The semi-weekly messenger., 1906-06-19

Remarks OF Speaker Cannon. Which
Were Wildly Applauded, by Demo-
Gratis and Republicans Alike, as
Voicing Their Sentiments.
Washington, June 14.-Not in years
has the house Of representatives wit
messed more dramatic scene than il
witnessed today, incident to the adop-
ton OF the conference report on state
mood. In anticipation of something
unusual most Of the members were In
their seats while the galleries were
comfortably filled.
round Of cheers from both sides
of the chamber greeted the chairman,
Hamilton, of the committee, when ne
moved the adoption Of the report.
While there was no discussion on the
report itself a most unexpected episode
ensued. Mr.. Marcus A. Smith, the
delegate from Arizona took occasion
in guarded way to insinuate that
there has been undue influence used
in postpOning an agreement.
Smarting under what he believed 10
be direct insinuatiOn against him,
Speaker Cannon impetuously left the
chair, calling Mr.. Dalzell to the desk
and taking a position in the aisle, he
asked the speaker pro TEN. for five
minutes to explain his position. Tnun-
ders Of applause greeted the speaker as
he stood with hand unified, his head
shaking, waiting for quiet in the
house. Again and again waves of ap-
plause swept over the chamber, demo-
Gratis and republicans participating.
Finally order was restored and then,
measuring every word, Speaker Cam
non said
"Mr. Speaker, as a member of the
house of representatives during this
session, as at all other sessions, / have
represented my constituents and acted
for the whole people according to my
best judgment. The coming into the
union of Oklahoma and the Indian
Territory meets my approval. If had
any choice and were supreme / would
infinitely prefer to see Oklahoma and
the Indian Territory come separate!S
with an aggregate population of two
and almost one-half millions, with
four senators, rather than to see New
Mexico and Arizona come together, and
God knows, rather than to see them
come singly with about 100000 pOpula-
ton, with four senators. 1t is no Sc
cret as to my views as representa-
tive. have sought to the best of my
belief to voice my views. You have
the result before you. Although eevry
man in the Indian Territory should
vote against statehood for the new
proposed state of Oklahoma, nOtWlth-
standing that protest, the state would
be and will be formed under this en-
abling act
There is no separate vote there,
There is a separate vote, however, as
to the other two So much for that
do not propose to go into the merits
of this proposition. | would not lave
taken the floor had not the honorable
gentleman. The delegate from Arizona
(Mr Smith, made the remark that
there was Il high penalty for the gov
eInor of that territory 10 attempt to
influence legislation, or for one lesis-
lative body or its membership to at
temDt to traffic in legislation with the
other. in order TO secure certain Iegis-
lation if | correctly state him. That
remark could not have had but one
motive and one meaning. and that
meaning is that some one in the house
has sought to affect legislation in I'll.
house as a matter of traffic in orde-
10 affect etasohrd eotaohrd toraedao
TO secure action upon this matter III
the senate. That imputaion, implied
so far as know, or believe, upon any
other member of this house, Is unwor-
thy of the gentleman that uttered II,
and is without fundarion, III fac
/ Cloud applause). II il was necessary
70 furnish proof of this statement l
! look about me here on my own side
: Of the house of members with whom
disagreed touching the progress of
! This bill from time 10 time, and upon
! that side of the house, and | pause and
/ invite any member present who has
rhe least intimation, knowledge, or
even belief, that the statement implied
! in tha insinuation Of the gentleman Is
/ true TO say So
When Speaker Cannon finished the
house was in an uproar. II could not
/ he controlled nor did the presiding of
Hcer make any effort toward controN-
inc II Members who had sat in silence
dnrins the delivery Of the speech.
democrats and republicans alike.
crowded around the speaker 10 SHAKE
him nv the hand and tell him how
elod thew were that the long drawn
os,r fight for statehood had been sap-
n;1v ended in a compromise and tna-
his sneech voiced the sentiments OF