The Washington times., 1904-04-09
Mr.. Cochran DenOU1ceS
Executive "USurpatiOn"
Cromwell Dispersed Commons by Force,
But We Are Sunk So Low as Not TO
Merit Removal"

Large c-owGs were attracted 20 the pub
I lie gallerafa of the House today by
previous announcement that BouIke
! Cochran. of New York would be the
oratorical star at todays proceedings
The scene on the floor also was an un-
usually animated one and a larger num-
! Der Of members by far than can ordi-
narily be found in the House on a Sat
urday gave attention 70 the prelimi-
nary routine business of the day.
It was 1890 when Mr. Dalzeu Of Penn
sylvania. on behalf Of the Committee
on Rules, reported back the Cochran
resolution, which calls on the judiciary
Committee to investigate by what right
the Secretary of the Interior issued mis-
recent pension order, with the recon-
mendation that it lie on the table.
Applause for Cochran.
81 withhold my notion Mr.. DaIzen
announced, that the author of the
resolution may have an opportunity to
be heard"
As Mr.. Cochran arose from a seat
In the center aisle he was cordially ap-
plauded, by Republicans as well as
Democrats. At the outset Mr.. Cochran
disavowed any and all intention OF
ma king the resolution the vehicle for
a partisan speech.
1T Is my desire simply to vindicate
the dignity Of the House" he said, rails
ing his voice. which had hitherto been
confined TO conversational tones: II
arise, not as a partisan, but as a mem
Der of the House" II was this state
ment which evoked the first applause
Of the day.
Il want to see generous provision made
for the old soldiers in their declining
years" he thundered, but I want 10
see II done by Congress and not by
any constituted authority" Again
the Democrats applauded him.
what Power Is Left?"
If this order is accepted" he de-
cIared. If money is paid out on such
an order. what fragment or shadow Of
power is left to the House of Repre-
sentatives2"
He spoke Of the constitutional rights
of Congress. THE purse is held by the
Constitution to be under the control of
Congress he said. But what is really
done is the opening OF the purse, not by
this body, but by an executive officer
Of the Government. Thirty millions Of
dollars taken from the Treasury by the
stroke OF the pen Of an executive Off
Ger.
At Parting of Ways.
I'VE are at the parting of the ways.
II this order be tolerated, what is there
that is beyond the power of an execu-
tive oficer?"
Mr.. Cochran became more effective In
his delivery as he warmed up to his
work Frequently, with great force. he
brought down his fist on the desk Of
Representative Burton, who sat beside
him. He advocated the reputation of
the Hitchcock order as contrary TO the
security Of our laws, the permanently
of our liberty, the safety of our coun-
try" a settlement that brought forth
laundering Democratic applause.
Decline and Decay.
He spoke of the decline and decay OF
the House of Representatives" and re-
ferred, in substantiation, to a recent
magazine article on that subject, by
Representative Mccall Of Massachusetts.
and to the last speech made by Mr.
Cannon last year, which he declared to
be "a pathetic Girge over prestige LOST
He discussed the alleged encroachments
OF the executive department on the do
main OF the legislative
ours is the right 10 make war" he
declared, speaking Of Congress: but the.
Executive gives us the power to declare
war when we want TO, and makes war
when he chooses"
He saw no hope In the present condi-
| tiOn. Impeachment would be the only
weapon, and Impeachment Is never In.