The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-12-17
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON RULES.
Ex-Speaker Reed Disagrees with Mr. Crisp'i
Manner of Selection.

Ex-Speaker Reed Disagrees with Mr. Crisp's
Manner of Selection.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16.-The innovation
made by Speaker Crisp in the appointment
of the committee on rules does not COM
mend itself to Speaker Reeds judgment.
After the announcement of the committee
had been made to-day he said; Il appointed
the committee on rules to consist of four
men. two of whom were the chairmen of
the committees on ways and means and
appropriations, because both those COM
mittees have the right of way in the
House. and. therefore, those chairmen
would not want to gain undue advantage
for their committees at the expense of
others; furthermore, the chairmen of
those committees are practically the
advisers of the Speaker, they know the
great legislation which IS to come before
the House. and they are in q better posi- tion
to pass on the order of business than are
chairman or members of other committees.
Despite the great outcry which was raised
against us in tho last Congress. there must
be a steering committee to arrange the
order OF business and decide how and in
what way certain measures shall be con-
sidered. That was the sole object OF the
rules of the last HOuse-to do business In
while this is great country and
it takes the people some time
to understand things | do not believe
that has been misunderstood. Ii the rules
of the last Congress were to be an issue L
do not think there would be any doubt as
to their being sustained by tho country"
"As the leading member of the minority
on the COMMITTEES. do you propose to offer
the rules of the last Congress for adop-
tionf"
"Yes" said Mr.. Reed. with considerable
emphasis. I'VE are willing to be governed
by the same rules we adopted for their
government. IL they try to shirk the re-
sponsibility for it they must answer"
Are you in favor of Mr.. Ostess plan of
committee of fifteen members to pass on
the order of businessW
Il did not get the full text of the resolu-
tiOn. but as i understand 1T is practically
lodging the order of business in q COM
mlttee of fifteen members, instead or as
now. in a committee of five. The results
are practically the same. There must be
some such committee appointed and the
committee. after ALL has TO do about as the
House wants it to do. This House is not
always mild hammered and gentle, and in
the main the majority is able to carry
out it's wishes, even though they may not
meet with the approval of committees"
When the House meets again onaSatur-
day the committee will have made suffi-
cient progress. Mr.. Reed thinks, to be able
to report the members of committees.
which will enable the Speaker to announce
the membership of them as soon thereafter
as he likes. Mr.. Reed thinks that tho ways
and means committee may be increased 10
fifteen members, and the membership of
one or two of the other committees in
creased. but with those exceptions he be-
lieves there will be little change. and the
committees will be practically the same as
in the last two Comerasses. The commit
tee VIII formulate the rules during the re-
cess so as to have themin shape to be able
TO submit them tn Democratic caucus
just before the reassembling of the House.