New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-07-28
Colgate's
Cashmere Bouquet
Toilet Soap.
DEMOCRATS ON COMMITTEES.
BOTH FACTIONS IMPARTIALLY TREATED
RY SPEAKER REED

BY SPEAKER REED.
Washington July q (SpeciaD .-Somc of Mr.
Baeys superservceable friends are doing him an
injustice in tn ,ir comments on Speaker Reeds APP
pointments of Democratic members OF the House
committees These appointments were conspicu-
oLsly fair in that they ignored all factional diner
encos and took into consideration only two or three
necessary facts-namely the prominence ana per-
sonal fitness of the member and his previous eX-
per!ence in the business of the House. If the
Speaker had been so disposed he could easily have
paid heed only to what faction wanted and let
the other 20 unrerresented. That would have been
done by smail-minded, easy or Indifferent
Speaker. But Mr.. Reed made of better stuff
and he studousy avoided Partially in AL his APP
poinments This fact is conspicuous in respect to
the places given to the minority In the opposition
were men who had done all they could, from what
motive to try his patience as a presiding OIL
GER No matter. He jotted them down as he
thought they deserved and the country manifesty
approves OF his choice.
Any criticism of the Speakers action based on
the idea that he passed over the particular merits
of Mr. Baileys friends and did too well by the
other or McMiliin-Terry wing is wide of the marx
and reacts upon those who make IT, Mr.. baiiey
himself is not quoted as being dissatisfied lie IS
probably too sensible to permit this. even II ne
chafcs under the necessary prominence given 10
some of "the other fellows" But few OF his
friends are talking to-day through their hats IN
charging that the Speaker unduly exalted the
minority anti-Baiey wing. and they cap their
folly by the additional assertion that the purpose
of Mr. Reed was to create wider chasm than cX-
lists IN the Democratic ranks in the House The
special avernents that the leading spirits OF tie
McMillin faction have received most OF the honors
and that the deega ton from Arkapsas, opposed 10
Mr. Baileys leadership, is honored above all otncl
delegations The reply to this stun ana nonsense u
the repetitOn Of the facts below stated, ana othcrs
that might be stated but for lack of space.
Mr.. Bailey, of Texas. the caucus-clectcd leaucr
Of the Democratic party in the House. Is pihced
above Benton McMiln on the great ways ana
Means Committee AS Mr.. McAIillin has seen many
tee. If Speaker Reed had left the Tennesseean on
simply because he the rival OF Mr.: Bailey IN
leadership he would have made himself amenaDie
TO Just criticism. Again ii would not have been
decent to omit experienced and prominent a
Democrat as Mr. Richardson, of Tennessee rom
his Old places on committees. especially tne Irlnl-
ing Committee of which he was formerly chaif-
man. -,
As for the Arkansas delegation. several Of them
held prominent places in previous Congresses, MT
McRae having been appointed by Speaker Crisp
chairman of he Committee on Puhllc landS MT
Terry too has he'd high positions both under Dem
ocratic and Republican Speakers. Is there any rea-
son why he should be turned down? The Speaker
nifty Of that estimable gentleman. Mr.. McCuloch
IL is said gets the Committee on kAVers ana
Harbors: Mr. DnsmOrc on Foreign Anairs, Where
he has for years. and Mr.. Little on run
had TO be placed these committees, and as those
chosen have legislative experience ana some OF
them had served already on the committee TO when
they are now assigned, there was htness III inc
selections. At any rate. If no better crltc!sl j.
offered than that row heard the Speaker VIII 80
scat eless and the ruhlic will conclude that m"
Democrats around WASHINGTON have very lite
with which TO amuse themselves in the dogdays