The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1908-05-30
0NA MEMORIAL DAYRETROSPECT-43 YEARS AGO|
ON.
rLO0R OVER
IS HOURS
FINISHES FIRST STAGE OF
GREAT FlLIBUSTER AGAINST
BANK BILL STRONG AND is
GOING RIGHT BACK.

WASHINGTON, May 3O-LaFol-
lette after speaking IS hours and 23
minutes and breaking the records of
the senate, concluded his speech
against the compromise emergency
currency bill today apparently little
worse for the terrific strain he had
undergone.
Stone immediately took up the fill
ibuster which is the most remark
able fight of the kind ever seen in
Washington. 1t will apparently be
continued until the leaders surren-
der or agree to adjourn without
passing the bill.
LaFollette's endurance cause
great comment. Most of his listen
ers are worn out with fatigue. Sen
ators who were kept in their seats
all yesterday afternoon and the
weary hours of the night are in no
condition to enjoy humor today and
Stones manner is like a funeral
orator.
LaFollettes speech breaks the
record held since March 3 and 4,
1901, by Carter, of Montana, who
made a famous fight against the
rivers and harbors bill. When La
Toilette closed his voice showed no
indication of weakening. 1t was
clearand strong AMI he spoke with
the same vigor that characterized
his remarks early yesterday Recent
Illness had made him weak and his
main trouble was from standing so
long. He spent some of the time
in chair, having explained his
physical condition at the beginning
of his speech. but as he talked he
became interested and stood up
though he leaned on the back of a
chair most of the time. He went
directly to barber shop from the
chamber where he ioked and talked
.e$t, s shaved
- ilette spurned carriage Of
NJ and walked home. After
sS " a few hours he intends to
re,tM and resume his speech.
Today's program Is for Sen. Gore
to follow Stone and then LaFollette
will begin again Stone is expected
to speak several hours.
The longest previous filibuster
was conducted by Allen, of Neb., in
1890. when he defeated the silver
purchase law. The surprising feat
ure of the LaFollette filibuster Is
the support received, when as he
was the only republican opposing
the measure and appealed to the
democrats for aid.
Aldrich tried to get a vote on
adoption of the conference report,
but Stone was en- his feet ready to
talk and the motion was not put.
Stone being recognized by the chair
said:
Il am going to follow the leal OF
the Wisconsin senator. am more
than with him in this fight"
Members frequently interrupted
Stone, saying they couldn't hear,
but he refused to strain his voice.
He read lengthy editorials and
pamphlets relative to the currency
question, Aldrich often interrupting
with questions.
LaFollette last night demanded
that a quorum of the conference
committee be maintained at all
times and required roll calls con-
stantly whenever it was noted that
members of the committee had
sneaked away to go to bed. Sen
Owen, of Oklahoma, was routed out
of bed half dressed, by the SER
geant at arms AMI the officer was
also sent after Stone. More than
20 roll calls were taken during the
course.
At 1890 Stone was still speak
ing. The leaders are planning to
prevent LaFollette speaking again
by enforcing the rule preventing a
senator speaking twice on the same
day on the same subject. The point
will be made that LaFollette yield
ed the floor for the introduction
of bills, the interruption making
him speak twice.
Aldrich interrupted Stone this
afternoon and asked II it is true
he returned to Washington in the
interests of a presidential can
didate, referring to newspaper re-
ports that Bryan asked Stone to aid
LaFollettc in the flibuster. Stone
replied that he received no such
request from Bryan.