Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-05-09
AN HOURS LIVELY DEBATE
Burkett's Resolution Finally Refer.
red to Committee.
REGARDED AS ITS DEFEAT
Members Object to Display of Their
Sentiments by Wearing
White Flower.

The Senate met at II o'clock this morn
ing, an hour earlier than usual, to give
more time for the debate on the agri-
cultural appropriation bill. but the en-
tire extra hour was spent in the discus
sion of a resolution presented by Senator
Burkett of Nebraska. The character of
the debate was most unusual for the
Senate.
Mr.. Burketts resolution was for the
purpose of declaring tomorrow. May 10.
Mothers day." and requiring the en-
ployes and officials of the Senate on that
day to wear a white flower in ''honor Of
their mothers 1t was presented yester-
day afternoon and came up for considera-
ton today.
When the resolution was called up Mr..
Kean of New Jersey suggested to sub
stitute the fifth commandments: Honor
thy father and thy mother that thy days
may be long in the land which the Lord
thy God giveth thee
Mr.. Clapp of Minnesota offered an
amendment making the practice annual.
Fulton Moves to Commit.
Before action could be taken on these
suggestions, Senator Fulton of Oregon
moved to refer the resolution to the jul
dietary committee. This made MIR. Bur-
kett angry, He wanted to know whether
it was the intention of the senators who
had spoken to defeat his resolution.
'Oh, no. was the reply, in substance,
of Messrs. Clapp and Fulton.
''Well, it will defeat it to refer it to a
committee, because tomorrow is the 10th, -
said Mr.. Burkett, ''and the senator
knows that"
ter said Mr.. Fulton. 1T is true that
think the resolution ought to be defeated,
unless 1t has full consideration. We all
appreciate our mothers. but We don t
have to say SO in this way. Great senti-
ments are belittled by such action as is
proposed here
1t was explained by Mr.. Burkett that he
had been asked by the Young Mems
Christian Association to introduce such a
resolution to indorse movement that Is
on foot to observe May 10 as mothers
day.
Objects to Distinguishing.
''Why not have fathers day, cous-
ms day, or day for our aunts and
uncles?'' asked Mr.. Fulton. 81 also had
q good grandfather and grandmother
What about them? And I am sure every
body would vote for mother-in- laws
day, and the committee would report that
favorably, too. 1 don't like these invidi-
GUS distinctions
Mr.. Burkett said he was glad Mr. Full
ton had admitted he wanted to kill the
resolution.
1t was then explained by Mr. Gallinger
who objected to the consideration of the
resolution yesterday, that 1t had surprised
him. He had never heard of such a
movement. he declared. and he was close
ly associated with the Y. NJ. c. A, too
Il don't have to wear a white flower to
remember my mother he declared, land
she died when l was a boy
Senator Teller stated that he didn't
want to say anything offensive to the
Nebraska senator.
Say anything you please said Mr.
Burkett.
Absurd" Says Teller.
We'll the idea is utterly absurd I
don't like to say it. but as the senator says
l may. 1 will say it is puerile,'' declared
Mr.. Teller.
Mr.. Bacon said it might not be neces-
sary, but since it had come up it ought
to be adopted. and Mr.. Beveridge took
the same ground. adding that sentiment
moved the world, and referring to the
religious sacraments.
Il shall ask TO be excused from voting
on such resolution announced Senator
Hepburn Of Idaho. solemnly II belong
to religious denomination that does not
believe in outward demonstration Of
sacred sentiments. This is not a proper
subject for legislation
The Matter Referred.
There was a viva voce vote on Mr.
Fulton's motion. and the ayes appeared
to have it, Mr.. Burkett asked for the
calling of the roll but there was not a
second from one-fifth of the members.
He then demanded division. and the
resolution was referred to the committee
by vote of 3S TO IA.
Thereupon Mr. Burkett moved to direct
the committee To report forthwith but
on motion by Senator Teller this was
tabled.
Mr. Teller then made Mr.. Burkett still
more angry by accusing him of wasting
an hour of the Senate's valuable time.
The time will come when senators will
he sorry they voted against this resolu-
tiOn'' tlecla red Mr. Burkett,