Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1906-02-06
SENATE STIRRED
BY PATTERSON
CLAIMS DEMOCRATIC ACTION
UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Refers to Resolutions Adopted in eau
cus-Wednesday at O'Clock
Date Set for voting on
Shipping Bill


WASHINGTON, Feb. 5-The senate
was treated to distinct sensation to-
day by Mr. Patterson. Democrat. of
Colorado, who followed up his retire
ment of last Saturday from the emo
cratic caucus by introducing in the
senate a resolution i'm effect declaring
the action of the caucus to have been
contrary to the constitution of the
United States. Apparently the sena-
tors action was unexpected on the part
of majority of the senators and they
listened attentively as the reading of
the rather long preamble progressed,
evidently not little concerned as to
what should come next. Mr.. Patterson
made no effort to discuss the resou-
ton today, but gave notice that he
would address the senate on it tomor-
row or on the first available day after
ward.
1t is expected that the Democrats
generally will resist the adoption of
the resolution and that the Republican
senators will sustain Mr.. Patterson $
contention. Aside from the personal
interest in Mr.. Patterson's political
fortunes, the resolution raises a new
question as to the rights of senator's
generally, so that there is much scope
for an animated discussion and wide
margin for difference of opinion. In all
probability several days win elapse be-
fore the question is settled
Before Mr.. Patterson's matter came
up Mr.. Bacon had given notice of a
speech for tomorrow, so that it Is prob
able that Mr.. Patterson's speech will
be postponed until "Wednesday.
Mr. Galinger succeeded during the
day in securing the fixing Of a date for
voting on the shipping bill, the hour
being named at 5 y. m, Wednesday,
February H.
Ill : l.
day and Mr.. Teller made speech in
opposition to the shipping bill
Mr.. Foraker announced that he had
no intention of attempting to delay ac-
ton on the statehood bill.
Richard olney Reappointed
The senate today adopted resolu-
ton reapponting former Secretary of
State Richard Olney as a member of
the board of regents of the Smithsonian
institution
Mr.. Tillman presented and the senate
adopted resolution calling upon the
postmaster general for information as
to the number of postal clerks killed
in railroad accidents during the past
five years; also asking how many steel
cars are now used in the postal service
and whether the fatalities have been SO
great in those as in other cars
Mr.. Patterson caused sensation Try
introducing and having read the fol-
lowin resolution
t'Whereas, the constitution provides
that the senate of the United States
shall be composed of two senator's from
each state chosen by the legislatures
and that each senator shall have one
vote. and
Whereas, each senator before assum-
ing the duties of his Office is required
solemnly TO swear or affirm that he
VIII support and fefend the constitu-
ton of the United States and that he
will faithfully discharge the duties of
the office ON which he is about to enter.
and,
Whereas, it was currently reported
that one or more Democratic senators
might vote on Il certain matter pend
ing before the senate contrary to the
views of a majority of the body of the
Democratic senator's, the Democratic
senators were called to caucus on such
matters, and,
Whereas, it was found at such
caucus that such reports were correct
and that certain Democratic senators
might vote or would vote contrary 10
the views of said majority, and,
whereas, thereupon the following
resolutions We're presented and adopted
by more than two-thirds of the SEN
ators present at said caucus, and,
To Coerce Democrats
Whereas, the apparent purpose of
said resolutions and actions was inn
properly to induce or coerce Democratic
senators who might believe that the
best interests of the country required
the ratification of said treaty and be-
cause thereof held it to be their duty
TO vote for its ratification, and into
disregarding that part of their oaths
in which they declared that they would
faithfully discharge the duties of the
office of senator's, therefore be it
Resolved. first. that such action by
the said or any other caucus is in plain
violation in spirit and intent of the
constitution of the United States.
Second, that for two-thirds of any
other number of the senators of any
party to meet and declare that sit shall
be the 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
spirit of the Legislation all have sworn
to uphold and defend.
Third, that the one vote the con-
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