The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-04-25
Tho Speakershlp,

The northern papers are engaged day
after day in discussing the probabilities OF
the election Of this, that, or the other man
TO the Speakership OF the next House OF
Representative. A Washington corre-
spondent OF the Brooklyn Union reports a
very interesting interview which he has
had with a Republican politician OF some
national reputation, who has been in Wash
ington every session OF Congress since An
DREW JouNsoN's time, and who once repre-
sented American interests abroad. He is
said 10 be an observant person, OF large
acquaintance with public men all over the
country, particularly in the South ana
ought TO be able TO cast political horo-
scope with considerable accuracy.
We Gull afew OF his uttcrances. He said :
ar the free-tradc Democrats elect the
Sneaker think the Republicans VIII carry
the country in 1884 but II will be as hard
work rs it was in 1880. A free-trade
sneaker will appoint Ways and Means
Committee that will report a tariff bill NJ
once. II will pass the House; Will be killed
m the Senate, and thus the fight viii begin
on that issue before we are wei INTO tne
new year. If prOtectionist Democrat DC
elected, however, the tariff issue VIII be as
dead as a door-nail; and j think the he.
publican party is in such condition OF
naturalization from internal Drolls,
through the plumbers of leaders, and the
absolutely criminal conduct OF the last
Congress, that the Democrats VIII defeat
lis unless there be an overshadowing issue
like the tariff question before the country.
| don't believe that the Democrats are
going TO make any OF the great mistakes
predicted for them before the presidential
election, although they will have an I'M
wieldy majority in the House. There is
only one protectionst Democrat who can
be elected Speaker. That man is sam.
Randall, and | believe his election is rea-
sonably certain" 80,
"Iknow that Hammond, OF Georgia, Will
support Randall, although, like most OF his
section, he Is q free-trader. Ihen you
must remember that all the Democratic
manufacturers OF means and large lnnu-
ence will support Randall in preference to
any other candidate. They are protec-
tionists, and they know that IL Mr.. Ran
dali Is speaker he will appoint Ways and
Means Committee who will see to 1t that
the tariff issue will not bother the country
in the next presidential canvass, aud that
their interests are looked out for. l know
of New York Democratic votes, and more
than two. that win be cast for Randall il
necessary. although Sunset Cox boasts That
he will have the Democratic vote OF that
state. He may get it as compliment, but
that will be all. The men who are sup
porting Randall have means and political
power at their disposal. and they mean to
use it to elect their man."
What" said this gentleman in conclu-
sion. scan men like Morrison and Waiter
son, and the others who contend that free
trade Is to save the Democratic party, do IN
the presidential canvass ii they do not elect
free-trade Speaker to give practical ef-
feet to what they argue is the principle OF
the party? think the result OF the Speak
ership fight will go far toward deciding
the presidential contest"
The Staunton Vindicotor must have post
ed that Republican politician" so closely
does he follow its lead.