Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-10-02
ASK FOR EXPULSION OF
j. S. SENATOR LAF0LLETTE
Petitions From Minnesota
Governor, Commission and
Citizens Sent to Senate

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29.-There is
little disposition in the senate to discuss
the loyalty of it's members.
For that reason. there is little likeli-
hood that the charges of disloyalty
lodged against Senator La Toilette by
the Minnesota public safety commission
and other individual citizens today will
be pressed.
This was strongly indicated today fol-
lowing presentation Of five petitions for
expulsion of La Toilette on the ground
that he has preached sedition.
Senator Kellogg, of Minnesota, intro
duced the Minnesota public safety reso-
luton, bearing the signature OF the gov
ernor, attorney general and members of
, the commission, who declared that La
Follette's speech at st. Paul September
90 was "disloyal and seditious."
1t was such that Unreasonable senti-
ment in the state of Minnesota" has been
created and the support of the govern
ment has been weakened.
The other four petitions were pre-
scented by Vice President Marshall
upon recommendation of local citizens
representing the Washburn, Wis, 10y
atty league. demanding impeachment or
La Toilette for his reasonable utter
ances and disloyalty to our govern
Iment:" by W. A. Coombe, a Washing
ton, d. c., attorney; c. w. Cannon. New
York City. VINO said "our sons giving
up their lives for the cause Of their
country should not be compelled to lis
ten to such traitors in our midst" and
D. NJ. Jones. Washington, d. c.
IN COMMITTEES HANDS.
All FIVE petitions are in the hands of
the committee on privileges and cleo
tions OF which Senator Pomerene is
chairman Senator Pomerene tonight
said he will talk with committee men,
bers Monday.
Until then l can't say what the
committee will do" he said. "Of the
fifteen members of the committee,
nine are in Washington. Two of these
strongly favor committee action. Meth
er. however, would permit the use Of
his name in connection with his Views"
Most members of the committee,
though unwilling to discuss the probable
action, indicated they believe the petit
tions will be allowed to lie on the table.
Meanwhile Senator La Toilette, appar-
entity undisturbed, went to meeting of
the finance committee. Pressed for a
statement. he said. smilingly: I'm not
making any statements whatever-to-
day"
1t was in anticipation of a speech by
Senator La Toilette answering MS critics
that leaders determined to put the lid on
any discussion today by calling an ex-
ecutive session.
1--WE can't prevent any senator from
speaking" said a member of the rules
committee, but we can prevent his US
ing the Congressional Record for dis
semination of a speech indicating a Sc
rious lack of harmony in this body"
TWO-THIRDS VOTE REQUIRED.
If the committee should vote in favor
of expelling Senator La Toilette, which
no senator today held likely, a long and
bitter fight doubtless would ensue. A
two-thirds vote is required to expel a
senator This could not be obtained, it
is generally believed.
Should the committee seriously con-
slider expulsion of Senator La Toilette, it
would name a subcommittee to consider
evidence. Senator La Toilette would
have the privilege of questioning wit
nesses and making whatever defense he
wished. A report would be made to the
full committee, which would then report
to the senate. The senate, on accepting
or rejecting the committee report, would
decide whether La Toilette would be ex-
PEELED or not
No member of congress ever has been
expelled for treason or Sedition. VAL
landigham, member of the house from
Ohio, though not removed from his seat
for treason. was indicted during the
civil war and was sentenced to be
transported within the confederate lines.