Evening star., 1895-07-11
S LOPE Sc MAJORS
All Are Anxious to Serve on the Commerce
Committee.
Importance of the Assignment to Men
From the Pacific Side of
the Union.

There bids fair to be quite a contest
among the republican members of the Sem
ate from the Pacific coast states for tie
position on the committee on commerce
which has heretofore been filled by Sena-
tor Dolph of Oregon. 1t 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 ac-
cept the position If rendered him and Sen
ator Mitchell Of Oregon might take it I'M
der certain conditions. The place is con-
sidered one Of especial Importance, as the
committee deals with all questions of COM
merce which come before the Senate and
acts in an advisory capacity to the appro-'
priations committee in recommending ap-
propriations for river and harbor improve
ments. There are naturally many places
along the Pacific coast from Puget sound
to the Mexican border which seek pref
erence 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 as
signment at this time in the eyes Of the
western men.
Senator Mitchelps Chances.
Being the Oldest Senator Of the five men
toned and coming from the same state
that Senator Dolph represented, Senator
Mitchell could probably secure the posi-
ton If disposed to accept 1t at the sacri-
fee Of some other important committee
assignment. He occupies peculiarly COM
manding position on the Senate commit
tees, standing as he does at the head of
the republican representation on the COM
mittee on claims, post Offices and privi-
leges and elections.
In case Of the organization Of the Senate
hu ha
assigned to the craftsmanship of his choice
Of these committees, and will hold his
position next to the chairman on the other
two unless he voluntarily resigns to ac-
cept a position on some committee, like
commerce, of which he Is not now mem-
ber. He will probably not make this trans
fer. 1t Is understood among his colleagues
that he would prefer to allow his own as
signments to remain as they are. il he
could secure the appointment Of his new
colleague, Mr.. Mcbride, to the commerce
vacancy. He realizes. however, that 1T will
be difficult to secure for new man an
assignment Of the importance Of this. and
one which is sought by older Senators.
Favorable to Senator Squire.
Senator Perkins will meet with the OBJ
lection that Mr.. White of his own state is
now a member of the committee. Mr.. Will
son of Washington Is not a candidate in
the ordinary sense, but some of his sena-
tcrial friends are urging his fitness for the
place. The same objection which applies
in Mr. McBride's case would hold in Mr..
Wilson's. The latter would enjoy a 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 Squire's can
didacy. The selection will depend upon the
turn affairs may take at the beginning of
the next session, and it Is impossible to
foretell to whom the assignment will go.
There Is very little or no doubt, however,
that some one Of the Pacific coast Senators
will be appointed to the place.