Omaha daily bee., 1917-01-12
POLITICAL TALKS
OCCUPY TIME OF
STATE LAWMAKERS
Democrats of House Table
Own Resolution Through Par
iamentary Maneuvers of
Mr.. Taylor.
ROAST FOR COMMERCE
Members Grow Heated in Un-
limbering Post Campaign
Echoes.
,CENATE ErpEC RpnAnCInE
ROAST FOR COMMERCE
SENATE FIRES BRoADsIDE
tFrom a Staff Correspondent, =,

the first political discussion OF tho
session, republicans, although badly
in the minority, came out on top to-
day in the house because in the heat
of discussion one OF the democratic
leaders forgot parliamentary rules
long enough to make motion to
table an amendment which carried
with it the tabling Of the original res
olution.
The discussion came up over>>t the
Hofmeister resolution condemning
the interstate commerce commls-
sion's attempt to undermine the
authority of the states in the regula-
ton of rates within the states and al
ter Peterson, republican leader, had
offered an amendment which stated
that a majority of the members of the
interstate commerce commission were
democrats.
The original resolution had referred
to the vote of President Wilson as
against the vote of Hughes and
claimed that the vote was indicative
Of a feeling against the republican
party.
1--WE ought to recognize the facts
as to who appointed majority of the
commission" said Peterson, :and
what political element controlled it
so as to make it plain whom we are
criticizing."
Calls 1t An Insult.
McAllister characterized the re-
marks of Peterson as insulting
Peterson retorted by saying that he
disclaimed any intent to insult any
body by calling him democrat.
Taylor said he would not believe
Peterson's statement that majority
of the Interstate Commerce commits
sion were democrats until he was fur
nished with a pedigree of the men,
bers.
Cronin, republican, said that the
amendment tcld the truth. He re-
ferred to the action of Senator Hitch
cock in exerting himself to defeat a
confirmation of one commissioner
who was considered to be unduly
favorable to Wall street interests.
Thomas and Truinble, democrats,
took a whack at the amendment while
Reisner made speech in favor OF it.
A vote was taken and the amendment
was declared lost.
Peterson did not let the matter rest
there. He had discovered that he had
the majority of the house up in the
air and introduced another amend
ment reciting that the Interstate Com
merce commission with the approval
of President Wilson had granted the
railroads a five per cent increase III
railroad freight rates, thereby laying
a great burden upon the producers OF
Nebraska, and now contemplating an
other increase.
Taylor Falls in Trap.
TAYLOR jumped to his feet and
moved to table the amendment and
the house proceeded to do so. Then
too late the discovery was made thar
the action in tabling the amendment
had disposed of the resolution, much
to the chagrin of Mr. Taylor and 9TH
er democrats who had been caught by
the action of the minority floor
leader.
The Hager resolution in the senate
calling for criticism of the Interstate
Commerce commission and hintng
that the courts should take some note
of the feeling of the people, brought
out protest from the republicans and
resulted in an amendment being sent
up by Senator Sandal calling for the
elimination of that part of the Hager
resolution which called attention to
the vote OF Wilson and Hughes as
showing how the people felt toward
the Interstate Commerce commission.
McMullen denied that the Inter
state Commerce commission action
in overruling the will of the state
commission was the paramount issue
of the republicans, as indicated by a
democratic senator. THE resolution is
unfair to the republican party
Unfair and Untrue.
In explanation of his amendment,
Senator Sandal said that part of the
resolution referred to was not only
unfair but untrue. at was not para
mount ISSUE" said he. President Will
son in his speeches had not referred to
the matter at all, consequently it
coulu not have been considered one of
the issues of importance" He said he
was for the resolution, but against
that part referred TO in his amend
ment.
Senator Beal, democrat, was for the
resolution, but gave the republicans
great credit for legislation in the part
THE legislature which passed the
2-cent fare bill" said he. was strong
" republican in both branches, and it
was the best legislature the state Of
Nebraska ever saw
Chappell, democrat, said the rate
question was all issue out in kearney
county, and made strong plea for
the passage OF the resolution as a
whole.
Albert Asks Caution.
The amendment lost, but before a
vote was taken on the original resolu
ton, Albert, democrat, who was alb
sent during the discussion, came in
and asked the privilege of being heard
before the vote was taken, and it was
granted.
Judge Albert said it was entirely
wrong for the legislature to take
any action tending to censure or criti-
cize the courts and that it was equally
wrong for the courts to criticize the
action of the legislature. The courts
had a right to pass judgment upon the
legality OF laws, but should not criti-
cize. The resolution passed by party
vote.