The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1908-02-15
DARES HOUSE TO ACT
ClarkChalIenges Republicans to
Take Up Roosevelt Bills.
REFERS TO The BIG FIVE"
Says Proof Of Sincerity Is In the Not-
ing, and ~ Republicans Are In Earn
est They Can Carry Out Presidents
Recommendation.

Washington. Feb. l4.-Reprcsenta.
tive Champ Clark MOI occupied the
attention Of the house OF representa-
lives for over an hour in an address
upon the presidents special message
to congress. the financial disturbance
and the tariff.
Mr. Clark said that a reasonabls
view should be taken in matters touch
ing the president. but that it had not
been done as a rule. He is such
belligerent parsonage" he declared.
that his lightest word Is a challenge
10 combat"
The presidents whole public life.
said Mr. Clara. has been one long sue
cession OF spectacular fights. No man
has been more viciously assailed by
men OF his own party. and none was
ever. while still in the flesh. So Law
ishly Landed by some OF the opposing
party"
But he said "the truth Is that
this extraordinary man has waNed
stronger and stronger by wasins his
battles. Even defeat had made him
a larger and more commanding fg,
ure."
In discussing the presidents recent
messages Mr.. Clark said:
1T will not require much time q
settle the question as to who is most
earnestly in favor OF whatever good
and wholesome propositions are con-
tanned In the presidents various mes
sages. Voting on them. and nothing
else. will settle H. You Republicans
have the right OF way. You are pecu-
liarly happy in catching the speakers
eagle eye whenever you so desire.
The gentleman from New York
CMr. Payne). the gentleman from
Pennsylvania (Mr. DalzelD. the gen
tleman from Iowa (Mr. Hepburn) and
the other gentleman from New York
(Mr. Sherman) never have any trou-
Bile in that regard Neither does the
gentleman from Minnesota (Mr Taw-
ney). who. with the other four consti-
tute the big FIVE on the floor.
Consequently immediate and IN
grudging recognition is accorded TO
any member Of the big i've That be
ing the case let one OF them arise in
his place and ask unanimous consent
for immediate consideration OF a new
employers liability bill. and every
Democrat here viii gladly give his
consent. and in thirty minutes by the
town clock the bill will pass the
house. gladdening the heart OF every
wsge-earner in America Let another
OF the big FIVE ask unanimous consent
for immediate consideration OF a bill
limiting the federal courts In Issuing
injunctions. and # will go through like
Il was creased so far as Democrats
are concerned.
let still another ask unanimous
consent for the immediate considera-
ton OF a bill providing for jury trials
in contempt cases and we. so far as we
are concerned. will give you not only
consent TO consider II but every Demo-
crat will vote 10 pass it. Let still an
other Of the big FIVE ask unanimous
consent for the immediate considera-
ton OF bill providing for the publica-
ton OF campaign contributions and
campaign contributors and we on this
side will hail IL with rapture and pass
II with a whoop.
Let the least OF the big Eve ask IN.
animous consent for immediate con-
sideration Of a bill to put wood pulp
and print paper on the free iist-such
as dozen Of US have introduced-and
no Democrat will object
'Ail five Of these bills can be passed
in one day. provided the big FIVE can
induce barely twenty eight Republi-
cans 70 vote for them. for twenty-eight
Republicans with the solid Democratic
vote constitute a majority OF THE
house. Ny Republican brethren. you
have the power and you should have
the disposition to enact into law such
bills as l have named. Adjourn with
out such legislation. and yours will be
the condemnation"