The Washington herald., 1910-04-22

An hour after the D. A P. had been
received by the President and Mrs. Taft.
they plunged into a bitter battle over
proposed amendments 20 the constitution
AT Continental Hall yesterday afternoon.
Two Of the three amendments supported
By the insurgents were defeated by q
close vote after a debate which lasted
until night.
One Of the changes in the constitution
would have carried but for a misunder-
standing. and motion for reconsidera-
tion was entered. This and q third
amendment VIII come before the con-
gress this morning.
The first amendment rejected provided
the congress shall either hear complaints
or charges against an officer or member
Of the society. or elect a committee 10
hear them.
At state Conference.
The second provided that state regents
apd vice regents shall be elected al
State conference instead Of q national
congress
The amendment 70 be considered to-day
provides that a member three months in
arrears for dues shall be dropped from
the rolls.
The afternoon session started al 40
O'Clock. and for two hours the third big
fight Of this congress ragged. with the in
Isurgents soIdly arrayed for the amend
ments and the regulars fighting them
staHChiy.
SO close were the votes that a division
or rising vote. was called for twice. and
each time Mrs. J. Morgan smith, OF Ala
lbama- presiding for Mrs. Matthew T..
Scott, ruled that IL was not necessary.
There was so much criticism that Mrs
Amos c. Draper. a steadfast regular,
moved the reconsideration.
The most sensational moment ln the
session occurred when Miss Mary Desha.
a founder and former honorary vice pres
ideut general Of the society. addressed a
cutting rebuke 20 the chair and admins
lrarion for failure 10 allow her the
/ courtesy o. being heard.
Ignored Her Claim.
With her voice breaking piufuuy. Miss
Desha declared the chair had ignored her
claim TO recognition and had called upon
another Daughter twice in succession
while she was on her feet. in violation OF
every parliamentary rule.
She got her chance 10 speak. stlu with
ont being recognized by Mrs Smith. in
a luII between debates.
Madam Chairman she began. and
Mrs. smith rapned Tor order and asked
her right 70 the floor.
Il have the right 10 the floor Of one
who founded this society" said Miss
Desha. Il have been trying to be recog-
nized repeatedly. but the chair has seen
fit to Danish parliamentary rules and re-
fuse to give me the floor.
Il further claim the courtesy OF tbs
presiding officer. Because am not OF
her political belief, she has seen fit 10
! ienore me. I have the right 10 speak to
this resolution, and"
Then Mrs. Smith raped vigorously and
declared Miss Desha out OF order placing
a motion before the house and making it
impossible for her TO be heard There
were cries Of NO, No. from several
parts OF the house. but Miss Desha took
her seat.
Solid for Changes.
In the hght over the amendments lines
were sharply drawn. New York, Con
lnecticut. Massachusetts. and the District
stood almost solidly for the changes. with
Illinois, Virginia, and Michigan leading
the administration forces. aided by the
chair
The first amendment proposed that tho
following he added to article V OF the
constitution:
Charges ur complaints against sny ofcgr or mem
ber of the national society against any chapter.
shah 5e heard by the Continental Congress. pro
vdiug that said cuDgrCss may refer the matter 70
committee OF 90 the national b1ard Of Management
s.id committee 20 he especially elected mot sp-
pointed FOR the purpose and % have power 20 take
testimony. and report It's findings 70 the same or
subsequent Continental Congress.
1t provided also that trouble arising be-
tween members OF a chapter could be ap-
pealed to the congress after an invesuga-
ton.
Had it passed it would have allowed the
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