Evening star., 1940-02-04
"Czor" Reed
Counts q
Quorum

dSO dS lIlc 1tCPuU11SdA1c,
S1o' Neeo who were in the majority,
Sountso undertook to transact leg
Quorum islative business by the
procedure of Speaker Thomas B. Reed in
counting" quorum. The Star OF Janu-
ary 81, 1890, thus describes scene in
the House:
"The Speaker refused to entertain Mr..
Springer's motion to adjourn and stated
that he would not recognize even ordi-
nary parliamentary motions if they were
used with a view to obstructing business.
Mr. Springer appealed from the decision
and demanded to be heard, but Mr., NC
Kinley was recognized to move to table
the appeal. Mr. Springer protested wild
ly and was seconded by the entire Demo-
cratic side. A tremendous uproar en-
sued. Mr.. Perkins of Kansas taunted
the Democrats with disgraceful conduct
and a number of the Democrats respond
ed in kind.
"The Speaker directed the roll to be
called and the clerk proceeded to do so,
Mr.. Springer meanwhile denouncing the
Speakers action and continuing to shout
out his remonstrance and defiance as
the roll call proceeded. Before the clerk
had gotten through the 'Bs' Of the list,
however, Mr.. Springer sank back ex-
hausted amid the cheers OF the Repub-
ucans. The call then proceeded. at least
partial order prevailing, while the Demo-
Gratis were consulting earnestly in
groups.
/. 1.-THE Democrats again refrained from
voting, but the Speaker sat coolly glanc-
ing over the Democratic side, now and
then checking off a member whose name
was called and who refused to respond.
The vote resulted yeas, 1863; nays, o.
and the Speakers decision was sustained.
Again the Speaker refused to recognize
Mr.. Springer to put motion to adjourn
and Mr.. Dalzell was recognized to call
up the election case. Mr.. Crisp denied
the right of the chair to class his motion
as dilatory motion and protested
against the Speakers action, which he
said was in disregard of all parliamentary
rules. Mr. Dalzell then took the floor
and began to present the views of the
Election Committee on the contested
election case of Smith against Jackson.
The Democrats showed disposition to
interrupt Mr. Dalzell, but Mr.. Crisp,
Georgia, promptly quelled this and de-
manded hearing of the gentleman from
Pennsylvania So, at last, after three
days contest, the Republicans have Sue
ceeded in getting the House to consider
the election case and matters have
uuieted down.
Washington was the scene of tragic
fire on the morning of February 3. 1890.
The home of Benjamin F. Tracy,
1roqic Secretary of the Navy, at 1884
Fire I street, was destroyed by fire
with the loss of three lives. Mrs.
Tracy, the wife of the Secretary, was
killed by falling from a window; Miss
Mary Tracy, daughter of the Secretary,
was suffocated by smoke, and Josephine
Morrell, their French maid, was burned
to death. Secretary Tracy was rendered
unconscious by smoke Mrs. Wilmerding,
his married daughter, grievously injured
by jumping from second-story window,
and her daughter Alice bruised by jump
ing with her mother. The fire occurred
shortly before o'clock and spread so
rapidly that there was little chance to
rescue the occupants.
An investigation of the origin of the
fire was at once begun. The Star edi-
torially said February
Fire Safeguards 4, 1890:
Advocated THE investigation
into the origin of the
fire at Secretary Tracy's which de-
stroyed his wife and daughter and came
so near to ending his life will not accom-
plish any material benefits unless it
shall secure for the occupants of resi-
dences hereafter to be built greater i'm
munity from peril. The feeling is gen.
eral that we must have closer inspection
Of all new buildings. The modern city
home with its numerous devices, using
electricity as servant and profiting by