Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-07-22
HOUSE ASKS WHY BROWN
SENT TROOPS TO MINES
RoSser Resolution, Previously
Tabled, Is Taken Up and
Adopted

Those reasons for the governor
sending troops to the Durham mines
will become known. The house of rep
resentatives has passed the Rosser
resolution asking Governor Brown to
tell it why, and whether the act is to
be considered a precedent
And, peculiarly enough, the resolu-
ton was taken from the table and
put before the house for vote at the
Instance Of Representative Anderson, OF
Chatham, a political friend OF Gov
ernor Brown.
1t will be remembered that the citi-
liens of Walker county Tin which the
Durham mines were located) raised
such a protest over the governors
sending the troops to their county, that
their representative in the legislature,
Mr. Rosser, was moved to introduce
the resolution striking the keynote OF
the whole situation, asking the gov
ernor why" and, incidentally, recit-
ing the indignation OF the Walker
county people and their contention that
their sheriff had the matter we'll in
hand, and that the armed force inva-
sion was entirely uncalled for.
| 1t is assumed among the friends or
former Gov. Hoke Smith in the legis-
Iature that, inasmuch as the initiative
came from a friend of Mr.. Brown,
Wednesday, in the house, the step Is
in line with some understanding at
Brown headquarters in Atlanta, whence
a card about the matter was give out
to the press Wednesday morning.
ANDERSON EXPLAINS.
Mr.. Anderson. asked privately for his
motive in pushing the resolution
which on its face is so distinctly crit
cal Of Governor Browns action, says
that in no other way could the gov
ernor have an opportunity to make his
position clear-that he could not ex-
plain without a resolution from the
house.
Mr.. Anderson denies that the governor
established a contrary precedent in an
ticipating the passage Of the Moss res
olution about the Chattanooga terminal
Inon-purchase. saying that in the termi-
nal matter the governor was reporting
his act on a resolution already adopted
by the house in 1909 and that he was
preparing his message on the subject be-
fore the Moss resolution was read
Mr.. Anderson, shortly after the house
convened Wednesday, asked for unanl-
nous consent that the Rosser resolution
be put on its passage. Mr.. Tarver or
Whit Ield, a friend Of former Governor
Smith, objected, and Mr.. Anderson had
to move that the resolution be taken up,
the motion being passed.
1t was evident around the house on
Wednesday that friends Of Governor
Brown intended to make some capital Of
the fact that a Smith man had objected
to the resolution being taken up after
Brown man had asked for 1t.
TARVER'S REASON.
Mr.. Tarver was asked for his reason
in oojecting. ..t
-'It was because Mr. Rosser Of Walk
a. AA 0nVaf tn
the hall at the moment" he replied. MY
objection was based solely on the
ground Of courtesy to him. He came I'm
during the subsequent discussion, and
had nothing further to oppose. Under
the rules Of the house. 1 could not ex-
plain on the floor why objected"
Mr.. Barrett of Stephens called the pre-
vious question Immediately after the
house decided to take UP the resolution.
The call was sustained. though Mr.. Nc
Michael OF Marion protested that there
was no logic in cutting off debate on
L. subject, and that not a word OF ex-
PLANTATION or opinion had been heard on
IT. Mr.. Barrett answered that II don't
believe any Of us want to hear word
Oh it. We want II passed"
The vote on the resolution was SO 20
II, and Governor Brown is now formally
asked by the house Of representatives
why he sent the troops TO Durham
mines.
Following is the resolution:
TEXT OF RESOLUTION.
Whereas, troops were sent into Walker
county or or about the 25th day of May,
1910 by order of the governor and there
arrested a number of men and caused
them TO be deported from said county;
And. whereas. the sheriff of said coun-
ty has public declared that the troops
were not sent at his request and that no
lawful occasion existed therefor;
And, whereas. the use Of military force
has always been rightfully regarded by
our ancestors as a thing dangerous to
the liberties OF the people and jealousy
to be opposed by a free people tenacious
of their liberty and mindful of their
laws:
And. whereas, the legislative branch of
the government is peculiarly charged with
the duty to inquire into all matters that
may tend toward arbitrary power or may
become dangerous precedents;
Therefore, be 1T resolved by the house OF
representatives, That his excellency, the
governor be and he is hereby requested
to lay before the house at his earliest
convenience full statement OF all facts
connected with said matter and the rea-
son therefor, and the particular law UNI
der which the action referred to was
taken, the detallS OF what lhc aSIloh "oS'
and all documentary evidence by way
of letters, afidavits or otherwise which
he may have collected in reference to
said matter.
And to the end that the house may be
fully advised as to whether or not the
sending OF said troops is to be considered
a precedent:
Therefore, be 1t further resolved. That
the governor be and he Is hereby request
TT ha house whathaT not
the executive branch of the government
of this state considers It to be within
the power of the executive to call out
the active militia or any part thereof
at the request or upon the information
of private persons and without the ini-
ttation Of local authorities.
"GllIIIY" SAID PRISONER;