The Portland daily press., 1888-12-07
THE NECESSITIES OF LEGISLATION.
Growing Feeling Among Republicans
FavorIng an Extra Session.
This Gives a New Impetus to the
Speakership Contest.
Southern Republicans Taking Steps
to Secure United Action.

WASHINGTON, Dec. CIT is apparent that
the belief that spring session of the 51st
Congress may be found necessary and desir-
able Is gaining ground among Republican
representatives. 1t is based mainly upon
three considerations: First, the narrow Re-
publican majority in the next House, which
may not exceed one vote. 1t now seems
probable that four Democrats will receive
certificates as Representatives-elect from
West Virginia. In Tennessee yesterday
judge Of court issued a fat prohibiting
Governor Taylor from issuing certificate to
Evans, the Republican Represenatiye-elect
in the third district. If no certificate be
issued in that case and four Democrats be
certified by the Governor of West Virginia.
the Republicans will have 1853 members,
exactly quorum. Men who favor q called
session urge that with so narrow margin
the Republicans will not be justified in post
poning for eight or nine months the organi-
zation of the House, and running the risk of
losing one or more members by death In the
meantime. IL Is also urged in the same be-
half that the Republican party cannot pru-
IDENTIFY postpone for year or more a revision
Oh the tarlH and the internal revenue laws,
In accordance with its pledges, and that no
such revision can be expected at this session
in the face of President Cleveland's bitter
opposition. A third consideration urged is
the obligation of the Republican party to re-
deem, at the earliest possible day. its pledges
to admit into the Union as States the terri
tories which are fit for Statehood, and which
have been so long and yainly demanding
Justice at the hands of the Democratic party.
IL now seems not improbable that the 5lst
Congress may assemble in April or early In
May, 1885,
This probability has given a decided i'm
petus to the canvass for the speakership, and
tne Tour leading and avowed candidates.
Messrs. Reed, Cannon, Mckinley and Bur-
rows-are not allowing any grass to grow
under their feet. At different times today
all OF them visited the Senate Chamber and
consulted with their friends in that body.
AT other times they were seen in earnest
conversation with different members of the
House who have been reelected. 1t is right
ly judged by. every. candidate that the re-
elected members will exert considerable in
fiuenee upon the newcomers from their re-
spective States. Past experience las shown
that such Is the fact, and also that members
from the same State try to unite upon cam
aIdate ana vote as unit. In the next
Democrats from WestVirginia be seated there
VIII pc eninety-nine Republicans who are mem-
Ders OF the present Congress and sixty-fye
republicans who are not, although eight of
tunem1,Miles OF Connecticut banks and
Gambler of Massachusetts, Dunnell of Min
nesota, Morey of Ohio, Scranton and Watson
OF Pennsylvania and Van Sbaick of Wiscon-
sin-have been members of previous Con-
crosses. 1t will be seen, therefore, that the
candidates have a large field for missionary
effort lying at their very doors, and the pros
pect is that it will be diligently and thor
oughfy cultivated from this time until the
adjournment of Congress.
The Republican Representatives elect
from the Southern and border states, eight
cen in all counting Evans of Tennessee and
Smith OF West Virginia, whose certificates
have not been stolen down to date, are to
hold conference here in short time, and
try to act and vote together in the organiza-
tion OF the House.. Seven of them are mem
bers OF this Congress and eleven are new
men. They will be APT to vote for man for
speaker who will be favorable to the Educa-
tlon bill and appoint strong committee on
education, ,andlwho also fayors reduction of
internal taxes to the greatest practicable ex-
tent.