The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-11
OFFICE SEEKING
Little Things That Mold Big Events,
Important Matters That Are Az
fected by a Carbuncle.
What Mr.. Houk's Disagreeable Pet
May Do for Tennesseeans.
The Patronage, of Several States to
Be Decided By congressman.
Wimberly's Chances for the Doorkeeper
Of the House-How Things Are to
Be Disposed of in Missis.
sippi-Capital Notes.
Special Dispatch to The Appeal.


WASHINGTON, March l0.-Great events
are sometimes caused or impeded by
small and apparently unimportant things.
feather may turn the course of bullet.
AT the present moment the whole plan
and purpose OF President Harrison's ad-
ministration, with regard to the govern
ment of the South through the federal Of
ficers, all the appointments in the South
ern States, even the organization OF the
next House OF Representatives, and to a
great extent, the choice of the next
Speaker, is dependent upon a carbuncle.
That carbuncle, so fraught with the des-
tinies Of men, irritates the neck OF Con-
gresham Houk, OF Tennessee. 1t was
lanced today and the patient is doing so
well that he hopes to be able TO get out
Of his room by Wednesday. II, however
the poison which produced the
carbuncle should penetrate still deeper
into the Congressman's system, il
will be attended by consequences
OF widespread effect. At the first Cabinet
meeting Of the new Administration II was
decided that the patronage OF the several
States should be dispensed through the Re-
publican Congressman from those States,
and II, as in the case OF Mississippi, there
should be no Republican holding n seat in
Congress, then those who made the race
and were defeated, or who are contesting
the seats OF Democrats who were elected
should be recognized as the local leader OF
their party and consulted with regard to
the patronage Of their respective districts.
II this is carried out in Louisiana, Con-
gresham Coleman will have the patron
age OF the whole State at his disposal, he
being the only Republican elected in the
delegation; and in Mississippi Messrs
Chalmers. Hill, Brooks. Cunningham and
kernaghan, being the contestants to Con-
gressiOnal seats, will have great deal 10
say in the matter OF the distribution OF
appointments. Including the four from
Missouri, there will be seventeen Repub-
leans from the South in the coming
Congress. These gentlemen, by standing
solidly together, will be able TO hold the
balance OF power. in the councils OF the
Republicans in the House aud, seeing the
advantages which will accrue 10 them by
taking such n course, they have resolved
10 unite for this purpose. They will meet
here In caucus during the coming week
and decide ON certain plans. Representa-
tive llouk, being the oldest member, will
be the leader OF the Southern contingent
and the head OF the caucus Mr.. Nc
Comas, the bright young Republican from
Maryland, for purposes Of his own, which
included the pledging OF the southernen
20 Gen. Henderson for Speaker, and Mr..
Adams, one OF his own constituents, for
Doorkeepor Of the House, tried 10 have
this caucus held last week. while Houk
was sick, but failed in the attempt. His
failure was n conspicuous triumph 10 the
power which llouk wiclds over the South
em Republican members One OF the
principal points TO be decided at the eau.
Gus will be the disposition 10 be made Of
TIM DooRIEEPgRsuiP
OF the House, which. by common consent,
Is 20 be given TO the South. The principal
candidates are Mr. A. 4. Wimbcrly, Of
Mississippi, and Mr.. Adams, Of Maryland.
There are others In the race, but the priEe
evidently lies between these two. The
latter Is backed by Mr.. McComas and one
OF two other influential members while
Mr.. Wimberly has the support OF Mr..
llcuk and a majority OF the other South
orncns. Ills peculiar strength lies In the
fact that Maryland, whence his most for
midable antagonist comes, Is too near the
border lino-in other words, too iaT north
TO make II probable the Souiherners will
be willing 10 have the appointment, II
given To Adams, credited 20 the South. II
the door-keepcfship n 10 be given 10 the
South at all they wish that its occupant
:. shall be distinctiyely d Southern man.
There s scarcely any doubt but that Mr.
Wimberly will receive the indoncmcnt
and support OF the caucus Endorsement,
aud that being settled the next question
will probably be the Speakcnhip, and,
with thHir seventeen votes, the South.
erners will be In a strong position 10 carry
the election. A little while ago llouk
was In favor Of Reed, OF Maine, but IL is
understood that his views have undergone
change recently In favor Of another man.
The laclional light among the Tennessee
Republicans will he wagcd on the outside
OF Congress. Evans and All Taylor have
both reached an agreement with llouk by
means OF which harmony will In main
tanned among the three. Each will have
complete control Of Affairs and patronage
within their respective districts and the
appointments in the rrst Of the districts
represented by Democrats will be settled
by all three, acting ~ a committee on
nominations. Neither Evans nor Taylor
will make a move toward securing ap.
pointments until llouk gets well, and the
representatives Of the other Southern
States are also waiting his recovery before
taking action. The importance of that
carbuncle can, therefore, be well seen, foI
upon iis progress, one way or the other,
depend great interests.
TnK nfssissfrrfAN
here Leve been Ia constant communication
with iiouk, and have Strengthened oul
ono or two kuoity questions. II has been
about decided which Of tho two contest
Fn,s, Mosley or Matthews shall be ia,
Marshal Tor the Southern District Uf Mis-
sissippi. Mosley has Withdrawn. and hai
indorsed Matthews for the place, Will,
Matthews has iudorscd Mosey for an,
. other place he may want-probably rail
road commissioncrship. An appointment
vii be made In a few days 70 the vacancy
existing In the Manhalship OF the North
trn District. DR.. John Burton In alb,
backed for the place by Chalmers, iii
and Kernnghan, and his chances seem /,
be far ahead ol bis opponent Col Morphis
There are number Of applicants for thI
Office Of District Attorney for the south