New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-05-31

80 a;xxrsceful to the Senate as this one All
rrevious flibusters have had the excuse OF SIN
cerity and earnestness on the part OF those
conducting them. who have commanded respect
for the reason that they were prompted by their
convictions In this instance II was perfectly
obvious from the first that the leader OF the
subuster sought only cheap form of advertis-
ing and in seeking TO make a record and secure
newspaper notoriety he violated every rule OF
etiquette every propriety and every tenet OF
good manners not absolutely prohibited by the
rules and some that are"
Other Senators on both sides OF the chamber
expressed themselves with equal force ana EN-
phasis Indeed, had there been the sngn1est
sympathy with the flibuster. except on the part
OF those conducting II, it would not have enoed
to-day but when Mr.. Aldrich sought to close II
he commanded the sympathy OF every Senator
1n The chamber.
After Senator Stone had continued the nious-
Ter for over five hours in which he read q
pamphlet on Persian currency nine times, Sen
stor Foraker made the point OF order that
Senator could speak continuously. but must
not read" without the consent of the Senate
Mr.. Foraker supported his contention by quota
tions from "Jeferson's Manual but then with
held the point to allow Mr.. Aldrich TO move a
recess of half An hour The point OF order was
not again pressed. although it doubtless would
NO GAG RULE APPLIED.
The statements made by some newspapers this
morning that gag rule had been adopted in
the Senate resented by the leaders Of both
parties who were anxious TO explain that, while
the ruling had been made which prevented those
conducting a alibuster from demanding constant
rollcalls and even from refusing to speak unless
q quorum was present in the chamber, nothing
had been done TO prevent Senator from speak
ire as long as ne desired and on any subject he
chose. Senators declared that in previous fill
busters those taking part had made some pre-
sence Of speaking on matters sermane to the
subject, and none had had the efrontery con-
tinually annoy the opposition, TO demand con-
slant attention from every Senator present and
TO ask a rollcal every dine Senator stepped
into the cloakroom or lobby. All these things
were done yesterday, they declared, and the
procedure which has heretofore proved ample to
meet every emergency had to be modified to
meet the extraordinary circumstances 1t has
been the pride of the Senate that its debate was
absolutely unrestricted. and Senators maintain
that this is still the case but when those who
have no sense or appreciation of the decorum or
spirit Of a body which has been described as
the greatest deliberative body in the world
attempt TO take advantage Of rules which have
heretofore served TO insure decorum, special con-
struction of the rules is made imperative.
PASSAGE OF LIABILITY BILL.
Senator Depew achieved A material victory
when he obtained the passage Of the govern
rnent liability bill after the conference report on
the financial bill had been agreed to. This
measure has been earnestly supported by the
Preside and Secretary Taft, but has been
han1pered by Senator Beveridges efforts TO force
the adoption Of a substitute Of his own. The
President has appealed 10 Mr. Beverage TO
abandon his attempt in order that the bill might
mss but not until to-day was this appeal
needed Then Senator Bailey attacked the
measure and was abetted by Senator McLaurin.
who sought TO amend it, which would have
ti-ed il for this session. Finally, however, Mr..
D-pew. with great tact and skill. steered sue
o..sful course around the numerous obstacles
interposed, and til House bin was agreed to
without amendment.