The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-18

Washington. Jan. 1s--Just at the mo-
ment when everything had been arranged
for the harmonious adjustment of the
controversy over President Roosevelt's
order dsmisslng throe companies OF ne
gro troops bombshell. thrown by Sena-
tor Blackburn OF, Kentucky. the chosen
leader OF the senate Democrats exploded
an the Republican camp.
Tho bomb was in the form OF an
amendment to the Foraker harmonizing
resolution presented Wednesday and pro-
posed to place the senate on record as not
questioning the right OF the president 10
dismiss the negro soldiers
The Foraker resolution provides for an
;nffuiry INTO the facts of The Browns
willie riot, leaving for future determina-
tion the question OF the presidents con-
ktitutional and legal authority TO issue
the discharge order. with the Blackburn
amendment added. the matter OF ascer-
tanning whether the president acted with
in his rights would be eliminated.
But there was another surprise I'm store.
Soon after Mr.. Blackburn had made his
move and produced high state of ex-
cltemept on the majority eide OF the
chamber, Il began 10 be whispered around
that Senator Aldrich. the acknowledged
leader OF the Republicans, intended to
propose a resolution for an inquiry Into
the race question I'm the south.
This put the Democrats I'm panic.
Nearly every Democratic senator is from
the south. and they realized that such an
inquiry as that which Mr.. Aldrich was
said 10 have I'm contemplation would em-
brace the suppression OF the negro vote
and possibly lead to cutting down south
ern representation IN congress.
When Mr.. Blackburn presented his pro-
posed amendment there was "a little fur
~ OF talk between Senator Foraker and
himself and when this was over the Re-
publican leaders began To hold quiet con-
ferenccs, and these resulted I'm an appeal
20 Mr. Blackburn TO withdraw his sug-
gestion. Mr.. Blackburn had presented
his amendment without consulting his
colleagues, but they rallied to its sup
port, said IL was a good thing and were
greatly amused over the CONSERVATION
they had caused in the Republican ranks.
Backed by the minority. Mr.. Blackburn
declined 10 listen TO terms. II was dur
ing the appeals made TO him by the Re-
publican leaders that the talk was begun
about the race question resolution which
Mr.. Aldrich had i'm contemplation.
The situation presented was peculiar,
even unique. The Republican senators
were placed in the attitude Of opposing a
proposition OF the Democrats 10 indorse
the acts OF a Republican president.
Not champion OF Mr.. Roosevelt APP
peared among the Republicans. all of
whom felt bound by the agreement they
had reached to put through the Foraker
resolution for simple inquiry into the
Brownsville riot without passing prior
10 the inquiry on the question OF the pres
idents right TO dismiss the negro troops.
Al one time there was talk OF treachery
IN the Republican ranks; hints that ad-
ministration senators had induced SEN
ator Blackburn TO propose his amendment
Endorsing the president. But this was
soon disproved None labored harder with
Blackburn in the effort to have him with
draw his amendment than Senator Lodge.
the presidents intimate friend and fore
most supporter among the Republicans In
the Brownsville agitation. Aldrioh. Knox
and Crane also appealed to the Demo-
cratic leader.
When senator's heard that Mr.. Aldrlch
was preparing or had prepared reso-
luton providing for an inquiry into the
race question. some OF them went TO him
and learned that the rumors were partly
true, at least. He said that he had not
determined the exact character or the
scope OF the resolution. but il would GER
tainly be written and be presented II
Mr.. Blackburn persisted in pressing his
amendment virtually indorsing the pres
fdents dismissal OF the colored soldiers
No adjustment OF the differences between
the two sides OF the chamber had been
reached when the senate adjourned.
Conferences were held i'm tho Demo
cratic cloak room between Mr.. Black
burn and his supporters and In the Re-
publican cloak room Mr.. Aldrich and the
Other leaders talked over the situation.
Just before the conclusion OF the day's
session Mr.. Aldrich. In the hope OF secur-
Ing time for conference. tried to get the
senate to agree to adjourn over until Mon
day but the Democrats resisted this and
the plan fell through
lhe Republican leader asked for a con-
ference with Mr. Blackburn. but had IN
send for him three times before he came.
The Kentucky senator put down his foot,
however and declined to yield. That was
the condition OF affairs when the senate
adjourned today.
Mr. Blackbun.s proposal Is similar in
effect 10 that offered by Senator Lodge,
Opposition to the Lodge amendment arose
among the Republicans. most OF whom
were or the opinion that the president