Senate Enters Second Day of Debate on Seating Illinois Appointee Frank L. Smith

The Senate went into a second day of debate on Thursday on whether Col. Frank L. Smith, named by Illinois to fill a vacancy, may take the oath of office, both the Evening Star and the New Britain Herald reported from Washington.

The states’ rights issue dominated the discussion. Smith’s supporters argued that denying him the oath would set a dangerous precedent and disregard the right of a sovereign state to representation in the Senate. The Herald said they were seeking votes for a resolution by Senator Overman of North Carolina that would seat Smith without prejudice to any later inquiry into the financing of his primary campaign last year.

Opponents still claimed a narrow edge. They stood behind the resolution of Senator Reed of Missouri, which would send Smith’s credentials to the elections committee without administering the oath.