The morning journal-courier. (New Haven, Conn.) 1907-1913, 1908-04-03
FILIBUSTER ON
BY DEMOCRATS
They Put Obstructive Plans Into
Effect and Opponents
Make Counter
Move.
HOUSE SITS UNTIL 10 P. M.
Republicans Serve Notice That Their
Program for Session VIII Stand,
Despite Alinority's Attempt
To Dictate.

Washington, April Formal notice
was served on the democrats in the
house OF representatives. late to-day by
Mr. Payne of New York, the leader of
The majority, that from that time on
the republicans will lock horns with
the democrats and carry through the
majority's program Notwithstanding
the attempt of the minority, under the
leadership of Mr. Williams Of Miss, to
dictate the character of legislation to
DC 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 1t soon be-
came evident that the democratic fill
buster was on IN earnest, and that the
republicans were determined at least
10 test the sincerity Of their opponents,
After the passage of the agricultural
appropriation bill the democrats began
obstructive tactics to prevent any bus
mess being done. After several meas
ures had been refused consideration by
reason of these tactics, Mr.. Payne call
ed up the resolution 10 refer TO the
several committees the presidents re-
cent special message TO congress OBJ
serving that the democrats were pre-
pairing to block it's consideration unless
ample time was given for general de-
bate, Mr., Payne asserted that because
Of the hypocrisy Of those on the other
;lde,',, meaning the democrats, no gem
eral debate would be allowed
Mr.. Payne denounced the democratic
ilibuster which was begun last Mon
day In pursuance Of the notice given
oy Mr.. Williams week ago, and
characterized Mr.. Williams action as
"puerile."
The democrats, he contcndcd, were in
no position to lay down program for
The republicans. "The majority" he
said, have charge Of tho business OF
the house and the business will 20
through Just as the majority decide 1t
shall 20 through" Shouts of republican
approval greeted this utterance.
Discussing the presidents message,
Mr.. Payne asserted that there never
was any doubt about a new employers
liability law being enacted this session.
lie gave notice that in future he would
object to all democratic requests for
unanimous consent or for time 10
speak. Go TO your own leader, tho gem
tleman from Mississippi" he shouted,
and esk him to stop his hlibustcring.
Ask him to cease his objections, and
when he stops his objections and his
filihusterlng, then the business of the
house will proceed In the usual way"
DO nothing" a voice on the demo-
cratic side was heard to say.
"Otherwlso," added Mr. Payne I'VE
will transact business in our own way
IN spite of your opposition"
On tho proposal that there be no gem
eral debate on the resolution. the DEM
ocrats kept up their nlibuster but to
no effect Every subsequent motion by
Mr.. Payne with respect to disposition
Of the resolution met with obstruc-
ton.
Pending further action regarding the
resolution, Mr.. Williams moved to ad-
journ, and on that motion roll call
dS lilffu ny MS lnllVWtTE.
The Republicans voted solidly against
adjournment and by vote of &c TO
l56 the house refused to adjourn.
Thereupon Mr.. Payne moved that the
resolution he further considered. on
division the motion prevailed 1856 to g..
the Republicans again constituting tho
rnalorlty The Democrats resumed
their fili5uster, when Mr.. Payne, back
rd by his colleagues, demanded the
yeas and nays.
EXclamations of what" "Oh no."
"Why you don't really mean it," came
from the Democrats who then applaud =
ed The yeas ana nays were ordered
and the roll was called. Tho motion
was carried, yeas, l24; nays, 73;
'present" 22.
A parliamentary tangle was caused
by proposed amendment by Mr.. VIII
liams, to which Mr.. Payne objected,
but the chair ruled In favor Of MIR. Will
liams. holding that his amendment
would be IN order when the resolution
had been read. Both Mr. Payne and
Mr. williams sought recognition and
amid the shouts Of the Democrats and
much to MI paynes disgust the chair
recognized Mr. Williams.
Mr.. Gardner (Massachusetts), who
occupied the chair, ruled "1f the gem
tlernan from Mississippi has an amend
inent he Is entitled TO prior recogni-
ton"
The chair then reversed his ruling
and recognized Mr. Payne to offer all
amendment Mr.. Payne moved that
the last word be stricken out.
Mr.. Williams Interrupted "That last
word said he, happens to be the
word congress-
This set the Democrats in an uproar.
MIR Payne moved that all debate bc
closed AT once, which brought the DEM
oerats TO high pitch Of excitement.
Mr.. Fitzgerald (New York; demanded
% minutes, and Mr. Underwood Gala
bama) wanted an hour,
The demands Of both Mr.. Fitzgerald
md Mr.. Underwood were voted down
but not until the Democrats had OK.
hausted every p0rlamentarS practice
once again MI, Payne was oyerruled
when MIR. Williams moved that the de-
bate be fixed AZ ten minutes. Mr.
Payne objected on the ground that the
motion was dilatory
Mr. williams motion was lost The
house then reverted to the motion OF
Alr. Payne and Il wal voted 81 to g.
MI Williams p'sT nted his amend
1tnntfnund IN Sranr1 pnpC1