The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-17
THE sPEAKBRsHIP CONTEST.

Tho contest for the next speakership OF the
House of Representatives is waxing warm.
The two gentlemen now being most promi-
nently mentioned for that honor are Messrs.
Crisp, Of Georgia and Mills. OF Texas. Both
of these have warm. personal adherents; both
are capable representatives and earnest Dem
ocrats and both are thoroughly identified
with the living issue before tho country.
Mr.. Crisp has the reputation of being one
OF the coolest, ablest and altogether best
members Of the body, having served in sew
eral Congresses and deseryedly established
himself in the estimation Of his fellow-repre-
sentstives His valuable services in the great
Force bill contest. which ended in the defeat
Of that most infamous of infamies are we'll
known md acknowledged and that he would
make satisfactory presiding officer Of the
popular House Of Congress no one denies.
Mr. Mills has also undoubtedly been one OF
the foremost figures in the Federal legislation
OF the past few years. He may be regarded
as the pioneer OF tariff reform in the House.
and has fully proven himself to be the peer
Of any man in the various sessions OF the
Federal legislature of which he has been
member He has, in addition to his eminent
services on the floor of the House. worked IN
season and out Of season for the success of
the Democratic party and the triumph Of its
principles aud he, too, if elected Speaker
would mako a dignifed and able presiding
officer who would in every way reflect credit
upon his country and his party.
While, therefore either OF these gentlemen
would worthily fill the Speakers chair and
present contrast to the arrogant, autocratic
and unstatesmanlike administration Of the
Office by Reed which would be 50 striking that
it could not but impress the people most IA
vorably with the difference between Republi-
can partisanry and Democratic patriotism,
still it is yet too soon for either to count with
confidence upon success. For many reasons
of policy 1t might be advisable for the Demo-
cratic majority 10 go West for Speaker
The South must necessarily remain solidly
Democratic since for il t. become any
thing else would mean for 1t 10 be
remanded TO the generalization. disor-
der and anarchy which characterized the days
of reconstruction and Republican and
West therefore. the Democratic party must
bend its every energy as to enable 1t the
more readily 10 win victory one year hence.
On this account it may be that the Demo-
cratic members Of the Fifty-second Congress,
when they meet in caucus TO decide the
speakership question, will conclude that,
while amply recognizing the Democracy and
signal ability Of the Southern members. and
while ready to fully reward their merit still
it might be better for all concerned 10 confer
the coveted honor on some staunch, tried and
true Western Democrat
This is by no means an unlikely conclusion
for the Democratic majority in the House to
arrive at. for while sectionalism of itself |
should not be considered, it cannot be dis /
puted that wise reasons of policy might dc |
tate such action. And if the assembled wis |
dom of Democracy should agree that it /
would be best TO concentrate upon a Western |
speaker. il is superfuous TO say that none in |
the House would more heartily and sincerely |
acquesce in the decision than the two whose
names have so honorably and worthily been
in that connection.