New-York tribune., 1876-12-23


MENTs.
TBY TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUNE.1
WASHINGTON Dec. 22-The Republicans think
tbat Speaker Randall has not acted quite as fairly in
the appointment of the two important committees
70 deal with the Presidential question President
Ferry of the Senate did in selecting the Representa-
tiyes of that branch yesterday. They complain
especally of the construction OF the first committee
which IS directed to ascertain and report what are
the powers duties and privileges of the House IN
relation to the count of the electoral vote. The
chairman of that committee, Mr.. Knott, is the
chairman of the Judiciary Committee OF the House,
position which naturally belongs to one of the best
lawyers of the body. The third member Of the com
mttee Mr.. Tucker of Virginia. is also one OF the
ablest lawyers on the Democratic side The other
two Democrats are Mr.. Sparks of Illinois and
Mr.. Maish of Pennsylvania, both of them
LAWYERS though not eminent in their profession.
OF the three Republicans, Mr. Burchard of illinois,
Mr.. seelye. and Mr. Monroe, the first only has had
any legal training. They all men Of the highest
character and eminent ability, and will command
tho respect of the country in any position IN which
they may be placed. But the duties of this commit
tee are peculiarly of legal nature. They are to
discuss and report upon questions OF constitutional
law. and it was only fair that the Republicans
should be represented upon it by men who were at
least LAWYERS by profession. 1t is understood that
botb Mr. Scelye and Mr. Monroe feel greatly annoyed
at having been placed in such position.
The Committee of Seven to confer with the simi-
lar committee appointed by the Senate yesterday
Is in some respects more fairly made up Its chair
man, Mr. Payne, is one of the most conservative OF
Northern Democrats in the House, and of two OF his
associates, Mr.. HuntOn and Mr.. Hewitt, it may at
least be said that if they are partsans they are not
uureasoning ones. Mr.. Hewitt, it may be remem-
bered. supported the Lord resolution in the Demo-
cratic caucus which carried by the votes OF the
southern nmembers with minority of the Democratic
representatives from the North. Mr.. Springer, the
fourth Democrat, is one of the most extreme men in
bis views on the rights the House in regard to the
Presidential election. The three Republicans are
Messrs. McCrary, Hoar, and Willard. Messrs Nc
Crary and Hoar are both men in whom the Repubii-
cans have the greatest confidence, and at the same
time NAV be depended upon to take bold stand in
defense of their convictions of right. Mr.. Willard
isaman who is held in the highest respect by mem
bens of all parties in the House, and there
IA no one who is more devoted to his
convictions of truth and right than ne.
At the same time the Republicans complain
that this appointment was an unfair one. Early in
the session. when he was named by the Speaker as
member of one of the Southern investigating COM
mittees, his colleague, Mr.. CoDger, objected 10 MS
appointment on the ground that he was not Re
publican and Mr.. Willard made no reply. lie Is
known to have reached no settled conclusion as 10
the result of the late election and will therefore IN
doubtedly act as an Independent taking such ground
as his judg aent in view of all the facts when they
are presented, shall dictate. The Republicans do
not complain of him as a man, but arc opposed TO
his appointment as a fair representative OF the
opinions held by their party. He does represent
conservative. independent element in the Republican
party which, though not strong in numbers, conf
prbGs somc of the best mon in public life.
Il Is understood that Mr.. Randall held no consulta-
ton with tie Republicans in regard to the selection
Of minority members either of these committees
This not in accordance with the usual practice III
both houses. 1t is customary for the party having
the majority to inform the minority of the repre-
smtation they propose to give them on all poticai
committees and to invite them to suggest the names
Of gentlemen they would like to haveappointed'