Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1906-02-06
Proposes 10 Abolish Future
Caucus Action.
RESOLUTION SOMETHING NEW
IN SENATORIAL EXPERIENCE
Republicans Likely to SupportGentIe-
man From Colorado in His Radical
Effort to Shake His Party,

Washington, Feb. 5.-The senate
was treated to a distinct sensation to-
day by Mr.. Patterson, of Colorado,
who followed up his retirement of
last Saturday from the democratic
caucus by introducing in the senate a
resolution in effect declaring the ac-
tion of the caucus to have been con-
trary to the constitution of the United
States Apparently the senator's ac-
ton was unexpected on the part of the
majority of the senator's, and they
listened attentively as the reading of
the rather long preamble progressed,
evidently not a little concerned as to
what should come next Mr.. Patter-
son made no effort to secure the PRIV
ilege of discussing the resolution to-
day, but gave notice that he would
address the senate upon it tomorrow,
or at the first available day afterward.
1t is expected that the democrats
generally will resist the adoption of
the resolution and that the repub-
lican senators will sustain Mr. Patter-
sons contentious.
Opens Wide Field for Talk.
Aside from the personal interest in
Mr.. Patterson's political fortunes, the
resolution raises a new question as to
the rights of senators generally, so
that there is much scope for animated
discussion and wide margin for diff
ference of opinion. In all probability
several days will elapse before the
question is settled.
Before Mr.. Pattersonss matter
came up Mr.. Bacon had given notice
of speech for tomorrow SO that 1t
is probable that Mr.. Patterson will
postpone his speech until Wednesday.
Following is the resolution of Mr..
Patterson:
whereas, the constitution of the
United States provides that the sem
ate of the United States shall be COM
posed of two senator's from each state
chosen by the legislatures thereof, and
that each senator shall have one vote,
and
whereas, each senator before as
suming the duties of his office is re-
quired solemnly 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 to enter, and
Whereas, because II was currently
reported that one or more democratic
senators might vote upon a certain
matter pending before the senate con-
trary to the views of a majority of
the body of democratic senators, the
democratic senators were called upon
to caucus upon such matters and
whereas, it was found at such eau
Gus that said reports were correct and
that certain democratic senators might
vote or would vote contrary to the
views of said majority; and
Whereas, thereupon the following
resolutions were presented and adopt
ed by more than two-thirds of the
senators present at said caucus;
(Here was inserted the resolutions
adopted by the democratic caucus)
and
Whereas, the apparent purpose OF
said resolutions and actions was inn
properly to induce or coerce demo-
cratic senator's who might believe that
the best interests of the country re-
quired the ratification of said treaty
and because thereof held it to be their
duty to vote for its ratification and
| into disregarding that part of their
! oaths In which they declared they
would faithfully discharge the duties
Of the office of senators; therefore
| be 1t.
Resolved, first, that such action by
| the said or any other caucus is in
plain violation Of the spirit and in
tent of the constitution of the United
States.
Second, that for two-thirds or any
other number of senator's of any party
to meet and declare that 1T shall be
/ the duty of any senator to vote upon
any question other than as his own
convictions impel him, is a plain vio-
lation OF the manifest intent and spirit
of the constitution all have sworn to
uphold and defend.
Third, that the one vote the con-
| stitution declares each senator shall
\ have Is his own vote and not the vote
/ of any other or of any number OF
other senator's, b, and for a senator to
cast that one vote against his con-
victions of right and duty in the prem
ises is to disfranchise his state In the
senate and to deprive It Of the repre-
sentatlon in that body the constitu-
tion provides 1t shall have.
Fourth, that when any number OF
senators. by combination or otherwise
undertake through any species OF CO.
orcion to induce other senators tt
vote except as their judgments and
consciences tell them, 1t is an invasion
Of the rights of state to equal rep
resentation with other states In thu
senate and Is subversive of theil
rights to equal representation and thu
votes Of its senators in the senate tina
the constitution has provided for.
Fifth. that the senator who per
mits any body of other senators t
declare and define for him what his