The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1911-02-18
HELD up BY ONE MANN.
The Omnibus Claims Bill Probably Is
Dead.

Washington, Feb. 18.-With only elev-
en- legislative days remaining the house
of representatives was held at a stand
still yesterday by a filibuster planned
and conducted by Representative Mann
Oll.9.
1t was private calendar day under the
rules and the business in order was
the consideration of the omnibus war
claims bill which already has been
passed by the senate The bill largely
affects southern claimants and the
Democrats, with the assistance of many
Republicans, endeavored to pass it.
At times the majority in favor of the
bill was as high as 140. but Representa-
tive Mann was opposed to the bill and
by dilatory tactics succeeded in pre-
venting action. although the house was
o'clock last night.
At that hour the advocates of the
measure secured a recess until IL a. m.
today, under the assumption that the
legislative sitting would be resumed. 1t
developed after this action, however,
that they probably defeated their own
purpose, for IL o'clock now is the reg
ular hour for meeting, and it is be-
lieved Speaker Cannon will hold that
today's sitting is new legislative day.
If he is successful in maintaining this
ruling the omnibus claims bill is dead
for this session of congress.
The fllibuster. largely a one-man af-
fair, was one of the most remarkable In
the history of the house. At one time
in order to secure a quorum, the ser
geant-at-armS was directed to arrest
all absentees.
While waiting for a quorum, Repre-
sentative Rucker (Mo.) wanted to make
a speech. Mr.. Mann made the point OF
order that speeches were out of order
in the absence of quorum. The chair
sustained the point.
"But I want to tell the house about
an old soldier" insisted Mr.. Rucker.
1.-THE gentleman is o'7+ of ORDER" ruled
Mr. Olmsted.
"But this old soldier demands hear
ing" shouted Mr.. Rucker to renewed
laughter, "and 1 am going to tell the
house about him. You can't stop me
for the sergeant-at-armS is outside ar
resting absent members. This old sol
dier won $3.50 in the army playing chuck
aluck, or poker, don't know which
THE gentleman should inform the
house definitely as to which game 1t
was" suggested member.
But 1 don't know" insisted Mr.
Rucker; 'I am not an expert at either
game"
Mr.. Clayton (AIa) here interrupted to
say that he had heard all the evidence
in the case and he could not tell him
self whether it was "chuckaluck" or
poker.
Anyway Mr.. Rucker SAID MS oio SOL
dier also had 1927 that he had earned
in the army. The government took all
bis money away from him and then
offered to return all but the poker
money. The old soldier refused, and he
has been fighting for so years to get
his poker money back. When he had
concluded, amid much confusion, Mr.
Rucker gravely thanked the speaker fol
his courtesy.
During the time Mr.. Rucker was
talking, Representative Dwight, On Y.
the Republican whip, had been speaking
his mind in an undertone, but in nc
uncertain terms about the whole pro-
ceeding. Representative Reeder there
upon moved that Mr.. Dwight be per
mitted to extend his remarks in the
record. AS Mr. Dwight stalked out oi
the chamber. the chair announced il
could not accept the motion in the abb
sence of a quorum.