Speech #630380438

The Senate deliberately votes to proceed to the consideration of a bill. but it appears that under the rules of the Senate that action must give way in" order that a speech may be made by a.Senator on a matter not at all related to the bill which the Senate has voted to consider. I have felt and still feel that a majority of the Senate has a right to be heard upon a measure which is before the Senate. I realize that many of the friends of this bill hesitate to set aside what has been fixed as the regular order. namely. the immigration bill. in order to consider this bill for a sufficient time to dispose of it. They are fearful that such a vote might be construed as opposition to the immigration measure. I think. however. It is an open secret to everybody here that there is a disposition to prevent a vote on the immigration bill but that it Is to stand here as a buffer against the consideration of measures which a few Senators do not desire to pass upon.. I dislike very much to put before the Senate a matter which will compel conscientious Senators to vote to put aside the immigration bill when they want to see it passed. but I also feel that inasmuch as this program is before the Senate. a program of obstruction and delay. it is entirely proper to insist. so far as I can insist. upon considering the- rights of those volunteer officers of the Civil War who did not remain in the Regular Army. but Who did more to preserve the Union than all the Regular Army bfficers who have worn the uniform since 1861.