Evening star., 1894-02-09
SENATE COMMI1TEEsHIPs.
Changes That Have Become Necessary
From Mr. Walthalps Reclamation.

Changes That Have Become Necesxarx
From Mr. WalthalPs Resignation.
The resignation Of Gen. Walthall from the
Senate has placed the democrats Of that
body In curious predicament. He vacated
the chairmanship Of the committee on mill
ta-y affairs and the result is quite a serious
night for that position. The customs of the
Senate would naturally promote Mr. Cock
rell 10 be chairman, as he is the ranking
democratic member, but he is already chair
man Of one OF the most important commit
tees OF the Sena tions OF
course he would not relinquish this for the
minor committee. This leaves Mr.. Bate
the next in line Of promotion and as his
Committee is relatively inferior-imp.oye.
rnents Of the Mississippi river-he is quite
eager to secure the chairmanship There
are two elements. however. operating
against his ambitions One OF these is that
ne Is not over popular with other members
Oh the committee, and the other is that
senator Palmer is anxious to get rid of the
uehenuous work or the committee on pen
slons, OF which he is chairman, and TO get
at the head OF a more congenial committee
such as military affairs.
The fact Is just developed that General
tanner mas, since the retirement OF Mr.
"alenaii' Deen making an active but quiet
canvass OF his democratic friends in the
interest OF this desire of his He has NOT
received sufhcfent encouragement to war
rant him In going in for.the chairmanship
openly put ne has made such an opposi-
ton 70 Mr.. Bate that ii Is almost conceded
by the democratic leaders of the Senate
that caucus will have to be held to deter
mine the question. The change of Mr. Bate
from the head Of the Mississippi river COM
mittee Will at any rate necessitate a
number of other changes, and the new
Senator, Mr.. McLaurin. will have to be
assigned to Senator Walthalls positions
on other committees-civil service and re-
trenchment, Mississippi river, organiza-
tion OF the executive departments and
public lands So there is a great deal of
caucus or the committee on rules. For
example. In the Mississippi river committee,
should Mr.. Bate be transferred to the mill
tary affairs committee. the next democrat
would be Mr.. Palmer, who, of course,
would not relinquish pensions for this COM
mittee. After him, in order of rank comes
Mr.. PETER, who is not considered sufficient
ly democrat to be given the chairmanship
or committee of this size. He
is already chairman of the commit
tee to examine the several branches
Of the civil service OF which he Is
quite fond. There is disposition, 1t is
understood, to furnish General Gordon with
a more important committee than coast de-
fenses. which has it's room now in the
Maltby building. Altogether the situation is
SO complicated that a caucus can hardly
be avoided. although the members of the
Senate are generally averse to caucuses,
which give too many opportunities for
factional fights. 1t Is likely that no action
Will be taken in this matter until after
the arrival of Mr.. McEaurin, for 1t Is only
courteous that he should be consulted as to
his preferances. 1t IS not likely that his
choice wili be followed but it is Considered
good Senatorial form to give a new man
chance to express himself.