The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-03-12
William Alden Smith Brings Democrats and Republicans
 Alike to Their Feet
EXCITEMENT GROWS OUT
 OF POSTOFFICE MATTER
Clayton of Alabama Makes Bitter Att tack on Postmaster General Payne Amid Wholesale
 Storm of Applause.

Washington, March 1.-The house of representatives indulged itself today in nearly seven hours of explanation, accu- sation and vftuperative denunciation, and then ordered, with only two negative votes, an investigation of postal affairs, so far as members of the house are con- cerned by special committee of seven members to be appointed by the speaker, who, likewise are to examine into the or igin of the Bristow report, so far as 1t concerns members of the house. The de- mand of the minority for a sweeping in vestigation of every branch of the post office department was not granted. The test on this question came on a vote which resulted IA to 125, a strict party vote.
 The climax of the day was reached when Representative William Alden Smith of Michigan condemned every ex- ecutive department of the government for it's arrogant treatment of the only branch of the government in direct touch with the people of the counuy-the house of representatives-and shouted out the name of Senator Cannon for President of the United States. The house thun-
 
 their feet and fairly shrieked their assent; Democrats were waved whatever was in their hands, republicans pounded their desks, and the packed galleries took up the enthusiasm and re-echoed the ap- plause.
 Served as an Impetus.
 When the speaker bent low over his desk and yielded his gavel vigorously for order, his raps only served as an impetus for a fresh outbreak of enthusiasm. Meanwhile, MT. Smiths time ran out, and when he endeavored to continue in opposition to the ruling of tho speaker. he was urged on by the cries of mem bers on both sides, but without avail.
 The storm of indignation which swept over the house Wednesday as the result of the Bristow report which yesterday was temporarily stemmed by adjourn ment on account of the death of Repre- sentative Croft, broke out afresh today Mr Gillett of Massachusetts presented privileged report when MT. Hay of Vir- ginia promptly objected to its consdera- ton. The speaker in ruling on the point, said the Hay resolution was a matter of the highest privilege and he recognized MT. Overstreet of Indiana, who desired unanimous consent for an order giving members ten days leave to extend their remarks
 MT. Cooper of Wisconsin, entered an em- phatic q object" MT. Tawney of Min nesota entertained the view that every member had the right to speak indefinite ly as matter of privilege.
 Submits Two Propositions.
 MT Overstreet then submitted two propositions, first that the discussion oe extended until Monday at 4 o'clock and second until o'clock tomorrow to both of which MT. Hay objected. He then renewed his motion to leave to print which brought MT Williams of Mississippi quickly to his feet with the declaration that whatever is said on this subject should be said In the open house and he therfore objected. He was greeted with applause
 MT. Clayton of Alabama was unsparing in his criticism of Postmaster General Payne to whom he referred as that dis tinguished imbecile who happens to be postmaster general of the United States He then entered into the explanation of the lease of the postofice building at Union Springs, Ala. Facing the republi- can side and raising his voice to the highest pitch, MT Clayton said; eff this republic uncovers any rascality by means of congress 1t is on that side of the cham Der and not this"
 Clayton Makes Attack.
 Mir Clayton spoke of the Tulloch charges and the light way in which the postmaster general treated them. When members of the press called on him about it, MT. Clayton said the postmaster gen. eral laughed. When further pressed for fyxfo ba cafd ha eral, that distinguished specimen of as- sininity" characterized the Tulloch charges as hot air"
 The inquiry had been pursued, he yehe- mently declared, not by virtue of the ef- forts of Postmaster General Payne and President Roosevelt, but in response to a demand of the press. He closed with a bitter personal attack on Postmaster General Payne, and referred to him IS MT. Hot Air Man" and "Mr. Horse laughter Man" who had been publicly congratulated by the President for the distinguished service he rendered the country in securing the conviction of Machen and his confederates"
 He wanted, he said, Ito rip open the whole stomach of the postoffice depart ment and show the vitals of corruption, He was greeted with laud applause as he took his seat
 Anotner accused member, Mir. Jenkins of Wisconsin, wrought himself up to a. high state of indignation and declared that he was in favor of removing General Bristow from office before the sun goes down."
 MT. Calderhead of Kansas. said the President and the postmaster general had charged him with making corrupt and de- frauding contracts with Beavers.
 They shall not do it," he vigorously stated without my protest here, or any where"
 Wanted General Investigation.
 MT. Small of North Carolina, advocated an investigation of the whole postoffice department. saying that MT. Hill of Con- necticut. had said that there was one liar and scoundrel." He believed there were more "liars and thieves there than had been uncovered.
 .I, a democrat serving my first term in congress, am charged with exercising undue influence with officials of the post