Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-04-06
THE cLOTURE RULE
Throws Democrats Into Despair and
Business Then Proceeds.

Washington, April 5.-By adopting a
sweeping cloture rule in the House
Saturday the Republicans left to the
Democrats only very limited powers.
No longer can filibuster be con-
Quoted against sending to conference
bills with Senate amendments, no long
er can motion to close debate be
amended or discussed, and no longer
can a motion to adjourn take prece-
dence over motion to take a recess.
The Democrats were afforded no OPP
portunity to speak on the rule and
were ridden over rough shod. They
tried 10 retaliate short time after
ward by seeking to amend the District
Of Columbia appropriation bill and
then forcing a division of the House
but the Republicans, observing the
tactics that were being pursued, OBJ
tanned a ruling from the Chair that all
the motions were dilatory. From that
time ON for the remainder Of the ses-
sion the House resumed it's wonted
aspect and business proceeded in an
orderly manner
One of the few privileges left to the
Democrats was to force roll call on
adjournment, and this they did, but to
no avail, for the motion was carried
overwhelmingly and accordingly the
House adjourned at 536 o'clock until
Monday.
When the reading Of the rule was
concluded, soon after the opening Of
the session, the Republicans broke into
applause and derisive laughter at the
expense of the Democrats.
! "Will the minority have the usual 20
minutes to discuss this ruler" Mr.. Will
| liams inquired.
"They will not" CURLY replied Mr..
Dalzell,
Il just wanted the House and the
| lidmS remarked.
1--WE know it, we know it, some one
on the Republican side remarked.
Mr.. Dalzell said the rule would en-
able the majority "to enact and make
into law the great supply bills upon
which the existence of the country
| depends"
Let me explain this resolution" Mr..
DalZell began, but he was interrupted
by Mr.. Sulzer with the statement that
sit needs explanation"
| Il don't believe" reiterated Mr. Dali
zell holly, II could make an explana
ton that would reach the understand
ing of the gentleman from New York. "
"You could not" shouted Mr.. Sui
ger; mot on anything like this
Referring to a story related by Mr.
Williams Friday in which he spoke
Of his "mammy' telling her little
Johnny not to be afraid Of a Chinese
dinner gong, Mr.. Dalzell con-
temptuously exclaimed
Now, think of that same little
Johnny rising to a motion to adjourn
Little Johnny" he said, lis unwilling
to take his dolls and dishes and &C
without the exhibition of this last
piece of craftsmanship in calling for
the yeas and nays on motion to ad-
journ.'
On the roll call on the adoption OF
the rule, it was adopted. 1873 to 49,
Consideration of the District of Co
lumbia appropriation bill then was re-
sumed, but only after another roll
call.
The Democrats did not permit the
fact that the appropriation bill had
been taken up to interfere with then
tactics and the filibuster was con-
tinued One afer another arose and
verbally offered amendments. Mr.. Dali
zel, who occupied the chair, announced
his purpose to not entertain any
amendment not in writing. The
Democrats sent up their amendments
in writing. They all were voted down
Finally Mr. Gardner of Michigan
made a point of order against an
amendment, remarking that it was
evident that the Republicans had d
clear majority present and the amend
ment was dilatory. The Chair sus-
tanned the point.
The Democrats then availed them
selves of their right to make proforma
amendments, to ask explanations, AND
they also forced repeated divisions Of
the House and voted by tellers
When it was finally laid aside, con-
siderable progress had been made ir
the consideration of the bill.
TILE CLERMAN All