New-York tribune., 1905-02-14
THE HOUSE IN AN UPR0AR
4 CHARGE OF HOMICIDE.
Mr. SuliUar and Mr. Hearst Er-
change Bitter Personalities.
[rnom rur rn1nuNE puRnAu.l

tween John A Sullivan, Of Massachusetts, and
william Randolph Hearst Of New-York- Details
fortunately were eliminated, chiefly for the reason
:, &c declared that Speaker Cannon made the YER
bal eIadiators adhere to certain rules of paramen-
tary procedure. In anticipation OF Representative
Ssulivans effort In his defence. previously ad-
xertised from the floor OF the House, there was an
unusually large attendance Of members, who wit
messed debate probably without parallel in the
history of the lower chamber. Keeping wholly
within his parliamentary privilege, MI SulIlVah S
6enuncation OF the erstwhile candidate Tor the
Democratic nomination for President was scath-
ing but polished production, indicating careful
preparation and research. With cutting sarcasm
and bitter innuendo he assaIled the private char
scter and political methods and aspirations of
Mr. Hearst without mentioning his name-an
omission. however which did not conceal his mean
ing At the close OF Mr.. Sullivan's speech Repre-
sentative Hearst and obtaining unanimous
consent, began his reply. He spoke in quiet, al
most gentle voice. calmly facing hostile minori-
" and critical majority He met polished sarcasm
with unreserved candor. accusing his adversary of
rnanslaughter and requesting him to explain the
incident 10 the House. At this moment the scene
was dramatic in the extreme and excitement ran
high, but the Speaker admenished Mr.. Hearst not
20 transgress the rules and the New-Yorker
brought his remarks 10 a close. The affair grew
Of the recent discussion Of the freight rate
question IN the House. when Mr.. Sullivan inquired
OF Mr.. Lamar OF Florida, who was favoring the
Hearst bill, why Mr.. Hearst did not defend his
own BILL this being followed by a criticism of
Mr.. Sullivan IN THE New-York American and
Journal"
Mr.. Sullivan at the outset said he had given his
notice early in order that Mr. Hearst might be
present to-day. He had interrupted Mr.. Lamar. he
said because he thought Mr.. Lamar criticising
his Democratic colleagues too harshly for their
failure TO support the so-caed Hearst bill and he
felt that Mr.. Hearst himself might produce the
desired effect Ordinarily, he said. public
pect fair criticism Of their official acts. but where
the proprietor Of a newspaper is a member OF Con-
gress he owes double duty TO his colleagues to
be fair and impartial in his criticisms of them.
he read the article in THE New-York American
of February 2, IN criticism Of himself. which, he
said. had been called forth by infraction of Mr.
EeaTst's monarchicaI dignity and thereby had been
consigned to the political assassination of Mr..
Hesrst's paper. The article in question, Mr.. Suln-
van said, touched his representative capacity, and
is . deliberate insult TO member by another
He was interrupted by Mr.. Robinson. of Indiana
who raised the point that Mr.. Sullivan not in
order Immediately there went up a shout OF
no mo-" moi" The Speaker ruled that MIR.
Sullivan was proceeding by unanimous consent
Continuing. Mr.. Sullivan said:
The writer raises the query whether my ignor;
ance Of pending measures was due 70 eongenital
Congenital incapacity is a serious charge. yet OBJ
Ge % 9scuss @ f the ege is e he IS not
guilty but unfortunate, and it is surely grievous
misfortune be able 10 appreciate the value
Of the legislative services of the gentleman from
stand is a term that covers wide range Of mental
and moral deficiency. 1t covers the case of the
moral degenerate the unclean unproductiye. shift
less members OF society and II includes the man
Ises ms R P5odSts eys t'mS4o va Ine Sple9io teln
pc q me pe3pes hlEneSI glIIwtne 1TeS!aency o.
woful contrast between the qualifications requisite
moral equipment.
Mr. Sullivan again was interrupted by Mr. Rob-
inson, but the Speaker ruled that Mr. Sullivan was
in order. Mr.. Sullivan was permitted TO proceed,
commenting the non-attendance and lack Of
. record rollcau Exhibited by some members"
He referred to Mr.. Hearst as the unknown
political novice whose only recommendation is his
: inherited wealth" The scheme of political assas-
sination, he said. had been mapped out evidently
with the idea Of destroying the respectable elements
Of the Democratic party He commended Mr.. Will
isms. the minority leader, for refusing to indorse
the Hearst rate bill, also "a refusal of leader
10 stoop TO controversy with contemplate oppo-
nent"
Il know" said Mr. Sullivan in conclusion, that
prudential reasons against q controversy with
newspaper Of this character. These reasons pre-
2 sent the danger OF exposure to a new form Of
2 yellow peril disastrous TO reputation as the
other form is alleged be Christian civilization
But while remain a member Of this House 1 will
3 reply 10 unjust attacks in the newspapers of the
gentleman from New-York by sending to the clerks
desk TO be read with the article complained Of
estimate Of the character Of my traducer which
was given the floor Of this House by a member
from California in 1891 the judgment OF those
with whom the gentleman from New-York then
+ lived, and who for that reason knew him best If
by my remarks 1 have checked the scheme of po-
iiticaI assassination which has been marked out
: by this Nero Of modern politics or have even
called public attention its evil purpose I be-
heve 1 have performed q service to the House and
70 the country. To the House by insisting that
each member shall duly respect each other at
least outwardly. and TO the country by exposing
,c NE malice that inspires these newspaper articles
ialse impressions Of their public servants"
Mr. HEARSTS REPLY
AS soon as Mr.. Sullivan concluded. Mr. Hearst
rose 70 reply He denied that he either inspired or
suggested the publication referred to, but said
assumed ali responsibility for it. Replying to Mr.
sulivans criticism that he had been guilty of lack
Of action In the House, Mr.. Hearst said he was
proceeding in the way he thought most effective to
his constituents. he did know any way by
@tlch a man could be less effective for his
aoor OF the House. R tbe 6e reav m1a on N the @
attack on him by Representative Johnson, of Cali
loFnia, Wnen ne was interrupted by Mr.. Payne, of
Aew-York. who said the remarks were unparlia-
Af. Payne Withdrew his point, and Mr.. Hearst
ees Mr. s qeeareS tnat ne had no desire t9
not have cone II in SO puerile a manner He then
uproar He charged that John A. Sullivan was one
OF two Sulliyans who had kept a saloon IN Boston
sulyans were indicted for manslaughter
ht!a @ou!a IKE TO ask the gentleman from Massa-
knows about that incident -'
MI Sullivan arose, and facing Mr. Hearst said
viii be very glad 10 answer it, nv
This is not a wash shop shouted ME rutie-
pL re Fen9syVaIla. f who appealed to the Speaker to
ance Of the discussion prevent q eoillhu-
The Speaker ruled that Mr. Hearst was nrocsed-
.ng py unanimous consent, and he was not sire
that Mr. Hearst specifically referrjng t SSte SI
But MI speakeT rilar safd WIN M his R given
inferentialiy charged the gentleman with iirder
EaIked across the aisle, exclaimed: This is not