Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1908-04-03
STRUGGLE IN HOUSE
FIERCE FIGHT BETWEEN REPU6-
LIcANS AND. DEMOCRATS.
FILIBUSTERING IS RAMPANT
Lates Session Of the Present Oon-
gress Forced by Action
of Democrats. n

OF Democrats.
Washington, d. c., April 3.-After
forcing thirteen roll calls and exhaust
ing their parliamentary resources in
employment of dilatory tactics, the
democrats found themselves worsted
in the struggle, the majority at 1890
o'clock carrying motion to adjourn
by the vote Of 121 to ST.. $500 ...l..
Washington, d. c., April 3.-Formal
notice was served on the democrats
of the house by Mr.. Payne OF New
York, the leader of the majority, that
from now on the republicans would
lock horns with the democrats and
carry through the programme OF the
majority in spite Of the attempt Of the
minority under the leadership OF Mr..
Williams 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 mem
bers in their seats, and it soon be.
came evident that the threatened
democratic fiilibuster was ION" in real
earnest and that the republicans were
determined to at least test the sim
cerity Of their opponents. The demo-
Gratis, after the passage of the agri.
cultural appropriation bill, had inter-
posed obstructive tactics against any
business being DONE After several
measures had been refused considera-
ton by reason of these tactics, Mr..
Payne called up the resolution to re-
fer to the several committees the
presidents recent special message to
congress. Observing that the demo
Gratis were preparing to place obtruc'
lions in the way of its consideration
unless ample time should be given
for general debate, Mr.. Payne assert
ed that because of the hypocrisy of
those on the other SIDE" meaning the
democrats, no general debate would
be allowed.
Mr.. Payne denounced the demo
cratic filibuster began last Monday in
pursuance of the notice given by Mr..
Williams a week ago and character
ICED the action of Mr.. Williams as
"puerile'.
The democrats, he contended, were
in no position to lay down pro-
gramme of action for the republicans.
''The majority" he said, has
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 approval greet
ed this utterance.
Discussing the presidents mes
sage, Mr.. Payne asserted that there
never had been any doubt about
new employers liability law being
enacted this session. He gave notice
that he would in the future object to
all democratic requests for unanimous
consent or for time to speak.
60 to your leader, the gentleman
from Mississippi" he shouted at the
top of his voice, "and ask him to stop
his filibustering, then the business of
of the house will proceed In the
usual way" w..
do nothing" voice on the demo
cratic side was heard to say.
"Otherwise," said Mr. Payne, I'VE
will transact business in our own way
in spite Of your opposition"
On the proposition that there
should not be general debate on the
resolution, the democrats kept up
their fiibuster but to no effect.
Every subsequent motion by Mr..
Payne, with respect to the disposition
of the resolution, met with obstruc-
ton.
Pending further action regarding
the resolution, Mr.. Williams moved to
adjourn and on that motion the roll
call was forced by his followers.
The republicans voted solidly
against adjournment and by vote of
As to 1856 the house refused to ad-
journ. Thereupon Mr.. Payne moved
that the resolution be further consid-
cred. On division the motion pre-.
vailed, 1876 to 67, the republicans
again constituting the majority. The
democrats resumed their f1libuste<
when Mr.. Payne, backed by his coy
leagues, demanded the yeas and nays.
Explanations of What" ooh, no."
why, you don't really mean it," came
from the democrats who broke out in
to applause. The yeas and nays were
ordered and the roll was called. The
motion was carried yeas 124, nays 70,
present" %.
A parliamentary tangle arose over
proposed amendment by Mr. Will.
Jams to which Mr.. Payne objected,
but the chair ruled in favor of Mr..
Williams, holding that his amendment
would be in order when the resolu.
ton had been read. Both Mr. Payne
and Mr.. Williams sought recognition,
and amid the shouts of the demo-
Gratis and much to Mr.. Payne's dis.
gust, the chair, Mr. Gardner, of Mass
achusetts recognized Mr. Williams.
but almost Immediately reversed his
ruling and allowed Mr.. Payne to intro
duce an amendment. Mr.. Payne NOV
ed to strike out the last word. Mr..
Williams Interrupted 'That last
word" he said. Happens to be the
word congress-" This set the demo-
Gratis in an uproar. Mr.. Payne moved
that all debate close at once, which
aroused the democrats to high pitch
of excitement. Much time was con.
sumed in dilatory tactics, but Payne's
motion was finally carried, 81 to 63.
Many more motions and a number OF
amendments were presented, followed
by discussions that consumed consid.
cradle time
The house was still in session at
3 o'clock, with prospects Of an ali
night session.