Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1891 — LAST HOURS OF CONGRESS. [ARTICLE]

LAST HOURS OF CONGRESS.

Pleasant Incidents—Taking Advantage of a Xinll. Special to Indianapolis JournoL A laughable scene occurred in the Senate this afternoon. Tho conference report on the copyright bill had just been disposed of. and for thirty seconds there was no business prossnted to the Senate. In a- single moment the opportunity appeared to be who had private bills they wished acted upon. That number of members rushed down to the front row of seats and stood up in straight lines, teu or twelvo abreast. Each held in his right hand a Senate calendar, and each had his thumb on theroumber of his bill. “Mr. President,” • ‘Mr. President,” “Mr. President,” exclaimed the Senators in appealing tones toward the presiding officer. The usual decorous atfd dignified Senate was in an uproar of laughter. Finally Senator Pierce, of North Dakota, whose term expires at neon to-morrow, turned to. his friends and in appealing tones said; “Please give a fellow about to go into private life a last chance. I have here a bill that I have been trying to get through ever since I came into Con. gress. This is the last opportunity I will ever have. I ask unanimous consent to take it up.” Every extended hand dropped. There was silence, Finally a voice, in friendly tones, cried out; “Go it.” The North Dakota Senator had the floor. There was not a word uttered. He presented his bill. It appropriated SI,OOO to repair and extend the officer’s quarters, barracks and other buildings used for military purposes at Fort Abraham Lincoln. It was read and passed without a single word of decate or explanation. Senator Pierce had the floor, and if he had wanted to do so, could have held it to pass every blit he has on the Senate calendar. When he sat down the clamor for recognition was renewed, but finally a general measure came up and the usual routine was resumed.