Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-12-03
THE SPEAKERSHIP.
Claims Made by Several Candidates as to
Their Strength.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2-During the
afternoon estimates were made Of the
strength OF the several Candidates for
Speaker. Mr.. Crisp's friends counted be-
tween 80 ard 90 representatives, who, they
ssid, were certsin to vofe for Georais's
representative on the first ballot. con-
servative supporter of Mr. Mills said th.,
the latter had nearly rs votes. This con-
gresham was confident that the number
would be increased BY Saturday.
Friends OF Mr., Mills assert tha. be will
gain most from the dsfe ciion in the ranks
of the other contestants ard they look for
biz election b. the Withdrawal Of other can
didales. MIR. Crisp, supporters also assert
that when the break comes Mr.. Crisp Will
win easily.
The chief work today hiss been directed
against Mr.. Springei's forces and reports
were current Of q break in favor of Mr.
Mills, Up to six o'clock these reports
could not be verified.
Mr.. Sprir ger said he was hold his own.
The Illinois candidate has shown more
strength than any one willing to copcede
him at first, one Of his lisutensnts said Mr..
Springer had at least forty votes to be cast
in his favor on the first ballot. These
were principally from the Northwest.
1t is raid thas Mr.. Mills expects to get the
greater psrt Of these votes, but 1t 10 also
ssserte that MIR. Crisp will be found to
have supporters In Michigan and Wiscon-
sin, and vote in Minnesota.
Mr McMillib's CANVASS is progressing
smoothly. A great many representatives
think exceedingly we'll of him, but will
vote for other candidates until some change
develops 10 the situation. The delegations
from New England. Wisconsin and Minne-
sofa will hold meetings this evening, and
some nervousness is exhibited, IS it is
tn ought that change is more likely to
occur within the next "a hours than at any
other time prior to the actual bslloting
The remarks Of one of the New England
Congressmen that the papers might get
news of q delegations meeting il the cor
respondents were up at IL or l O'Clock,
shows that an agreement in this delegation
Is unlikely.
The canvass for the miner offices 10 over
shadowed by that for the speakership. Mr..
ID alton Of Indisns, Who was candl late Tor
the cierkship, fouud differences in his dele
CATION over bis candidacy and has with
drawn, leaving The race TO ex-Repre anfsnve
Kerr Of Pennsylvsnia, Mr. Crutchfield OF
Kentucky ard Representative Clark OF
Missouri, who was clerk Of the House dur
ing the s0lh Congress.
There are are number OF candidates
for the other elective eff ses under control
Of the House. The distribution OF these
Offices is largely dependent on the fesuls Of
tue Speskership contest Representatives
Price Of Louisiana, Enloe Of Tennessee,
Gov. Buchanan and Col. John W. Chilares
| arrived today and will assist Mr.. McMillin
in his canvass.
The New England delegation held an in
formal conference a; the house Of Mr..
A drews of Massachusetts, this evening for
the purpose OF taking over the siusti IN
and genng better idea Of eseh
others views and opinions With
respect to the speskership candi.
ds es. The conferences lasted some
time andlss its close Mr. Mckinney Of New
Hampshire, ssid the discussion showed tnst
| 10 out OF the IA members If the delegsti0n o
we're for Mr.. Mills, the remaining four
| being divided among other candidates. No
| formal ac,lcn was taken at conference. II
WAS the understanding that there would be
no further meeting Of the delegation before
| the caucus Saturday.
| The Illinois delegation held 9 prosraeted
meeting tonight, for the purpose - stated
! By Mr.. Springsr's friends, of organizing q
| more effective plan Of campaign. Mr..
| ST ring RS friends Saws he has 81 votes su' G
| wilh more in eight Fonr northern Ihdisas
members tonight declared for Springer.