To show to what logical result the theory of the right of the minority
to prevent legislation or the consideration of public business would
lead, the following illustration was used: "But this very day suppose by
some great calamity the chair of the Speaker was left vacant and we were
confronted with the necessity of electing a Speaker. Elect him under the
rules, you say. Yes, but under the Constitution, greater than the rule.
But, say one-fifth of this House, you shall not proceed to elect a
Speaker unless you will take a man from our number; and we will move to
adjourn, to adjourn over, and to take a recess. You shall never organize
this House so long as we can call the yeas and nays. Do you believe that
we are in that pitiable plight?"

On the subject of civil service Mr. Robinson improved one minute to
express his views in this manner:

"I am heartily in favor of this bill. It is in the right direction. We
have read enough in the platforms of both political parties; here is a
chance to do something.

"In some of the States of this country have just been inaugurated
officers of the Democratic party; and I have noticed they have made
haste, no matter what their declarations have been in recent platforms,
to turn out well tried public servants and put in some of their own
retainers and supporters. I want this Congress here and now to express
itself in this bill, so that it may be in accord with the sentiment of
this country.

"I hear some gentlemen say, 'Oh, yes, we are for reform, but this does
not reform enough,' I am somewhat alarmed when I find a man who says he
wants to reform but cannot begin at all unless he can reform all over in