The morning call., 1894-04-29

Representatives" Mr.. Reed shook his
head. He was perfectly willing to write
! for the newspapers, but not on that topic.
| He believed that it was unwise to direct
attention to the enormous power for good
| or evil which lies in the Speakers hands.
Mr. Crisp in conversation which l had
with him on the occasion of his reelection
to the Speakership was less guarded. He
admitted that the Speaker virtually con-
troled the business of the House and
argued that it was necessary that there
should be some such brake on legislation
or the majority might take the bit In its
teeth some day and run away with the
treasury or do something equally unde-
sirable. The House, said Mr.. Crisp, could
consider only a small proportion of The
measures brought before 1t. 1t was neces-
sary that some one make selection among
them. This power of the Speaker. Mr..
| Crisp said, was a great trust, for which
the House held him to strict account
ability.
| The Speaker has control of legislation In
dozen different ways. In the first place
| he has so many ways of showing favor to
members that they hesitate to anger or
| displease him. In the second place, when
| lie appoints the members of the House to
committee places he can constitute COM
mittee so that it shall be opposed to a
| measure which Is pretty sure to come
| before it, or so that 1t may favor that
measure. In the third place, as member
| Of the COMMITTEES on Rules, composed OF
| five members, be holds the balance of
| power. In the fourth place. member
who desires to call up measure must
obtain the Speakers permission or he
cannot even claim the floor.
The new member of the House, unfa-
miliar with its customs, is very likely in
the exuberance OF ignorance TO rise ana
address the chair for the purpose of OBJ
| tanning the consideration of some bill in
which he is interested. He is panied as
we'll as surprised to find that the Speaker
| invariably recognizes some one else. Per-
haps be goes direct to the Speaker. why
wouldn't you recognize me this after
noon ?" he says to the Speaker with some
feeling.
"Recognize your" says the Speaker in
great surprise. Il did not agree to recog-
nize YOU"
"Must have an agreement with you %
| says the new mem Der, little angried at
this infringement of his independence as
| legislator.
Certainly" says the Speaker. "If you
will come TO me tomorrow morning will
| tell you whether will recognize you or
not"
The new member goes away indignant.
But he realizes his position after time.
| There is no way TO compel the Speaker to
| recognize him, as he learns by study OF
| LILO utCos n ulOinUcI WltDOut toCOSDlbiVu
Is a fifth wheel on the legislative cart. So
the new member pockets his indignation
| and goes to the Speaker the next day be-
/ fore the House assemblies.
I've come to make that arrangement"
| he says.
Arrangement"
/ Yes. To be recognized. you know.
would like to be recognized this morning
when the House MEETS"
"Oh, yes,'' says the Speaker. swell,
what do you want to call up"
The new member looks something pro-
fame. Perhaps he says it. He is thinking,
| at least In the familiar verDacular OF the
average Congressman. it's none OF your
business. Possibly ne restraints his feel.