Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 149, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 June 1915 — Sneeze Bombs Halted Legislation in Harrisburg [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Sneeze Bombs Halted Legislation in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, PA—The free and continued use of "sneezing powder” and malodorous chemicals and the bombardment of members with pamphlets, books, newspapers and “spitballs” have developed as the latest and most

effective means of halting the passage of legislation of unpopular character In the Pennsylvania house of representatives. The officials of the chamber were unable to abate such performances and much important legislation as a result was delayed. * One night “shqezing powders” were scattered throughout the house and these, together with malodorous chemicals, made the Sir so bad that it was necessary to open the windows.

A number of* persons, among them women, were also forced to leave. Speaker Ambler repeatedly called the house to order and asked that the scattering of the powders be stopped. Members threw their files of legislative bills into the air and at each other. Men who tried to speak on hills were howled down. Shouts, catcalls and yells continued throughout the evening. Next day conditions were even worse. One debater who tried to make his voice heard on an important bill was utterly disregarded. When Rep* resentative Hess, who was in the chair, asked the house to “kindly be in order” he was answered with a chores of “Noes” from all over the floor. - - vr, ■-■jrz.z&r-... ... ■