The New York herald., 1875-12-21
Democratic Definition OF
State Rights.
The Presidential Succession Question Settled
for The Holidays.
FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

WASHINGTON, Dec 90 1875.
GENERAL SATISFACTION OF THE DEMOCRATS
OVER SPEAKER KERR's COMMITTEES THE
POLICY INDICATED BY THEM.
Speaker Rerrs committees give satisfaction to the
best democrats here IN both houses They promise
positive legislation and record for the party which
Win put il and keep It on strong democratic ground,
hard money, revenue reform, economy in ex-
pcnditures and home rule. In the formation
Of the committees the Speaker has surprised
some Of his friends by displaying unexpected
qualities Of leadership He has firm hand aud the
courage OF his opinions He has shown the faculty OF
listening respectfully 10 all sides, but making up ms
own mind afterward and II any imagined that
Clique or set could "run the Speaker" they have
found themselves mistaken. u is remarked also that
Mr. Kerr has shown more political art than he was
credited with in the formation Of committees and
has known how balance the just claims OF the dner
sections IN way likely TO give general satisfaction
Ii remains TO be seen whether the body Of democrats
in the House up TO the mark Of the Speaker or
whether they viii crush and defeat the policy which,
by his selection Of the chairmen Of the important com
mtees he has openly declared that which he favors.
On this subject all is yet conjecture, but sign ap
peared even this afternoon. The Speaker appointed
upon the Committee Pacific Railroads, with Mr..
Lamar as Chairman, seven who the other day
openly said that this vote meant nothing
and that large majority Of the committee favored sub
sdies II is said TO stand nine to four
IL however, Mr. Kerr able to carry the important
points Of his policy it is admitted that he viii have put
the Pendeton and soft money branch Of his party in
the West under foot and will achieve which
may make his party of principle and give
il not only platform, but legislative record with
which appeal to the country next year In the effort
this end is certain that Aessr Morrison Randall
Cox, Knott and Swami will assist him, and the
closely the committees studied the
more it is that all the important have
definite aim and purpose, and that behind the chair
in each capable as he, and fully in
harmony with the purposes and policy desired by the
Speaker Thus behind Mr. Morrison, in Ways and
Means, several strong revenue reformers, who
make majority Of the committee, Of course Behind
Mr.. Cox, In Banking and Currency, stands Mr..
Payne, OF Ohio, conspicuously able hard money
man, and the tone OF this committee Is
decidedly for sound currency. Behind
Mr.. Randall, in Appropriations, stands Mr.. Holman
Of Indiana who is noted for tenacious and watcAfu
spirit Of economy which will help Mr. Randall In the
Committee on Commerce, Hereford Of West Virginia,
himself an able and clear headed man, has General
Elijah ward equally able, his second The Judiciary
Committee is made up mainly or very capable lawyers
In the Committee Foreign Relations the Speaker
appears 70 determined decidedly his
desire for peaceful relations with all the world and
the head OF the State Department Mr.. Swami, the
chairman, has had long experience OF the work Of
this committee, is gentleman Of conservative views
and understood to be personal friend of Secretary
Fish
Those who have been long familiar with prominent
men in the House OF both parties somewhat amused
this evening feature in the Speakers arrange
ing policy clearly defined in his mind, be look
not only pat into the places where
they would advance this policy bat others in places
where they are least likely to oppose it.
"He has put whero they'll do the most good,
said one member. and another added ayes, and some
where they'll do the least harm"
II is thought that the Speaker has treated the Re
publican side Of the House very fairly. Blaine,
Wheeler Hale Burchard Of Illinois, Garfield, Kelley
Kasson and others of prominence all have good
places important committees