New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-02-06

Of their convictions unconstitutional. The ress
olution Is as follows:
Whereas, The Constitution OF the United
States provides that the Senate OF the United
States shan be composed or two senator's from
each State, chosen by the legislatures thereof
and that each Senator shall have pne vote, and
Whereas, Each Senator. before assuming the
duties OF his Office, is required! to solenlnly
swear affirm that he will support and defend
the Constitution OF the United States, and thas
he will faithfully discharge the duties OF the
Office upon which he is about 10 enter; and
Whereas. Because it was currently reported
that one or more Democratic Senators might
vote upon a certain matter pending before the
Senate contrary TO the views of a majority O2
the body of Democratic Senator's the Demo-
cratic Senators were called TO caucus upon such
matters; and
Whereas. 1t was found at such caucus that
said reports were correct and that certain Dem
ocratic senators might vote or would vote
trary to the views of said majority; and
Whereas Thereupon the following resolutions
were presented and adopted by more than two
thirds OF the Senators present at said caucus
(Here are inserted the resolutions adopted b,
the Democratic caucus)
Whereas the apparent purpose OF said reso.
lutions and actions was TO improperly fnducs
or coerce Democratic Senators who might be-
Heve that the best interests OF the country re-
quired the ratification of said treaty and be-.
cause thereof held il 10 be their 3uty 10 vota
Ior lts Tatncat!4n' and into disregarding thas
part or their oathS IN which they declared thae
they would faithfully discharge their duties os
the Office Of Senators, therefore be II
Resolved. first, That such action by the SAID
or any other caucus is in plain violation OF the
spirit and intent of the Constitution OF ths
United States.
Second. That for two-thirds or any other
number OF the Senators OF any party 70 meet
and declare that III shall be she duty" OF any
Senator to vote upon any question other than
as his own convictions impel him IS a plain
violation of the manifest intent and spirir or
the Constitution all have sworn TO uphold and
defend
Third, That the zone vote" the CONSTITUTION,
declares each Senator shall have is his own
vote and not the vote OF any other or OF any
number OF other Senators. and for a Senator
to cast that zone vote" against his convictions
of right and duty in the premises Is 10 dis
franchise his State in the Senate and TO de-
prive IL OF the representation IN that body the
Constitution provides II shall have,
Fourth. That when any number OF Senator's
by combination or otherwise undertake. through
any species OF coercion 70 induce other Senst~
ors to vote except az their judgments and con-
sciences tell them II is invasion or thg'
rights OF a state 70 equal representation wit
other SteSe9 - - '-1Oy 80 = NS '~t
votes OF its Senator'S IN rhe Serats that rfe.
Constitution has provided for
Fifth. That the Senator who permits anv tC3s
Of other Senators 70 declare and Ge7ne for ? ra
what his duty Is IN the matter Of his vote
the Senate and who casts his vote IN respCvse
to such Interference, votes not Senate
from his own State. but as a Senator rom othe~
States. and he auEmenJs the power Of the other
ton and weakens and degrades the power OF bis
own State in the Senate in violation OF ths
spirit OF the Constitution
Sixth That for any Senator 70 vote except
his Judgment and sense Os duty under his oath
OF office require is to degrade the high Odlce Of
Senator and To- assail the dignity and standing
of the Senate Of the United States-QualitvS
possessed in such high degree by no other les-
islative body " the world.
A sURfRIsE TO THE SENATE
The reading of the resolution was followed with
the utmost attention, 1t came as a surprise.
Mr.. Patterson and Mr. Tilrnan rose sinnultane-
ousIy but Mr.. Patterson received recognition
from the chair,
Does the senator from Colorado Yield TO tha
Senator from South Carolina?' asked the Vice
President Before Mr.. Patterson could reply