The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1895-07-12

Washington, July 11.-There bids
fair to be quite a contest among the
Republican members of the Senate
from the Pacific coast states for the
position on the committee on COM
merce which has heretofore been
filed by Senator Dolph, of Oregon.
1t is understood that Senators Per
kins, of California, Mcbride, of
Oregon, and Squire of Washington
would each like to secure the appoint
ment, while Senator Wilson, of Wash
ingrton, would accept the position if
rendered him, and Senator Mitchell Of
Oregon might take it under certain
conditions. The place is considered
one of special Importance, as the COM
mittee deals with all questions of
commerce which come before the
Senate, and acts in an advisory
capacity to the appropriations COM
mittee in recommending appropria
tons for river and harbor improve
ments. There are naturally many
places along the Pacific coast from
Puget Sound to the Mexican border
which seek preference at the hands
of Congress and the rivalry between
them is quite sharp. The possibility
of the extension of the trade of the
United States with oriental countries
also enhances the Importance of the
appointment at this time in the eyes
of the western men.
MitcheIrs Chances.
Being the Oldest senator of the five
mentioned and coming from the same
state that Senotor Dolph represented,
Senator Mitchell could probably Sc
r.
cept it at the sacrifice of some other
important committee assignments. He
occupies a peculiarly commanding
position on the Senate committees,
standing, as he does, at the head of
the Republican representation on the
committees on claims, poStofhces and
privileges and elections. In case of
the organization of the Senate by the
Republicans he will naturally be as
signed to the craftsmanship of his
choice of these committees and will
hold his position next to the chGir-
man on the other two unless he
voluntarily resigns to accept a. posi-
ton on some other committee, like
commerce, of which he is now a men,
Der. He will not probably make this
transfer. 1t is understood among his
colleagues that he would prefer to
allow his own assignments to remain
pOintment of his colleague, Mr.. Nc.
Bride, to the commerce vacancy. He
realizes, however, that it wifi be diff
ficult to secure for a new man an as
signment of the Importance of this
and one which is sought by older
senators. Senator Perkins will be met
with the objections that Senator
White of his own state is now a
member of the committee. Wilson of
Washington is not a candidate in the
ordinary sense, but some OF his friends
are urging his fitness for the place.
The same objections which apply in
Mr.. McBride's case would hold in
Mr. Wilson'S The latter would enjoy
a slight advantage from the circum-
stance of having served in the House
before his election to the Senate.
Favorable 10 Squire.
At present therefore the chances
seem most favorable to Senator
Squire's candidacy. The selection
would depend on the turn affairs may
take a the beginning of the next
session, and it is impossible to fore
tell to whom the assignment will go.
There is very little or no doubt, how
ever. that some one of the Pacific
coast senators will be appointed 10 the
r,1a