The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1904-04-22

Washington, April a debate
extending through the entire session
the House today passed the statehood
bill providing for a joint Statehood Of
Oklahoma and Indian Territory under
the name Oklahoma and Arizona and
New Mexico under the name Arizona
In discussing the rule which had been
reported by the committee on rules,
providing for the immediate considera-
ton Of the bill. Mr.. Williams the mi
nority leader. declared that no republi-
can had any idea that the bill would be-
come a law at this session.
In opposing the rule Mr.. Moon, of
Tennessee declared that the bill was an
intensely wicked n partisan measure
which, if passed. would violate the
plighted faith and honor Of the United
States to the five civilized tribes Of In
dams in the matter Of treaty obliga-
tons
He inquired of the Republicans if
they were going to pass the bill in vio-
ation of their party platform, and Of
treaty obligations. The territorial del
S5NNNo 40 SliS AlOuSS, IL lildIuldl1eQ mao
protested until the hour of coercion
by the Republicans to meet political ex-
igencieS.
Denying that the Republicans had
been guilty of bad faith, Mr.. Dalzell
said the bill would take it's course as
a party measure because it was report
ed by the majority OF the committee,
submitted to a party caucus and
brought into the House pursuant to a
rule adopted by that caucus. He justi-
lied. h measure on the ground that
we are endeavoring to sustain the rela-
power Of h Senate and House
of Representatives in legislation"
The rule was adopted $50 to III, a
strict party vote. The bill, then was
taken up. Speeches were made for the
bill by Messrs Spalding, OF North Dako-
Ia; Sterling, of Illinois; Curtis, OF
Kansas; Mcclure, Of Oklahoma. and
Rodey. of New Mexico, and against the
bill by Messrs. Grosvenor. of Ohio;
Reid. Of Arkansas: Lloyd, Of Missouri:
Needham, Of California; Russell, Of
Texas, and Wilson, of Arizona.
The third reading of the bill had
been by the speaker when one Of the
most amusing incidents Of the session
occurred. Mr.. Noon inquired if the
third reading of the bill was to be by
title only. In the midst Of a most
elaborate decision. h speaker turned
TO the MI. binds, for
further advice, and then announced
that he would resolve the whole ques-
ton in favor of the individual privilege
of each member. anyone of whom could
the reading Of the bill.
Mr.. Williams the minority leader.
jocularly inquired OF the speaker if
his decision had been arrived at ..af-
ter consultation" The speaker prompt
ly replied that it had been n he set
the House in an uproar when he added:
The skilled parliamentarian who had
been at this desk for many years can
give the chair" and after a pause, and
the gentleman from Mississippi cards
and spades and then have a fountain
of parliamentary knowledge left"
1t was some moments before the ap-
plause n laughter which greeted this
sally subsidized. Mr.. Maddox, Of Geor-
gia. demanded the reading OF the bill
which was begun, but later he with
drew his request.
Speaker Cannon further convulsed
the House when he asked: rs there
any other gentleman who desires the
bill read?" No one responding, the
bill was put upon it's passage, the DEM
ocrats demanding the yeas and nays.
The>bill was passed lat to 104, a strict
party vote.
The House adjourned until tomor-
row.