Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-01-14
JACKSON BATTLES
FOR SENATE SEAT
Blair Lee Asks Committee
That 1t Take Early
Action in Case.
GOVERNORS CALL FOR
ELECTION QUESTIONED
Attorney for Present Wearer of the
Maryland Toga Argues at
Hearing.

Argument in the case of Standardized
Blair Lee of Maryland was begun in open
hearing before the Senate committee on
privileges and elections this morning.
Amos Woodccck appeared as attorney for
Senator Jackson of Maryland who now
occupies the seat in the Senate formerly
held by the late Senator Rayner and to
which Mr.. Lee was elected last Novem-
Der. Mr. Jackson was appointed by the
governor before the constitutional amend
ment relating to the direct election of
senators became effective
In opening his statement to the commit
ice Mr.. Woodcock disclamed on the part
OF Senator Jackson any desire TO raise
technical questions
Ia the. committee room were Senator
elect Blair Lee and his counsel. and
Frank T. Glass of .tIabama appointed
by the Governor of -Alabam.. to fill the
Vacancy caused by the death of the
Tate Senator Johnston. Mr. Glass case
also is to be considered b. the COM
mittee.
Questions Governors Act.
Mr.. Woodcock, after stating the his
tory Of the Lee-Jackson case. declared
Goldshorousa of Mary and calling the
election which resulted in the choice
of Mr.. Blair Lee had been issued with
out lawful authority. He contended that
no vacancy existed in the representa-
ton OF the state of Maryland in the
Senate at the time the writ of election
was issued, and that a writ of election
could not properly be Issued unless such
vacancy dbl exist.
He argued that legislation by Con-
erass or by the state legislature is nee
essary before the governor of a state
would be empowered to issue such writ
Of election, and that neither Congress
nor the legislature of Maryland had acted
IN this case.
Mr.. Woodcock said that the Maryland
election law as il now stands is not
adequate for the election of United
State Senator by the people
Woodcock's Contention.
The contention was made by Mr..
Woodcock that the term of Office of SEN
ator jackson will not expire until April
!. the date set for the adjournment of
Inc Maryland legislature, now sitting in
Annapolis. He pointed out that under
The old constitution Senator Jackson had
eeen appointed BY the governor until the
state legislature should elect a senator
should adjourn without electing.
His term OF Office, therefore, would
continue until the end of the ie"isla-
lures meeting. since the amendment to
the constitution provides that the legisla-
ture shall not elect senators.
Mr.. Woodcock said that this interpreta-
ton would work no hardship. for the
Maryland legislature may authorize the
governor to make a temporary appoint
ment. or il may pass laws providing for
general and special elections of senators.
This Interpretation has the further
upon law and regularity, and, by showing
to the states the necessity for lesisla-
ton. may prevent more serious conse-
ouences in the future
He was questioned closely by Senators
Walsh and Sutherland OF the committee
who appeared frequently TO disagree with
Mr.. Woodcock's contentious regarding
the law.
Forced to Adjourn.
Before Mr. Woodcock could complete
his argument it became necessary for the
committee to adjourn SO that the
members could attend the session of the
Senate. Suggestion was made that the
committee meet again this afternoon,
but some of the senators said they could
not be present. 1t was then suggested
that the meeting be held tomorrow morn
ing.
Blair Lee with the permission of the
committee, made a brief statement in
which lie urged the necessity of dispos-
ing of his case without further delay.
He said that his credentials had been
presented to the Senate December last,
and that because of the urgency of the
currency legislation then pending it was
deemed advisable not to take up his case
AT that time. But now. he said this
urgency no longer exists, and he asks
that the committee proceed as quickly as
possible.
ON motion of Senator Lea OF Tennessee
the committee agreed to meet at S o clock
tonight in an effort to dispose of the Lee
Jackson ga so far btA