Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-01-03


WILMINGTON. THURSDAY. JAN. ,.
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The situation Indicated by the speaker
ship Caucus.
In the caucus OF the Republican
members of the House, the Addicks
men and the Higgins men came Monday
night face to face for the first time and
felt each others strength. One result of
this test of strength in the caucus
should he to moderate the claims which
each side has hitherto been making,
Higgins shouters have been whooping
ii up to the tune that Addiclks had no
more than three or four votes at most,
while Addlcks claquers have claimed
shat their chieftain owned the earth
and all outlying districts.
When they came to develop forces on
the field, Addicks controlled seven
votes for Moore for Speaker, while
Higgins got eight votes for McMullen
and won.
In the game of politics, the Higgins
managers plainly outpointed Addicks
on the speakership. McMullen had re-
fused to commit himself to either side.
His vote was doubtful quantity BY
an adroit bit of strategy the Higgins
forces were centred upon him for
Speaker That insured his vote to help
break the Addicks slate for the organi.
cation of the House, II compelled the
Addicks men either to accept McMullen
for Speaker, or to drive him over to
Higgins camp by fighting him. The
Addicks men were full Of fight and
chose the warlike horn of the dilemma.
The result Of their choice was the loss
of the organization by Aidicks, as well
as serious damage to any chance he
may have had Of securing McAIullen's
vote In the final wiud-up.
1t is always difficult to discover with
certainty how individual members vote
ma caucus; but the fact that Burton
occurred the clerkship for his neighbor
and political heuchman, points plainly
10 him as the man who gave the eighth
and deciding vote for McMullen. Bur-
toms general position in relation to
Higgins and Addicks, and his absence
from the Harrington caucus where
Moore was put forward for Speaker, GO
to confirm that supposition, So it seems
that in the first skirmish Higgins con
trolled seven votes from New Castle
and one from Sussex, while Addicks
controlled one from Kent and six from
Sussex.
OF course the chief interest in this
fight for speaker centres in the indica
Iiou it gives OF the way members art
likely to vote on the main question o
the Senatorship. So far as such indica
ton can be trusted, il shows that sever
members Of the house will vote for Ad
dicks and seven for Higgins. McMullel
may still be considered doubtful vote,
for it does not necessarily follow that h
will be as quick to vote for Mr.. Higgin
as he was to vote for himself
In the Senatorial caucus, the four Re
publican Senators will be added to til
fifteen men who caucusad on tn
speakership. The New Castle Senator
arc divided, Handy being openly 70
Addicks while Alrichs Las always bee
counted for Higgins. The two SUISSE
Senators have been claimed by bot
sides. They We're very close.mouthe
Monday. Outsiders could get no eS
preston from them. So lar as on
present information goes, we incline {
the opinion that one is likely to Yot
against AdiiaEs and that the other wi
probably vote for him. If 50 the vote i
the Senatorial caucus would stand min
for Aidick3 to nine for Higgins, wit
M1Mullen to hear from.
Ii the fate Of the caucus rests
McMnllen's hand, what will he do5 Il
owes his election TO the speakcrship
Higgins; but thpt is all he owes hir
His political association for many yea
has been with men who are not ardei
for either Higgins or Atdicks Wi
the power Of the deciding ballot in h
hand, the new Sneai:a: can have a pc
feet picnic with the boys during the ne
two weeks. He can keep them Up nigh
guessing at his decision.
Manifestly Mr.. Addicks is in 4
position where he must sing reflective
to himself. $50 near and vet so fnr.u
few more votes than he polled for Man
Monday will push lin over the q
for a touch down. lie viii have
bpck hard thron,h tho centre If