The Llano colonist. [volume] (Llano, Calif.) 191?-1937, 1922-10-07
ARE THEY GUARDING
THE PEOPLES RIGHTS?
(Bv The Federated Pressl

Washington. When Rep. Oscar
Keller of Minnesota arose on the floor
of the house and read series of seven
charges and formal resolution Inn
peaching Attorney General Daugherty
for high crimes and misdemeanors
and calling upon the house judiciary
committee to investigate the charges.
he was quickly taken off the floor by
a parliamentary trick.
Evasion Of the issue, which has
marked the tactics of the administration
leadership in the house for the past two
years, was again employed. Majority
Leader MondelI and Speaker GilIett, in
this instance precisely as in the case Of
! the Woodruff Johnson resolution, seek
ing to compel Daugherty to prosecute
the war contract grafters, stifled the
protest without pretense of answer.
Keller offered to the house these
charges:
'First-Harry M. Daugherty, attor-
ney-generaI Of the United States, has
used his high office to violate the con-
stitution of the United States in the fol-
lowing particulars:
|. By abridging freedom Of speech.
! 2. By abridging freedom Of press.
| 3. By abridging the right of the peo-
pie peacefully to assemble.
Second That, unmindful of the
duties of his office and his oath TO de-
fend the constitution, and unmindful
Of his obligation to discharge those du-
ties faithfully and impartiaIly, the said
Harry M. Daugherty has in his capacity
as attorney general of the United States
conducted himself in a manner arbi-
trary, oppressive, unjust. and illegal.
"Third-He has without warrant
threatened with punishment citizens of
the United States who have opposed his
attempts to override the constitution
and laws Of this nation.
'Fourth-He has used the funds of
his office illegally and without war
rant in the prosecution of individuals
and organizations for certain lawful
acts which, under the law, he was
specifically forbidden to prosecute.
"Fifth-He has failed to prosecute
individuals and organizations violating
the law after those violations have be-
come public scandal.
"Sixth-He has defeated the ends OF
Justice by recommending the release
from prison Of wealthy offenders
against the Sherman antitrust law.
"Seventh-FIe has failed to prose.
cute defendants legally indicted 70.
crimes against the people"
After reading these charges, Rep
Keller announced that he therefore
moved adoption of this resolution.
But the administration does moi
want Daugherty's conduct in getting
the injunction against the railroad
workers brought up for inquiry by a
committee on impeachment. Hence ii
stopped Keller before he had even be-
gun his speech. Mondell moved that
the resolution be referred to the judi
diary committee, and he moved the
previous question upon his own motion.
Speaker GiIlett ruled that Keller was
taken from the floor by his own action
in offering the resolution. Blanton. OF
Texas, raised the point of order that
Keller was not entitled, under the rules
to read the charges and then offer a
resolution. Blanton's point was over
ruled. but Keller was not permitted tc
speak. The administration majority
voting solidIy, buried the whole matter
Iby sending it to committee.
In the suppressed speech, Keller
charged Daugherty with seeking in VIC.
lation of the constitution and the Clay
ton act to smash the rail unions.