Omaha daily bee., 1910-12-21
Assert Change Would Prevent Alleged
Restraint of Business.
WOULD LIMIT TIME OF DEBATE
Say Too Much Attention is Given to
Unimportant Measures.
OMNIBUS BILL PASSES SENATE
House DevOtes Day to Confederation
of Executive, Legislative and
Judicial Appropriation
mi.


WASHINGTON, Dec. 2O.-Further revi-
sion OF the rules of the house of represent
atives is contemplated by the insurgent
members. Conferences we're held today to
determine the form Of the amendmnts
that are to be offered.
The insurgents are not satisfied with the
manner in which the new rule giving the
house power to discharge a committee
from the consideration Of bill was adj
ministered when its first trial occurred
yesterday. This rule was procured last
session to provide the means whereby
bill could be brought before the house
when a committee refused to report II
or delayed too long in acting on II.
Speaker Cannon ruled yesterday that the
postal reorganization bill should be read
in full when the motion was made to
bring IT before the house. Less than one
fourth of the bill could be read yesterday
and at the same rate it will take at least
three more days to finish the reading.
As this business is only recognized every
first and third Monday of the month all
motions Of a like character viii be de-
layed almost two months before the mo-
ton finally is put to the house as to
whether the postal bill shall be considered.
Insurgents wouId Change Rule.
The insurgents assert this is a restraint
Of business which can be easily remeded
by a small change in the rule. They pro-
pose to offer another amendment that will
require only the reading Of the title of
the bill when the motion is made to dis,
charge the committee and to bring it be-
fore the house.
Further than this, the insurgents propose
another amendment to limit the debate
that can be had on bills on the calendar
They think too much time is givn to un-
important measures and that business win
be greatly expedited If such an amend
ment is offered.
II has not been determined what member
shall introduce the new amendments, but
the insurgent republicans practically are
united upon their plans, They do not an
tioipate fight in having these changes
senate Passes Omnibus BiII.
In spite of the vigorous fight waged upon
It by Senator Bristow of Kansas, the om-
nibus claims bill, carrying more than
81, 600 900, was passed by the senate today
The Kansas senator occupied six days in
addressing the senate in opposition to the
measure, but when 1t came to a vote the
bin was passed, IS to IL. The senate con-
firmed Martin A. Knapp, chairman Of the
Interstate Commerce commission, to be
United States circuit judge and Mr.. Knapp
will take his place on the new court of
commerce when that tribunal is organized.
The house devoted practically the entire
day to consideration Of the executive, leg
isIative and judicial appropriation bill,
which carries $35,S25,219. Representative
Macon OF Georgia successfully opposed all
efforts to force increases in the measure,
and IL was still under consideration when
the house adjourned.
Both the senate and the house Will meet
at noon tomorrow. When they adjourn 1t
will be for the holiday recess and they
will not reconvene until January s.
The travelling expenses OF Governor
Walter Eli Clark of Alaska. were under fire
in the house today. Representative Cox of
Indiana wanted to know why Alaskas
chief executive should receive so much
more than the governor of Arizona, who
was allowed only $500. The bill grants
Governor Clark a lump sum of S15O for
travelling and office expenses an increase
of 81 eco more than granted last year.
Mr. Gillette of Massachusetts, in charge
of the bill said he did not know unless II
was because of the vastly greater distances
In Alaska and the greater necessity for the
governor. OF Alaska, as the mOuthpiece of
that territory, 10 come TO Washington TO
advise on Alaskan matters. Mr. stephens
OF Texas a democrat, Mr.. Mann and
others, defended the paragraph and Mr..
Co,r Waived further objection.