The Cairo bulletin., 1905-12-14
OPENS WAR UPON
. MINORITY LEADER
Washing of Democratic Linen in
House Commenced
MATTER OF HOT DEBATE
LAMAR OF FLORIDA, UNBURDENS
HIS MIND ON OUTSIDE IN
ADDiTiON-"I'LL SHOW
HIM."

u fH I Y
was in session only an hour and hal
| today and a portion of that time was
spent in consideration of executive
business. A number of private bills
were introduced in open session -anf
Allison presented a report of the com
mittee on appropriations on the Pan
anna canal bill, giving notice he would
call ii up for consideration tomorrow
A communication from Secretary
Shaw regarding campaign contrihu
tions by national banks was read. The
secretary enclosed letter from the
comptroller of currency saying that
reports of bank inspectors revealed
only small contributions in the last
IA years.
"The washing Of Democratic linen
for the amusement of Republicans, .
as Williams, the minority leader put
it Monday, occupied the attention of
the house for more than four hours
today.
The result accomplished was def
thrown at the minority leader by La
mar of Florida, and another by
Shackleford of Missouri. The com
plaint of both resulted from failure
of Williams to recommend their reap
pointment as members of the com
mittee cn interstate and foreign COM
merce. Both made long speeches in
which Williams leadership was as.
sailed from many points. Williams re-
piled to Lamar at some length and
briefly TO Shackleford. His defense
was that in the last session the Demo-
Gratis on this committee were divided
and he deemed 1t necessary for the
good of the party and country that a
united minority report should be
made ON the subject OF railroad rate
legislation.
AT times there was high tension
in the debate. Lamar was particularly
bitter in his criticism and openly de-
clared that heretofore his persons
friendship for Williams was forever
at an end, unless The criticisms of
himself were retracted. He however,
would recognize Williams as the party
leader.
Shackleford denounced all bosses
and placed himself entirely independ-
ent of party leadership in the house.
The subject under discussion was
the committee distribution of the an.
nual message of President Roosevelt.
At the conclusion or the Democratic
debate this had not been accomplished
and the house adjourned.
Denuneiation Outside.
Mr.. Lamar after the adjournment de-
clared that he would get the twenty
five signers necessary TO the calling
of Democratic caucas.
And II | ever do get Williams in n
caucus. I'll tell him some things.
Hes a dog-that's what he is." Mr..
Lamar said. after long denunciation
of Mr. Williams. iii show him, with
his Heidelberg jokes and swelled head.
that he cannot charge me with some
hing he cannot substantiate. Mr.. Will
iams' whole course in this matter has
been marked by disingenuousness and
An utter disregard for the truth. When
Mr. Williams removed me from the
giving as a reason therefor
hat is absolutely false. ! cannot help |
that his act was malicious |
md intended 10 do me an injury in
he state of Florida and with my party |
colleagues i'm congress.
The Democratic caucus of last SEES |
ion called by Mr. Williams TO con |
'idcr railroad rate legislation was IN
'eality called by him 10 tender his
out of vexation over being /
lefeated partly by Democratic votes In
lis insistence in the House on the
Niles amendment. All this matter is
cry familiar TO both sides OF the
lOuses. But the caucus was diverted
rom its personal purpose TO the con
liberation of a great national question,
o-wit. railroad rate legislation.
Fraud on National Democracy
The truth Of the matter is. so far as
ir. Williams Is concerned. that the
aucus was precipitsted as a fraud on
he national Democracy in that II
lunged the Democratic members Of
he House into unprecedented discus
ussion OF a great national question.
rhen in fact Mr.. Williams had called
be caucus for a personal resignation
urpose. Mr.. Shscklef0rd and myself
ladc mere subsidiary report on the
Iearst bill in the House. ! considered
hat I had perfect liberty to do this
nder the caucus rules. look for no
ne but Mr. Williams 70 dispute it.
My purpose In reporting the Hearst
III was simply that It contained legis-
ltion favorable to the interests q the
eople Of Florida which was not Gov
red bv the Esch-Townsend nor the
'avey bin. had not the slightest OBJ
n - ]