The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-01-04
IN THE HOUSE


The Republicans OF the house again de-
layed the opening OF the session by a
lengthy caucus, evidently trying 10 de-
wise new methods for comba tting the rig
orous advances OF the minority.
The Democrats were through their
caucus early; and one OF the first bits OF
business was the formation OF a steer
ing" or executive committee. for which
they selected James r. Murphy OF Cen
trail Fails as chairman, and Theodore r.
Greene OF Providence. secretary.
These two enlarged the committee to
seven by adding John w. Hogan. Joseph
Mcdonald and John j. Lace. Jr. for the
house. and Senators Rathbone Gardner
and John A. Remington for the senate
They also decided 10 introduce n reso-
luton asking for the appointment OF a
committee on labor. on the suggestion of
Thomas Il. Kearney. The Democrats
saw that the idea was good Immediately.
and proceeded to draft resolution to
that effect
Speaker Burchard called the house to
order at 1884, after a long conference
with the bosses. and the chair announced
that Democratic caucus would be held
on Wednesday, Jan. TO-
Mr. Carroll objected 10 the records as
not containing the action relating To the
resolution on paid lobbyists.
The speaker ruled that IL was not in
order at that time
Mr.. Hogans objection was overruled.
and the minutes approved.
MI: Allen presented resolution that
the house proceed TO the adoption OF
rules. Mr.. Harris seconding IL.
Mr.. Rattey objected, asking that the
resolution be read: but Mr.. Allen insisted
on his way, which he had.
No objection was raised until Rule
was reached. when Mr.. Hogan moved that
Rule 33 OF the senate be added. TAis was
lost. 81 10 36.
Mr.. Hogan suggested as an amendment
to Rule II, to adopt Rule 10 of the senate.
providing that the presiding officer shall
no q n.at,f
was lost. 30 10 a.
Mr.. Hogan asked that Rule IL be amend
ed to read who shall first address him"
He asked that fairness be used despite
any heat of discussion. The rule as
amended would remove uncertainty.
Mr.. Peck asked IL six or eight arose and
addressed the chair at once, what would
be the rule. Mr.. Hogan said that the chair
would then decide. but that where one
after another arose the first man up
should he given precedence.
Mr.. Rattey spoke in favor OF the amend
ment. stating that time after time the
speakers in the past have ignored the
minority.
Mr. Harris suggested that q legal analy-
sis would show that the principle of the
amendment was entirely wrong
Mr.. Carroll said that the rule worked
well I'm the senate and IL should be the
same here. II was TO be hoped that even
the metority would be fair enough to
allow some rights on the part OF the
minority.
When the amendment was voted upon
the majority declared itself in favor OF
giving none but Republicans a fair show
on the floor, 81 to 20.
Mr.. Hogan moved 20 amend rule 21 SO
as TO read whenever an amendment
shall be laid on the table upon a motion
that such an amendment lie on the table.
such action shall not carry with 1t the
main question: but the amendment only
shall lie on the table
Mr.. Hogan said that the rule as amend-
ed was a rule of the United States con-
gress. TO provide against imperilling the
main question.
Mr.. Rathbun could not see the necessity
OF changing the ordinary parliamentary
ruling, especially when the bill was not
killed.
Mr.. Mcdonald said he was pleased to
Continued on Page Six.)