The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-03-20
The Sennte Committees.

The plan adopted by he Democrats for
the reorganization of the Senate committees
is likely TO leave many heart-burnings
and TO throw to the front In several cases
men who are not equal 10 the positions they
will inherit by the mere order OF standing
on the former epmmittces when IN minor
lty. Instead Of selecting the best men for
these trusts, and making fitness the first
condition, priority OF service is the rule
adopted by the managers to get rid of tho
responsibility Of making changes upon a
higher principle.
BY the practical operation Of this rule,
New Jersey Will get the Chairmauships Of
Military Affairs and Naval Affairs which
have never in recent times been given % a
single State. And it happens In this way,
which serves to Illustrate the method and
Its application. Mr.. RANDOLPH was tho first
name Of the Democratic minority on the
Committee of Military Affairs. That fact
makes him Chairman. On the Naval Affairs
Mr.. WHITE of Maryland was the first name,
and Mr. MCPHERsoN of New Jersey was the
second Mr.. WHITE was in the line Of pro-
motion, but as he was also n member of the
Committee on Printing he chose the luttcr,
which lett the succession To Mr.. MCPHER-
son. over Senator JoSEs of Florida, who is
two years older in the Senate Is recognized
for intellectual vigor, and has navy yard
In his State. In the same way MI DAVIS Of
West Virginia becomes Chairman OF the
Committee on Appropriations, now one Of
the most important places in Congress, and
as minority member Of which he gained
no distinction, hardly raising his voice
81. a. ntt,
The two rivals who entered tine senate
together ten years ago will be properly
placed. Mr. THURMAN goes to the head of
the Judiciary and Mr. BAYARD to that Of
Finance, where he Is likely to be- confronted
with majority adverse 10 the Vicws which
he has maintained. MI SALISBURY VIII be
Chairman Of the Privileges and Elections,
before which KELLOGG's case Will bee cousd-
cred when the petition Of Judge SPOFFORD,
who was fairly and legally elected to the
scat, shall be presented. Little Delaware
thus approprates two of the First hInors.
Mr.. EATON very properly becomes Chair
man on Foreign Relations having Ind long
service on the Committee, and being emil
nently fitted for the duties. Gen. GORDON
succeeds Mr.. CoNKLING on the Committee
OF Commerce. which will give him large
power over future river and harbnr bills,
and the projected leyens ON the Mississippi
Texas gets the Chairmanshp Of Post Offices
In Mr.. MAxEY, and Of Indian Affairs in
Mr.. COKE, which means a policy OF extreme
repression, and a large standing army Ia
enforce 1t. That State, in both Houses OF
Congress, resisted any reduction OF the
existing military establishments and de-
feated every measure Of reform looking to
that object
Mr., MCDONALD will head the Public Lands,
as the representative Of Mr.. HENDRICKS
who was formerly Commissioner Of the
General Land Office. before the organization
OF the Rings that made il one OF the chl"l
sources OF plnndrr. Mr.. WirHEH5 Of Viz
ginia, an ex-COnfedcrate viii have the duty
OF presiding over the Pensions, and hitherto
he has exhibited liberal spirit in this re-
Bpect, which disarms prejudice against him
MI CooKRELL Of Missouri, who is to be
charged with the Claims, is palnstakin2
legislator, OF 10 great breadth Of capacity
but who will not tolerate fraud
Mr.. HARRIS OF Tennessee follows Mr.
DORSEY on the District OF Columbia Com