The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-10
IN THE HOUSE

The house was called to order at p
o'clock by Speaker Burchard and pro-
ceeded 20 unfinished business.
Mr.. Mcdonald cited the practice IN
many other states regarding suspension
OF the rules.
Mr.. Carroll spoke on the Inconsistency
OF the rule and the workings OF the ma
jority. What" he asked. has been the
cause OF all the vicious legislation OF the
past few years? Nothing but the rui"
for suspension. We are not legislatinas
for past sessions and II is not valid u
say that Il was used in the past.
Mr. Allen said he did not agree with
the minority. for II Is against pariamen-
tary usage for 10 TO pass rules for the
government OF this house. What right
have 10 men 10 tie up legislation II ID
can make rules for the majority. II is not
right for requirement OF two-thirds ~
suspend a rule. That Is not logical or
consistent with the action taken yester-
day in the adoption OF this rule.
Mr.. Waterman replied that this is
the most important rule vet brought
before the house and took Mr.. Allen
TO task for saying that when a majority
ruled to make a thing by that same
right they could unmake the same.
They say that not only could a ma
jority In the past make and another
undo, but also that former action
of the kind could bind unborn ma
Jorities OF the future. "If the majority
can change rules by simply one days
guided by our own acts from day To
day? Such a way would he honest II
we came out openly and said we would
make rules to suit ourselves from day
to day II you don't want to live
under rules. then abolish the rules.
Obnoxious legislation has been showed
through under this rule; and because
you have had that rule In the past we
OF the minority are here today as a
protest"
Mr. Carroll said that all the lobster
logic OF the session has come from tho
direction OF seat No. 1 (Mr. Allen's) and
not from the minority as the occupant OF
seat no. 1 would like to have them be-
lieve.
Mr.. Kearney urged the injustice OF hav-
ing the rule work so that no rule is safe
from day TO day mo rule u safe after
they are adopted as whole IL any few
members can come in here at any time
and change the rules to suit themselves"
The question was voted upon and the
amendment was lost, 30 TO a.. Messrs.
Goblin and Luther voting with the Demo-
Gratis
Mr. Hogan wished to amend rule 81.
changing the word majority" and SUBJ
stituting "three-ffths
Mr.. Allen opposed the amendment AZ
the minority.
Mr. Waterman also spoke, showing the
fallacy and "high-handed. blood-curdling
way" of the leader OF the majority
Mr.. Greene appealed to the majority to
use its own fair judgment and not follow
the leader blindly. The reasons offered
by the tall sycamore" are simply that he
does not think IT best; and therefore the
majority should not be governed I'm action
! by his advice. He was caught mapping
| yesterday and the day before and there-
fore he is not infallible and should not
] be followed blndly.
when the sun begins 10 sink TO the
! Western horizon" said Mr.. Green. "the
| little ideas which build their nests In tho
| upper branches OF the sycamore tres
cease their twittering and tuck their
heads under their wings. then IL Is time
to adjourn. The peerless leader shoaiA
| realize It,"
''The Democrats all sleep at night
| And get up ready for the fight
Republicans, the other way.
| Prefer to take their maps by day
Mr.. Waterman offered an amendments
providing for the non-suspension OF tbs
rules during the last week The amend
ment was lost, q to 30
Mr. Hogan had proposed an amendment
of one day and Mr.. Allen had agreed for
the majority.
After Mr.. Waterman's amendment had
been voted down. Mr.. Hogan wanted to
accept the compromise; but Mr. Allen re-
fused in spirit OF petuance with an at
titude OF you want fight. now let's have
IT,"
Mr.. Carroll ridiculed the attituds
taken and the changableness OF tho
"sycamore's" mentality that made him,
consent TO a proposal at one time and
in the next breath take an opposite
stand. Such an attitude" he said, '1s
unjust to the people who sent us here
TO do serious business"
Mr.. Murphy then spoke on the three
day notice before suspension; and Mr..
Hogan ridiculed the attitude OF Mr..
Allen.
Mr. Waterman said he had tried TO
expedite matters before: but now that
he had the time for debate he would
proceed to a general discussion OF the
question.
Finally the rule was adopted. as were
the rules as n whole; and the house at