April 26, 1912

Ur. RUCKER of :Missouri Mr . . Speaker, I ask unanimous to the Committee on Pensions : consent for one minute in which to make an announcement to the House.

The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Missouri [Mr. Rucker] asks unanimous consent to address the House for one minute. Is there objection? [After a pause.] The Chair hears none.

Mr. RODDE!\~ERY. Reserving the right to object, Mr. Speaker, I wish to say that this debate and this discussion has extended so long that I fear the committee will bring in a special rule directly cutting off debate and amendments, designed to stop this filibuster, which I regret to see gentlemen obstreperously conducting. [Laughter.]

The SPEAKER. The gentleman from Missouri [Mr. RuCKEB] is recognized.

Mr. RUCKER of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the conference com- · mittee of the House and Senate has had under consideration for nearly a year House joint resolution 39, relating to the popular election of Senators.

We felt that we were strong enough to force the Senate into line, but we found we were unable to do so. The conferees failed to reach an agreement. The matter was reported to the Senate, and that body, by a larger vote than before, voted to insist on the . Senate amendment. A message from the Sena.te announcing that fact is now in the House. I want to give notice that to-morrow, as soon after the convening of the House as I can get recognition, I desire to move to recede from the disagreement of the House to the Senate amendment and to concur in that amendment. [Applause.]