The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-28
NOEL TRIES TO TELL
ABOUT NEW EVIDENCE
Republican Senator Was Finally
Ordered to Sit Down and
Keep Quiet, Which lie
Did - Upper Branch
Was Almost Even
ly Divided.

yincing argument OF the party
lash, a large majority of mem
bers of the General Assembly
OF Virginia. In joint session last
night, confirmed the nomination OF
William r. Rhea as a member OF the
State Corporation Commission. but left
behind that act an evidence of gag
rule and a feeling OF political unrest
that will stretch from Bristol TO the
sea. The vote was ST to 46.
Satisfied that the chances of the
Governors nominee We're growing
weaker with every hours delay, his
friends, led by Mr.. Speaker Byrd. made
determined effort TO choke off debate
at ii o'clock and order vote. and sue
ceeded, not, however. without precipi-
tating exciting scenes and provoking
violent expressions from those who
wanted time to think.
The gag resolution came up i'm
mediately after the opening roll call.
Delegate Cation passed ii up. The real
fight of tsix evening: was onrthi, meas
ure, for its passage crushed all hope
of defeating Judge Rhea. and lett
three hours OF dull. but biting oratory-
dull because the issue was then fore
seen.
Gallery Resented Gag Rule.
Although the joint Assembly was
ready to confirm regardless, there was
a storm of disapproyal from the gall
lery, crowded to the rail with men and
women. This storm broke when Sena-
tor Noel. falling to secure recognition
from the chair to speak of after-dis-
covered evidence, demanded to be heard
on a question OF personal privilege
So great and prolonged was the cheer
ing that Speaker Byrd threatened to
clear the house. The suppressed feel
Ing, however, came forth with a burst
at other times.
Mr.. Cation spoke briefly in support
of his resolution to vote at II O'Clock.
Before he was well in his seat mem
bers from all parts of the floor were
clamoring for recognition. Senator
Sale. Immediately in front OF the chair,
was proceeding to discuss the matter
when Delegate Goolrick broke in with
a call for the pending question. Mr..
Sale sat down. QUICK as a flash the
Assembly was voicine its approval Of
the Goolrick motion.
Stuart Against Early Vote.
There We're shouts for "division,
division and moment later the
clerks had counted SO ayes and 80 nays.
Delegate Alexander Stuart, who signed
the majority report; Delegate Hill Mon
tague and Senator Noel were demand
ling roll call.
THE chair does not see sufficient
number up" said Mr.. Speaker. but as
he cast his eyes around he saw a score
of uplifted hands.
The count showed 63 votes for the
Caton resolution and 4S against it.
| The gallery groaned. From the right
hand corner. however, there came the
only applause from the spectators, led
| by Detective Scherer. OF the Chesapeake
and Ohio Railway. who occupied the
third seat to the right Of Mrs. Swan
son.
! Senator Noel was on his feet, still
seeking to catch the eye of the Speak
Icr. He was ruled out of order. and
announcement was made that the
agony would end an hour before mid.
night. With @dogged persistence Sena-
tor Noel was stll! calling to the chair.
II wish to bring 10 the attention OF
this Assembly some after-dIscovere,l
evidence" he began. which l could
not present---
"slt down; YOU are not III order
the Speaker cried.
Then, sir" shouted Senator Noel
81 arise toa question of personal privi-
legc."
His wo:ds were drowned under The
volley of applause from the gallery
(which brought from the Speaker the
threat to have tho place cleared.
IT have been placad by the SPEAKERS
lin the attitude OF a slandersr. Senator
Noel was saying as the noise subsidized
"Mr, Bev aWysor----''''
"After-dlscovered evidence is no
personal privilege. the Speaker sal[
Iperemptorlly, Take your seat''
The Senator from Lee meekly con-,
5Iplled, though reluctantly,
I. After several attempts to speak, Mr.
i Montague cut In with q resolution
Offered as a substitute, providing tina
/ tho majority report of the committe
be received and adopted, his point he
\ ing that this much was due to Judg
4 Rhea in the event he should not h
!, confirmed. lie was ruled out. lie an
) pealeG from the decision OF the chat,
hut the first ruling was sustained.
There was nothing more TO do afte
!. that. The BYRD -Caton resolution ha