"The members have heard the motion," said the Chairman, "all in favor of postponing the consideration of the Cleverly bill for the present will say aye."
There was a loud chorus of ayes.
"All those who oppose it, say no."
A few scattered voices called out "no."
"The ayes have it," said the Chairman, "and the motion to postpone is carried."
Carlton was plainly nettled at the turn of affairs. He turned to the clerk angrily and said:
"I think it's the business of the clerk to take care of the papers of the Committee, and I think it is a great mistake to make a member of Congress and his constituents suffer from the negligence of an employé."
Joel Phipps became white in the face. At this unexpected thrust, however, he had the courage to rise behind his desk, and said:
"I am very sorry the bill was lost, but it's not my fault. The members of the Committee unfortunately have gotten into the habit of taking away papers without obtaining the permission of the Chairman or without giving a receipt for the same. Several of them have done this during the past few days, and Mr. Carlton, I regret to say, is one of the chief offenders."