of
dehniteness whatever. because. he said, the
Democratic party could not enact any of
its propositions into the law of the land.
God be praised. they cannot" he ex-
claimed. because the country is protected
from Democratic legislation for four years
TO come, no matter what happens TO the
presidency 10 this chamber
He asked the Democrats if they stood on
Leader of the Democracy" He directed a
specific question TO Mr.. Williams If he ap-
proved of Mr.. cockran's policy. Mr. VIII
Mr. Littiefeld then ventured the asser-
tion that the Democrats would march out
with ife and drum and force their cohorts
both approved and disapproved.
He goaded Mr.. Williams for a reply but
the minority leader remained silent. He
then sought reply from Champ Clark, of
Missouri
Mr.. Clark set the Democrats frantic by
saying that when the House should give
him an hour he would make a reply that
will knock some of you gentlemen silly.
No one, he said, could reply yes" or mo-
TO one hour of cheap demagogy. There
were screams Of approval from the Demo
Gratis at this utterance.
hour TO indulge in vilihcation and vitupera-
tion.' retorted Mr.. Lttlefeld.
Mr.. Clark. he said. could say yes or
mo" now, and he would give him until the
end of the campaign to answer
suggestion from Mr.. Clark that he and
Mr.. Littlefield should hire a hall and de
bate the proposition was the signal for a
tumutuous outburst OF applause from the
Democrats but Mr.. Littlefeld pressed for
a categorical answer from any other man
on the Democratic side
A RASH NEW YORKER.
Mr.. Baker. of New York, arose. "Win
the gentleman YIELD he excitedIy asked
No" said Mr.. Littlefeld. Fools rush
IN where angels dare not enter
Gesticulating wildly and showing great
excitement. Mr.. Baker answered excitedly.
exclaiming: Il will give you an answer if
you want one l will give you one.r
Mr.. Littleheid paid no heed TO Repub-
lican cries OF let him go on: let him go
on" but said there was only one man left
on the Democratic side. Mr.. Baker. who
had the physical courage 10 say he was
ready TO give an answer he contended
that Mr. Baker could have said yes and
after some remarks I'm which Mr. Little
field refused 10 accept Mr.. Baker as enti-
tied TO speak for the Democracy Mr. Little
field was drawn into lively colloquy with
Mr. De Almond. of Missouri. which was
much enjoyed by the crowded galleries
Mr.. De Almond said he would venture to
CRAFTY Mr.. Bittlefeld To some extent. He
was interrupted with cries OF yes. or
mo from the Republicans. Continuing
MI De Almond said that IL Mr. Littleheld
wanted information TO the Democratic
position he would say that the position of
the Democrats 10 take off or TO lower
the duties wherever those duties sheltered
trusts
Bah, bah.' came from the Republican
side.
Mr. Iittleneld called on Mr. De Armond
10 say whether he did did not agree with
Mr. Cockran's views.
democratic applause greeted Mr. De Ar
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