Evening star., 1917-10-03
HOUSE IN TEARS
AS MASON SPEAKS
Illinois Representative Defends
His Patriotism Against
HefIin Charges.
REBUKE FOR ALBANIAN

Representative Mason of Illinois, one
of the members of the House whom
Representative Heflin of Alabama has
mentioned in his recent attacks, made
a reply to the Alabama democrat today
in speech which viii live long in the
memory of persons present. Not be-
cause OF the fire andFvigor of oratory for
cause of invective and bitter language,
of which Mr. Mason is master, but be-
cause of the restraint which the Illinois
man put on his words in denying the
charge that he had been traitor to his
country.
Instead of a roar of cheers, and a
great confusion, fight or a turmoil,
which the House might have expected,
when Representative Mason took his
seat there were men in tears. Mr..
Mason, telling the House he had sent
his only son to the war to fight for
the flag against which Mr.. Hef1in had
charged him with being traitorous, de-
clared that this action took more pa
triotism than the gentleman from Ala
bama ever had or ever will have Full
ly 100 members stood up and applaud
ed this statement
Representative Hefiin, with a bundle
of papers under his arm, arose at the
conclusion of Mr.. MaSon'S speech and
asked for opportunity tomorrow to
name the men whom he believes sus-
picious. He said he expected a repub-
IDENTIFY upset when a democrat. Repre-
sentative Garner of Texas. served no
tice that as long as he was on the floor
at any time there would be no unani-
NOUS consent granted for the further
discussion of the question.
That ended the argument. Represent
ative Hefiin, showing evidences of dis
gust, left the hall and the House pro-
ceeded with the nations business.
One of Men in Heflin's Mind.
When Representative Mason asked to
be heard. Mr.. Heflin insisted that the
Illinois member be granted the privi-
lege, and added that he desired time to
reply to him.
He is one of the men had in mind"
Mr.. Helm said.
The House plainly indicated that it
wanted to hear no more of the row, but
there was no parliamentary way of
escaping it. Representative Garrett of
Tennessee, acting for the rules commit
tee, vigorously opposed Mr.. Mason's
demand for recognition, and members
groaned when Helm said he desired
time to reply.
Mr.: Mason's contention was that Mr..
Hef1in had accused him of seeking to
repeal the draft law and leave the
United States without an army, which,
inferentially, he declared, was charge
of treason The linking Of his name
with that of Emma Goldman came when
Mr.. Hefiin referred to various persons
opposing the war in connection with
his remarks about Mr.. Mason. Before
Mr.. Mason started to speak Mr. Hefiin
edged in the declaration that the Illi-
nois member had introduced an anti
draft law bill.
Scarcely had Mason started to speak
when he clashed with Representative
Hardy of Texas, Mr.. Mason insisting
his introducing a bill to repeal the draft
law was not true when he made 1T, and
Mr. Hardy demanded that the words
be stricken out of the record. Mr..
Mason withdrew them. Mr.. Masons
contention was that he favored a VOL
unteer system and had merely intro
duced bill to provide against sending
drafted men abroad against their will.
Must Support Country, He Says.
I'VE are in the war now and we must
subscribe" he said, ito the doctrine of
because cheap politician
Objection by Representative Almon of
Alabama caused the Speaker to rule that
Mason was out of order.
Mr.. Mason defended his efforts to have
the draft law changed, and insisted that
in doing SO he represented the majority
Of the people of Illinois instead of mis-
representing them. as Mr.. Hefiin had
charged.
II told the people that they had the
right by the Constitution to change
any law" he said. IF that be treason.
make the most of it. Instead of the
people Of my state being opposed to my
bill. more than 1000 persons who re-
piled to 5000 letters I sent out asking
about the bill. favored it."
Representative Mason Applauded
Representative Mason was greeted
with wild demonstration of applause
by the House as he told how. before
sunset of the day war was declared. his
son had received the blessings of father
and mother to go to the war Talk
about treason" he shouted. with voice
trembling with emotion. "it took more
sacrifice and patriotism to say to him
to go than it takes for any man on this
fioor to rise and question my loyalty
TO my country.
Il hate the German autocracy or any
or the autocracy as much as any man
he announced
He declared that he believed in the
constitutional right of free speech and
petition, and that if representing his
constituents was treason the House
could make the most of it,
When his tracing of his ancestry was
challenged by Representative AIinon of
Alabama as departing from m" aues-
ton OF privilege, Speaker Clark sus-
tained the point of order. Mr.. Mason
protested hat it was vital that he was
charged with getting up German meet
fngs and German plots.
This e&traneous matter bout ances-
try" the Speaker replied, has nothing
to do with the question OF privilege"
Chair for a Square Deal.
Its extremely difficult to hold any
member to the tracks he ought to fol-
low. but the chair tries to treat every
body alike"
inc;eta.y