Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-05-16

Representative Grain arientiy Sets Forth the
Claims of Mr.. Mitls

Representative Grain Artienfiy Sets Forth the
Claims of Mr.. Mins.
"n is perhaps too early 10 discuss the speak
ership," said Representative Grain OF Texas 10
. STAR reporter, but as you have asked my
opinion on that subject have no objection 20
express il for what il may be worth. OF
course I am for Mr.. Mills. because from
my standpoint I cannot understand how the
democrats Of the next House - sxponents Of
the expressed will of the people al the
polls can consistently advocate in preference
TO him any other Of the able men whoss names
have been suggested in connection with the
high Office of Speaker. II the prosperity Of
the country depends upon the success Of the
party to which they all belong it IL because
the people believe that democratic victory
means reduction Of taxation, which involves
reduction Of expenditure Surplus revenue
invites extravagant appropriations. The rec
ORD OF the late Congress demonstrates the truth
OF this proposition. Then the shibboleth OF
our party in the next contest must be ''redue-
ton"
rHR QUESTION or VARIABILITY.
THE friends Of other candidates" said Mr..
Grain, ''have based their support upon avail
ability. The path of the democratic party has
been strewn with the wrecks of availability.
frinciples, not expediency, must govern the
party In the selection OF its leaders who are to
DC the servants Of the people in official places
1t is n mistake to determine the personnel Of
the Speaker by the circumscribed limit OF quail
ineanons for the mere routine duties of the
presiding officer Of the House. IL is true that
these are 20 be considered, and, il man be so
rude IN his personal manner so uni by reason Of
vicious habits. SO notoriously disqualified by an
absence OF gentility as TO reflect disgrace upon
the country. then his selection would be q mis-
fortune and ought not to be tolerated. Can
any man truthfully say this Of Mr.. Mills7 His
opponents are limited TO sore straits when thew
ADMIT ms competency in all other respects, but
oppose him because they say he loses his
head. Ii would be well for some Of them il
they could ind it. Ii was urged against Mr.
randall tnat he was personally disqualified for
me sPeakership. Did he JUSTLY these predic-
other Speakers, but they failed TO materialize.
on HIS MERITS.
Mr.. Mills friends advocate his election upon
his merits and not upon the dement's of
other candidates, but they don't hesitate TO
assert that every one Of them became excited
when opposing Mr.. Reeds rulings upon the
fioor OF the house on more than one occs-
sion. And whenever he or they energetieally
assailed Speaker Reed and his republican
associates for what they regarded as arbitrary
In ruling or In measure they met the approval
speaker to suit republicans. There is alto
gether too much toadyism in the Demo-
cratic party. Mr.. Mills has none Of
II In his composition. He has done more than
any other candidate for the speakerShip to make
democratic success possible. He responded TO
every request from the east or west north
or northwest to advocate democratic principles.
hisspeeches were listened to by thousands. and
their effect may be judged of by the democratic
names that appear on the roll call of the next
House."
''Will the men sent to the House on account of
his appeals vote against himY"
Mr. MILLS CHARACTERISTICS.
"Mr. Mills" said Mr.. Grain, sis a nervous,
imprisoned man. He is honest in his convic-
tons and he is brave in their expression. But
he has too much sense to jeopardize his respect
country by unseemly exhibitions Of per-
sonal temper In the Speakers chair.
And in respect to the higher duties which he
will be called upon to perform one OF the
advisers of the council Of state, his record and
his utterances are sufficient evidence Of the
wisdom of his selection.
His position on every public question is
known. He is safely and soundly democratic.
He is no tyro. He has studied all public ques-
nons diligently. His enemies don't deny this.
What profit is ii TO the party to have in the
Speakers chair an expert parliamentarian
who is an ignoramus in public affairs or who is
uncertain IN his views. In saying this no dis
arrangement is meant or reflection intended 10
any OF the other able gentlemen who aspire to
the speakership. i, for one, don't intend to be
dragged into a personal canvass.
WHY Mr.. GRAIN IL FOR MILLS.
81 am for Mr.. Mills because believe him
to possess the necessary qualifications for the
speakership and because beyond this he will
prove safe counselor. The democrats of the