Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-12-07
THE HOUSE COMMITTEES.

The manner in which Speaker Blaine
has made up the House committees meets
with general approval. They are formed
with admirable judgment as to the pecul-
lar adaptation of individuals to places and
the popular demand and expectation.
Throughout they evince careful study and
an eye watchful to the interests of the
country, as well as discriminating in rela-
ton to persons. That all will be perfectly
satisfied is an impossibility Of course where
there were numerous candidates for the
same positions. but the average opinion is
the true criterion, and thai is unmistaka-
bly, commendatory of the appointments
made. The Boston Advertisers Wash
ington correspondent doubtless speaks the
true sentiment in Congress and at the
Capital when he says The cast of the
House committees gives general satistac-
ton, and is pronounced by experienced
members stronger and more judicious than
that OF the last Congress"
But it is in the appointment of Mr..
Dawes to the Chairmanship of the Com
mittee of Ways and Means that the sound
discretion of the Speakers best displayed.
The feeling in relation to the appoint
ment to be made for this position was in
tense. The radical p-otectioniss were
afraid that their interests would be sacri-
feed, and the free-tra ders were anxious
about theirs. In the appointment made
both will be satisfied. although neither
side gets the man put forward for the
place, and the majority of Congress and
their constituents will endorse Mr.. Dawes
as the tittest person for the position. Mr..
Dawes is protectionist, but not of the
radical school. He has an established
record for honesty, economy and ability.
The Boston Journal says "a better man,
if so good a one, could not have been Sc
odd members whom the Speaker
surveys from his elevated seat"
The Boston Advertiser says: "Mr Dawes
is the gentleman whom the best opinion
of five-sixths of the people of the country
acquainted with his character and with the
requirements of the position would name
for the craftsmanship of the committee of
ways and means, while he will be salts
factory, if he was not their first choice, to
large majority of the rest. The position,
with whatever honor is connected with
great labor and responsibility, comes to
him as the member of longest continuous
service and of conspicuous qualifications
with a double appropriateness" The New
York York Tribune will of course cordial
ly endorse Mr.. Dawes, while the New
York Post, although free trader, said in
relation to the appointment Of Dawes on
Ways and Means and Garfield on Appro-
priatons, These appointments will GER
tainly be very satisfactory to the House,
on the whole, and will add to Mr.. Blane's
great popularity a. Speaker The Phila-
delphia Press, whose fayorite candidate
was Mr.. Kelley OF Pennsylvania, speaks of
Mr. Dawes as follows: "Mr. Daweeis
what may be termed a New England pro-
tec;ioni-ts but he is "a good deal Of an adj
vance upon iree-tradcr, or. indeed, So
called Revenue Reiormer. OF his ability
there can be no question, when he masters
the details ard becomes familiar with the
routine work of the committee he will
prove an able chairman
These expressions OF opinion already
made indicate that difficult matter has
been disposed Of in very satisfactory and
intelligent way. 1t is also evident that Mr..
Blaine was wiser than his assaiIants last
Spring when he refused to appoint the
committees at that time. During the sea-
son he has been able to consult members
Of Congress, and give the subject the
thought which its importance required
The result is most excellent organza-
ton of the House, efficient Tor work and
strong in the confidence of the people.
This was what the Speaker aimed at and
this alone. The charge made in some
auarters that he would use his power in
che appointment of the committees to fur