New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-23
TILLMAN rs. SPOONER.
Lircly Discussion of "Constructire
Recess" pDOintmentS.

Washington Jan 22-At the close OF routine
business the Senate to-day, Mr. TiIlman spoke
his resolution relative 10 recess appointments
His address had especial reference 10 tho nomina-
ton Of DR. william D. Crum for Collector OF Gus
toms at Charleston, s. C.. but the fact that il also
bore On the nomination OF General Wood gave II
added interest.
Mr. Tnman disavowed any intention 10 consider
the question from partisan point OF view. but
said he desired to prevent the establishment OF a
harmful precedent and find out what the Sem
etc thought of constructive recess" He said II
had remained for the present executive 10 assert
the right and exercise the power OF making APP
pointments between II o'clock and u o'clock Of the
day.
Mr. Hale took exception the statement that
the President had committed himself 10 the propo-
sition set forth. He had never doubted that the
Controller would make short work OF claims for
salaries under such appointments. For himself he
did not accept the theory of constructive recess
and he did not believe other Senators held
Moreover he did not believe there was any au-
thorty for the statement OF the Presidents posi-
ton.
NJ TilInoan quoted a letter from Secretary Shaw
concerning the appointment of Collector Crum, taxi
ing the postion that there had been constructive
recess between the time Of the Adjournment or
the extra session OF Congress. and the beginning Of
the regular session This. Mr.. Tillman contended.
was In violation Of the Constitution. and he also
contended that there was no common sense in the
plea that there was any inJerregnum between the
extra session and the regular session. when one
was Immediately adjourned TO prepare for the
other
Mr. spooner suggested that the result OF follow
ing Mr.. Timans reasoning would be TO cause
many vacancies in office.
In response Mr. Tillman said; This is the finest
won't won't ro n@'' ever '''0
w" Wr snooner said he agreed with the South Caro-
constructive recess, but he merely suggested 4
PRACTICAL dficulty. He cited the possible case of
an emergency military appointment. but Mr. Till
man replied that there always were ofhcers on
That won't do: you'll have to shout again"
Tman then h quoted an Of
OF Charles Sumner and John sherman. both OF
"hPiH do mi Suppose said Mr. Tiiman. that the
Senator from Wisconsin objects TO my eulogzing
No" replied Mr. Spooner. but I can't under
stand why he should wait wait T Until they are dead
had complimented all the sitting Republican sena-
allow themselves to be dragged the Inire in sup
port of this doctrine of constructive recess: Mr.
rillman dwelt on the consideration or similar
merger OF two sessions of Congress in the ad-
nistraton Of andrew Johnson Hmd Mr. hale IN
ceedins had been cited He considered Il con
Mr. Piatt OF Connecticut. called attention to the
been c was not the case last December
even stronger than the former 49,. -
General Wood and others were not sent III as re-
cess. but as regular appointments. This statement
he said had heen confirmed by an Inspection Of the
appointment papers.
~ deny It on the authority OF Secretary Shaw"
replied MI Tillman.
Mr.. Halo said the facts would speak for them
selves and whatever others might claim, the Con-
troler would decide the point.
Mr.. TIllman said Crum office, and he
could legally hold the place unless a recess
appOintee, asserted by Secretary Shaw
The Timan resolution not disposed of.
Mr.. Piatt. OF New-York. from the Committee on
Printing reported favorably the bill regulating;
lea YES of absence of employees of the Government
Printing ONCE. The bill gives the employees who
receive annual salaries leaves OF thirty days EACH
exclusive OF Sundays, thus putting them on the
footing employees In other departments Of
the government. A letter was read from the Public
Printer saying that the additional cost to the gov
eminent would be about $4,000 a year.