Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-04-03
DEMOCRATS WoRsTED.

Washington. April with the ag
ricultural bill out of the way, the
Democrats and Republicans opposed
each other on all subsequent business,
with the result that one of the most
vigorous tilibusters ever conducted in
the House was entered upon. Payne,
the majority leader, threw down the
gauntlet to the Democrats and noti-
fed them that the Republicans did not
propose to accept their dictation as to
what the program of legislation should
be- Mr.. Williams. the minority leader,
accepted the challenge, whereupon the
Democrats resorted to every obStruc-
tive means known to parliamentary
law on every proposal. 1t was 10
o'clock before the House adjourned.
Washington. April 2.-Fornal notice
was served on the Democrats in the
House of Representatives late today to
Payne of New York. the leader of the
majority. that from that time on the Re-
publicans will lock horns with the Dem
ocrats and carry through the majority's
program, Notwithstanding the attempt of
the minority, under the leadership of
William of Mississippi to dictate the
character of legislation to be enacted.
Immediately undertaking to carry this
schedule into effect he forced the latest
sitting of the session. Both sides were
able to keep their members in their seats,
and it soon became evident that the
Democratic filibuster was on in earnest
and that the Republicans were determin-
ed at least to test the sincerity of their
opponents.
After the passage of the agricultural
appropriation bill the Democrats began
obstructive tactics to prevent any bust
ness being DONE After several measures
bad been refused consideration by reason
of these tactics, Payne called UP the res
olution to refer to the several committees
the Presidents recent message to Con-
gress. Observing that the Democrats
were preparing to block it's consideration
unless ample time was given for general
debate Payne asserted that because of
the hypocrisy of those on the other side"
meaning the Democrats, no general de-
bate will he allowed
Payne denounced the Democratic fill
buster which was begun last Monday in
pursuance of the notice given by Will
lianls a week ago. and characterized
Williams action as "puerile.'
The Democrats, he contended, were in
no position to lay down 4 program for
the Republicans. THE ajority." he
said, shave charge of the business of the
House and the business will go through
just as the majority decide it shall go
through" Shouts of Republican approx
al greeted this utterance.
Discussing the Presidents message,
Payne asserted that there never was any
doubt about a new employers liability
law being enacted this session. He gave
notice that in future he would object to
all Democratic requests for unanimous
consent or for time to speak.
go to your own leader. the gentleman
from Mississippi" he shouted, land ask
him to stop his filibustering. Ask him to
cease his objections, and when he stops
his objections and his filibustering then
the business Of the House will proceed
in the usual way" do nothing" voice
on the Democratic side was heard to say.
"Otherwise," added Payne, I'VE will
transact business in our own way in spite
Of your opposition
On the proposal that there be no gen.
eral debate on the resolution, the Demo-
Gratis Kept up their filibuster, but to no
effect. Every subsequent motion by
Payne with respect TO disposition of the.
resolution met with obstruction.
Williams moved to adjourn and on that
motion roll call was forced by his fol-
lowers.
The Republicans voted solidly against
adjournment and by a vote Of 46 to 1856 the
House refused to adjourn. Thereupon
Payne moved that the resolution be fur
Their considered. On division the motion
prevailed. 1856 to AZ, the Republicans again
constituting the majority. The Democrats
resumed their filibuster when Payne.
backed by his colleagues, demanded the
yeas and nays.
Explanations of what" "Oh, no."
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