Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-09-26
CLASH.
FEARED|N
CAPITOL
Tense Situation Over tennessee
Dry Laws Still Holds Sway
at Nashville.

NASHVILLE Sept 26.-with a
fresh outbreak feared between the
Democratic and fusion faction. in
the Tennessee General Assembly over
the prohibition law enforcement bills.
whose passage is demanded by Gov
ernor Ben W. Hooper, and which are
bitterly opposed by Speaker Stan
ton of the House. Democratic leader
a tense feeling pervaded political and
legislative circles here this morning
as the hour approached for the daily
session to convene.
The presence of armed men in the
Capitol and threats of violence that
have been rife for several days have
wrought politicians and officials up
to the highest pitch of excitement
probably ever known at a session of
the Tennessee Legislature. With the
tenseness of the situation it is con
sidered rather miraculous that actual
gunplay has not been INDUCED in.
The fusionists were determined to-
day to force the passage of the pro-
hibition bills and the Democrats were
just as determined to prevent their
passage.
Clear House of Spectators.
Probably for the first time in the
history of the State, the statehouse
yesterday was cleared of spectators,
including members of the Senate,
which was not in sessions. This ac-
ton was taken as precaution
against trouble which has been brew
ing for the past three days, or since
the so-called law enforcement bills
were brought up in the House for
consideration.
The action was taken at the initia
tive Of Representative Mcfarland and
was not OF a compulsory nature. Mr..
Mcfarland volunteered to the House
to require spectators to retire from
the Capitol and the suggestion met
with favor Assisted by Representa-
tive Lex Stone, independent Demo
crat, and Representative Parnick
Smith. Republican, Mr.. Mcfarland.
regular Democrat, undertook his task
in a diplomatic way. He assembled
the various spectators who were loaf
ing in the corridors and addressed
them briefly, stating that in the inter-
est of peace this action was neces-
sary.
will the city detectives leave?"
queried one of the spectators.
Yes" replied Mr.. Mcfarland.
FiIihuster Continues.
81 understand that A. A Barthell is
on the floor of the House. viii he re-
tire?" was asked
II will see that he does" replied
r representative Stone.
Convinced that all so-called gun
men" would join the movement. the
spectators then left the building.
All day long the regulars success
fully continued their filibuster against
the so-called law enforcement bills
which have for their purpose the
strengthening of the State wide pro-
hibition laws. The bills are three in
number. They prohibit the shipment
of liquors into the State. prohibit its
shipment within the, borders of the
State and provide for action in crimi-
nal or civil courts to declare saloons
as public nuisances upon petition OF
ten taxpayers. All three OF the meas
ures passed the Senate by a close
vote.
The extra session is due to expire
Saturday. Speaker Stanton is aligned
with the opposition to the bills, hence
his rulings are being closely scruti-
nized by members friendly 20 the
measures.
How Trouble Started.
The present controversy in tha
House of Representative largely re.
suits from the so-called nuisance biz
passed Saturday. September 20, b.
the Senate. 1t has passed secona
reading In the House AS passed, the
bill is officially termed AN act g.
make more effective and 20 secure IL.
enforcement of the existing laws
against the sale of intoxicating 'o-
uors in the State and to declare .e
conducting. maintaining or carving
on of such unlawful business or occu.
patton to be a public nuisance. and to
provide means for the abatement OF
the same"