Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-02-06
AFTER KING CAUCUS
Sensational Resolution introduced in
Senate by Mr.. Patterson.
Right TO BIND SENATORS QUESTIONED
Action Alleged to Be Violation of the
Constitution.
SENATORS RESPONSIBLE TO STATES
Attempt to Get Them to Recognise Any
Other Power Wrong.
WILL VOTE ON THE SHIPPING BILL
Unanimous Agreement TO Take Action
ON This Measure Wednesday
Afterno0n, February IA,
mt O'clock.

WASHINGTON. Feb. 6.-The senate was
trt ated to a distinct sensation today by
Alr. Patterson tdem., Colo.), VINO followed
up his retirement OF last Saturday from
the democratic caucus by introducing in
the senate Il resolution in effect declaring
the action. of the caucus to have been
contrary to the constitution of the United
states. Apparently the senator's action
was unexpected on the part of a majority
Of the senators and they listened atten-
lively as the reading of the rather long
preamble progressed. evidently not a little
concerned as to what should come next.
Mr.. Patterson made no effort to secure
the privilege of discussing the resolution
today but gave notice that he would ad-
dress the senate upon 1t tomorrow, or
the first available day afterwards. 1t is
expected that the democrats generally will
resist the adoption of the resolution and
that the republican senators will sustain
Mr.. Pattersons contention.
Aside from the effect on Mr.. Patterson's
political future, the resolution raises
question as to the rights for animated dis
cussion and wide margin for differences
OF opinion. In all probability several days
will elapse before the question is settled.
Before Mr.. Patterson's matter came up
Tor tomorrow, so 1t is probable that Mr..
Pattersons speech will be postponed until
Wednesday
Mr.. CaIlinger succeeded during the day
in the fixing of date for voting on the
shipping bill, the hour named being
Wednesday, the 14th inst. at p. m.
Several bills were passed during the day
and Mr.. Teller made speech In opposi-
ton TO the shipping bill.
Mr.. Foraker announced that he had no
Intention of attempting to delay action on
the statehood bill
Mr.. Patterson's Resolution.
Mr.. Patterson caused a sensation by in
Producing and having read the following
resolution:
Whereas. The constitution of the United
States provides that the senate of the
United States shall be composed of two sem
% stors from each state, chosen by the legis-
latorf thereof. and that each senator snail
Mhereas Zach senator before assuming
the duties of his office Is required solemniy
to swear or affirm that he Will support and
defend the constitution of the United States
and that he will faithfully discharge the
duties of the office upon which he Is about
Whereas The following resolutions were
presented and adopted by more than two
thirds of the senators present at the demo-
cratic caucus (here was inserted the reso-
luLlons adopted by the democratic caucus);
and,
resolutions and actions was improperly to
induce or coerce democratic senators who
might believe that the best interests OF the
country required the ratification of said
treaty, and because thereof held IL to be
their duty TO vote for its ratification, and
in which they declared that they would
faithfully discharge the duties of the ofhce
OF senators; therefore, be IT,
Resolved First-That such action by the
said or any other caucus is In plain VIOLA
tion of the spirit and intent of the cnnsti-
tution of the United States.
second. That for two-thirds any num-
BET of the senators OF any party to meet
and declare That it shall be the duty OF
any senator to vote upon any question
Otler than his own convictions impel him
is plain violation Of the manifest intent
and spirit OF the constitution all have sworn
to, upnold and defend.
Fhird--That the one 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 senator's and for
senator 20 cast that one vote against his
convictions Of right and duty in the prem
ises Is to disfranchisc his state In the SEN
ate and To deprive IL of the representation
an that body the constitution provides II
Fourth -rhat when any number of sen
alors. by combination on otherwise. under
taht ough any species of coercion tC
ulul,,. .otlcr senators to vote except az
tthCr' ,Udsm"nts and conscienccs tell then
Il is an IhVaSiun at the rights of a state
10 equal representation with other states
- me senate aud if sulNcrsiEc of thei'
iigi Is 10 equal representation and th'
NutoS of ats senators IN the senate that tn,
q Institution has provided for
rifth--rhat the senator Wno permits an!
lhuy oi other senators to declare and de
4tsc fur linn what his duty is I'm the matte
a. his vote In tho senate, ana who cast
IL .Votc i'm rcspJnsc in such intorfcrences
~ ics mo- as a sVuHtor from his own state
i,iu a. a seHatCt. from the other states
uud hc augmehts the power Of the othe
btatcs bcsund stilat permitted by the con
S,ltMtiou and weakens and degrades tn
lowor Of HIS own state In the senate il
iolatiou oi the spirit nf tho constitution.
ssixth-1naI for any senator Ia vote eX
ccpt ~ his Judgment and sense Of dut!
nodcr MS oath of ofticc requires Is to de
.iadc tho high office OF senator and 4
assail the digmty md standing of the sen
ate Of the United States qualities pos
,,.ssed In such high degree by no other leg
islative body In the world
The resolution came as a surprise. MI
Patterson ana gnr 'rillman rose simultane
uusiy. sut Mr, patterson received recogni
ION from the cnair.
Docs the senator from Colorado yiel
To tho senator from South Carolina? aske
the vice president but before Mr.. Patterso
couid reply Mr Timan stated that h
merely rose to make inquiry as to the pa,
llamentary status; us ~ question Of pc,
sonai privilege. ne asked, and Mr.. PatteI
son responded in the negative.
II object TO consideration this morning
said Mr. rillman
There H. no intention Of asking consid
Grafton at this time" responded Mr. Pal
terson. '"rhe resolution is OF such "A char
acter that no harm can come from it's lyin
over. ! ask that the consideration of IN
resolution be postponed until tomorrow an
20 give notice that / shall then ask to /
neard on IL
The further consideration of the rcsoll
tion was accordingly postponed for twcnt,
Tour hours
After the passage OF few bills Of snin,
interest the statehood bill was reached O
the calendar and Mr.. Lodge objected
present consideration.
Mr., Beveridge said ne hoped the hi
could be read and time fixed finally
dispose Of it,
Mr.. Foraker said he opposed the bill
its present form and hoped to see il mod
L...laLlr.Ll.l G....-.r.A