Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-31
Democrats Refuse to Support
Williams,
LIVELY TIME IN HOUSE
MINORITY LEADER DEFENDS AT
TITUDE TOWARD GEN. MILES.
Hull Amendment to the Army Bill Re-
garding Pay Of Retired Officers on
Active Service Under Discussion.

Representative Hay of Virginia led Ioi-
lowing of democrats in open revolt against
the leadership of John Sharp Williams OF
Mississippi, the minority leader, on the
floor of the House Of Representatives this
afternoon. There was quite lively time
for a while, in which republicans and
democrats displayed great interest and
some rather pointed personalities were ex-
changed between Mr.. Williams and Mr..
Hay
Discussion of the Hull amendment to the
army bill, which Mr.. Williams claimed was
directed against Gen. Miles and which only
week ago. owing to the refusal of demo-
Gratis to follow him in opposition to it near
ly resulted in his resignation from the lead
ership. caused all the trouble today.
Soon after the House convened the Senate
amendments to the army appropriation bill,
one of which struck out the Hull amend
ment and provided that hereafter retired
officers detailed to active duty should re-
ceive only retired pay and emoluments. were
taken up Mr.. Williams supported the SEN
ate amendment. claiming that the original
Hull amendment had been aimed directly
against General Miles, and therefore had
been made retroactive, as 1t would anect
General Miles appointment at the head OF
the Massachusetts national guard. which
had been made some time ago.
Mr.. Hull defended his original amend
ment and asked the non-concurrence of the
House In the Senate proposition. Mr.. Hull
said 1t was unfortunate that this legislatio
was made to appear as being directed at
Gen. Miles.
Mr. Hay of Virginia. in open revolt
against Mr.. Williams leadership on this
proposition. stated that the Hull amend
ment was democratic legislation. and that
every democrat in the House, If he did his
duty should vote for 1t. He also referred
to the fact that Gen. Miles was the federal
officer who put shackles on Jefferson Davis.
the fugitive president Of the confederacy.
Mr.. Hays statement created somewhat
of a sensation in the chamber, as Repre-
sentative Williams had just urged an OPP
posite view. and there was absolute quiet
as the minority leader arose to make reply.
The Minority Leaders, Reply.
Mr.. williams was very much in earnest.
His eyes blazed and his voice rang through
the chamber as he said slowly and impress
sively:
'tMr. Speaker, within this five minutes
that have I ask the attention of the en-
tire House, and especially of this side Of
the House."
Then leaning over and glaring at Mr..
Hay. who had his back turned. Mr.. Will
Jams continued:
Il am not at all afraid of the covert at
tack upon my democracy made by the ap-
peal of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr
Hay) to the democrats of this House. l am
not'at all afraid of any covert attack which
may have been made elsewhere upon my
loyalty and fealty as a southerner of the
southerners.
Now, I dislike so much to stay under
cover that we might just as well come out.
7 hsly thn IT,,
generally entertain regarding Gen. Niles
conduct when he put shackles upon the
ankles of Jefferson Davis. 1 do not believe
that 1t will sound to his, credit in history
Jefferson Davis that he was forced to SUBJ
nit to it-being sick and helpless, and Grip
pied as he was at the time.
Now, if this legislation had been pointed
at anybody else than Gen. Miles. a demo-
crat,t appointed by a democratic governor
under these circumstances, l would take
the same position. and I would be Just as
much, and even more, in earnest than 1 am
now. 49, =.
II stand in relation to Jefferson Davis
that perhaps some of my critics do not
My grandfather was a senior captain in
Jefferson Davis regiment In the Mexican
War-his favorite captain | might say
and secondly Jefferson Davis was nv per-
sonal friend. as much my friend as an
old man can be the friend of a boy or child
This Is not the time nor the place nor
the way In Which to get even. If you want
to punish General Miles this is not the
way to DO 1t; This is not southern mag
nanfmity. Southerners do not punish In
little ways like that"
Williams Defeated.
There was great applause from both
sides of the chamber as Mr. Williams took
his seat and the viva voce vote which fol-
lowed left some doubt in the chairman's
mind as to whether the Senate amendment
was supported or not. But Mr.. Hull called
for the yeas and nays and on this vote Mr.
Williams was Overwhelmingly defeated,
1T to IL and the House decided to nom
concur In the Senate amendment replacing
the original amendment by Mr.. Hull,
which was so objectionable to the minority
leader
Members of the House are wondering
whether not this is the end.
The House sent the army appropria ton
bill to conference. All amendments were
non-concurred in by the House
Before resuming consideration of the post
office appropriation bill the House today
adopted a resolution offered by Mr. Fitz-
gerald On. ". calling on the Secretary of
the Navy for information regarding the in
equality in the amount of armor plate de-
hvered for the battle ships Connecticut and