The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-11-23

init itself to his administration of the speak
ership. AS the nomination, however, is
merely com plimentary, and there is more or
less of comradeship among the members, 1t
is scarcely possible that Keller can be de-
feated. Judge Kelley, who has arrived here
in restored health, has acknowledged that he
would be pleased to receive the compliment
ary nomination but that he should decline
to be candidate against Keller.
KEIFERs RESPONSE TO PHELPS.
Columbus, o., Special.
While in the city to-day General Keller
was called upon with view of learning the
ex-Speakers views concerning the letter that
had been addressed to him by William Wal
ter Phelps congressman-elect The ex-
Speaker did not attempt to disguise the fact
that he was out of humor over the publicity
given the matter, and said that on taking
up the morning papers was completely taken
by surprise. General Keifer talked quite
freely and substantially as follows:
ut appears to me that Mr.. Phelps as
sumes considerable in addressing letter to
rue marked private and confidential and
directly after getting himself interviewed, re-
vealing the contents of his letter so marked.
was surprised in receiving the
letter asking me to withdraw my
name as a candidate for the complimentary
vote of the Republicans as Speaker of
the next House. The honor is an empty
one, and l had never given the subject a
thought; but Mr.. Phelps thinks that my with
drawal will bring about harmony between the
halfbreeds and the stalwarts. In the first
place. | know of no such existing factions.
If there are such, hold my own position as
a Republican, ana shall do in the future as
in the past, that which think for the best
interests of the Republican party, and hold
ing the views l did aided my election as
Speaker of the House l have not spoken to
a single member of Congress in regard to the
matter in question, nor shall / solicit any
votes | have not announced myself as a
candidate for the empty compliment and, OF
course can't withdraw. Whenever | have
sought the support OF my party friends it
has been for something attached to it, and
not for mere barren recognition"
Have you written Mr.. Phelps?'
YES sir; l answered his letter as soon as
received / think that was on the 18th inst"
What reply did you maker
Simply that / had not sought the COM
plmentary vote for the speakership had not
asked for the vote of single member, and
that should not. Further, that when the
members met in Washington there could be
an understanding arrived at easily; that L
should not stand in the way. of any man
whom the majority Of the Republican mem
bers might see fit to compliment with their
vote
The Speaker then said: During the last
Congress / failed to discover half breeds and
stawarts. All Republicans worked together
SUCH and have seen nothing since show
ing that the Republicans are divided into
factions, and that this and that must be
done with view of secur-
ing harmony. So far as my observation
goes the Republicans are united, and think
the recent elections in the Eastern States.
where it was alleged there were conflicting
elements, prove the correctness of what L
saw l shall go to Washington in a few days
to attend to some important business, which,
as Speaker of the last House, devolves upon
rue. There will be no trouble whatever as
regards the complimentary vote, at least not
so far as | am concerned"