The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-05-04

pointment OF the new members OF the
ways and means. In making him thN
leader OF the minority on the committee.
the veteran. Benton McMIllin was scn-
10 the rear. after twenty years service
in the House. This was possibly due te
Mr.. Reeds recognition OF the fact tnai
the Democrats had selected MIR. baiies
as their leader upon the floor by nominat-
ing hiin for Speaker
whether or not the Imperator idea
IS TO prevail In the minority Is ques-
ton OF some interest. The ardent sup
rorters OF the handsome young Texah
I'm caucus are az loyal on the floor 10 nun
as were the Republicans TO Thomas Is.
Reed I'm former Congresses. They arc
following Bailey's lead as IL 1t were
bounden duty to do so.
The question might not have arisen had
IL not been for the action of Mr.. Jerry
Simpson on the floor of the House on
April Z. Up to that time both Republl-
cans and Democrats had practically re-
cognized the lmperator by making no
opposition to the legislative programme
OF those dominating the House. Mr. Reed
had not appointed the committees OF the
House. No business could be done unless
committees were appointed. The House
was meeting twice week. formally ad-
journing as soon as the journal was read.
Ii was evident that the leaders mean
TO take no action on any measure asldS
from the tariff bill. Jerry Simpson raised
the standard of revolt under question
of the highest privilege. question OF
the highest privilege affects the rights OF
the House. and the Speaker could not
avoid recognizing him.
PECULIAR AND POLITIC MOVE.
AS Jerry's attitude was developed, Gov
ernor Dngley. General Steele, OF Indiana
and others began to protest. 1t was clear
ly not "A question OF personal privilege.
Speaker Reed waived them aside and gave
Jerry full swing. 1t was a peculiar and
polite move for it gave Mr.. Reed oppor-
tunity of explaining his action as Speak
or. which had given rise TO newspaper
comment The explanation was direct
and adroit, but hardly to the point. l:
did not completely unveil the attitude O.
the Speaker. lie did not say that h.
would appoint the committees before the
tariff bill was signed and the regular ses-
sion begun, nor did he say that he would
not appoint them. Governor Dingley ar
terward made the usual motion TO adj
iourn. This was carried. all the Repub-
leans and many Democrats voting for it.
The standard of revolt thus raised IL
the Populist camp spread to the Democra-
tic ranks. A caucus was called and a
heated discussion ensued. The leader
from Texas made an explicit statement
Of his position and intentions. II Wa
that he would make no opposition TO the
present Republican programme. II their
leaders meant TO connne business to the
tariff bill. he would interpose no objec-
ton.
Then there was a mutiny in the Demo
cratic camp. Ii has shown its head In
the House. but up TO the present writing
without avail. Mr. Bailey and his sup
porters vote to adjourn for three days AZ
often as Governor Dingley makes the
motion. The Populists and a few Demo-
Gratis. under the leadership Of Mr.. De
Almond. of Missouri, vote against II.
They did not at first develop enough
strength 10 order the yeas and nays. A.
later session. under cover Of Pacifl-
railroad resolution offered by Richard p.
Bland. they forced their opponents fror-
cover. Mr.. Bailey voting with them
against adjournment. But the fight l.
still on. and no one can tell how it vii.
end.
II is a revolt against the Imperator
idea. Whether 1t will gather strength
and become formidable. time alone car
disclose. AMOS. J. CUMMINGS.