The herald., 1895-07-12
SENATORS WHO WANT PIE
Three Republicans Hunger for an
Important Vacancy
specaistions ~ to Whether Perkins, Nc
Bride or Squire VIII Get on the
Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON, July 11.-There bids
fair to be quite contest among the Re-
publican mem bers of the senate from the
Pacific coast states for the position on the
committee on commerce, which has here
tofore been filled by Senator Dolph of
Oregon. It is understood that Senators
Perkins of California. Mcbride of Oregon
and Squire of Washington would each like
to secure the appointment, while Senator
Wilson Of Washington would accept the
position if rendered him, and Senator
Mitchell OF Oregon might take it under
certain conditions. The place is consid-
cred one OF special Importance as the
commerce which come before the senate
and acts in an advisory capacity to the
appropriation committee in recommend
ing appropriations for river and harbor
improvements. 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 posi- bility of the extension of
the trade of the United States with ORR
entail countries also enhances the imp port
ance Of the appointment at this time in
the eyes OF western men. Being the old
est senator of the five named and coming
from the same state that Senator Dolph
represented. Mr.. Mitchell could probably
secure the:position If disposed to accept
it at the sacrifice OF some other important
committee assignment. He occupies a
senate committees, standing, as he does,
at the head of the Republican repr esenta-
tion on the committee on claims, post
Offices and privileges aud elections. In
case OF the organization of the senate by
the Republicans, he will naturally be as.
- nA 10, Ak 80 T.
OF those communities. and will hold his
position next to the chairman on the
other two unless he voluntarily resigns to
accept position on some other commit
tee. like commerce, of which he is not
now q member. He will probably not
make this tranfer.
It is understood among his colleagues
that he would prefer to allow his own
assignments to remain as they are il he
could secure the appointment of his COL
league, Mr.. Mcbride. to the commerce
vacancy. He realizes, however, that it
will be difficult to secure for new men,
ber an assignment of the importance of
this and one which is sought by older
senators. Senator Perkins will be met
with the objection that Senator White of
his own state Is now member of the
same committee. Mr.. Wilson of Washing.
ton is not candidate in the ordinary
sense: but some of his friends are urging
jections which apply in Mr.. McBride's
place would hold in Mr.. Wilson'S. The
latter would enjoy slight advantage
from the circumstance of having served
in the house before his election to the
senate. At present. therefore, the chances
seem most favorable to Senator's So uire's
candidacy. The selection would depend
on the turn affairs may take at the begin
ming OF the hext session and it is impos-
slbie to foretell to whom the assignment
will 60. There is very little or no doubt,
however. that some one Of the Pacific
coast senators will be appointed to the
place.