Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-11-26
OFF FOR CONGRESS.
Mr.. WISE TO LEAVE TONIGHT FOR
THE NATIONAL CAPITAL.
he Thinks Mills Has the Strongest Claims
for the spsakership-Chances OF
Kerr aud Fisher.

The Hon. George d. Wise, representative
from this congressional district, will leave
tonight for the scene Of his legislative
duties. Upon being asked last night by a
reporter of the DsPkrca what were his
ideas in regard to the organization of the
House ana what might be expected at the
first session Of Congress. be replied by say
ing that he had not been in Washington.
and having met very few of'tbe members
OF the Fifty.second Congress was .unpre-
pared 10 express en opinion as 70 the rela-
tive strength OF the various Candidates Tor
the speakershIp. .,
"All those who have been named said
Mr.. Wise. "in connection with the otios
ere gentlemen Of unquestioned ability, and
where there are so many worthy or the
distinction 10 Ia difficult TO make choice.
From the best information i have been
able 70 obtain il seems TO me that Messrs.
Mills and Crisp are the leading candidates,
with Dir. McAlillin. Of Tennessee, o strong
competitor.
TIE CLAIMS OF MILLS.
During the Fiftieth and Flfty-frst
Congresses Mr.. Mills was the acknowledged
Democratic leader. Upon that question
which recent events have demonstrated
must be the leading issue in the presi-
dental contest next year-I reser to the
tarif-he IS moro emphatically, than the
others the representative Of the Demo-
cratle idea of reduction Of taxation and
reform. As leader upon this line he en-
joyed the confidence and received the cor
dial support of his colleagues. There is no
man in Congress, might add in the ooun-
try, who has done more for the triumph OF
Democratic principles and whose claim
to recognition is superior to that OF Mr..
Mills.
II entertain warm regard for Mr.. hcHillin,
OF Tennessee, and his services In behall OF re-
vision Of the tariff have been such as 20 make
hin prominent hgure In the contest.
KERR AND FISHER.
"As 10 the other elective officers am not pre-
pared 70 declare preference, except as TO one.
There are several candidates for the clerkshp.
Tho leading candidates, however, arc General
John p. Clark, Of Missouri, ex-clerk OF the
House, and Hon. James Kerr, OF Pennsylyania,
chairman Of the Democratic State Committed.
Mr. Kerr, 1t will be remembered, Waged the Dat
tie for Democracy which resulted In the election
Of Governor PattisOn, and while 80 engaged was
defeated for a denomination 10 Congress. lie rs
a splendid party man, hne organizer anu IL
elected, would make an efficient clerk.
at Is hardly necessary for mo 70 say that l
feel more than an ordinary interest In the can
didacy Of Mr.. james K. Fisher, OF this city, for
the position OF Postmaster or the House. lie Is
tn0 Iaitltul ana eUlClehJ bpCTSLaty VI tuo VIZ
ginia State Democratic Committee, In which ca
pacty, with short intermlsslon, no has served
Tor a number OF years. lie WAS during the
F1rty-ninth and Fifteth Congresses the Assst-
tant- Postmaster Of the House, and gave unit
Yersal satisfaction by the faithful discharge OF
the duties Of the Office. From an extended cor
respondence with members on the subject OF his
election 20 that ONCE feel confident Of his cleo
ton, which would bo Just recognition Of his
services.
THE TARIFF AND SILVER.
Ofleglslation / am not prepared 10 speak In
detail, but IL Is certain that q revision Of the
tarrf and the currency questions will occupy
great deal Of tho attention Of Congress, aud Il Is
safe 70 predlst that the House OF Representa-
tiyes will pass bills on these subjects. We have
a very large majority, but i am sure that our
action will be on conservative lines and such as
will meet the approval OF the people OF the
Cluutry.