The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1897-05-02

supporters of Mr.. Bailey in the democrat
ic caucus Mr.. Bailey's supporters as can
didate for speaker were mainly from the
younger element of the democracy, and
that element alone received recognition
from the speaker in the appointment OF
the new members of the ways and means.
In making him the leader of the minority
on the committee, the veteran, Benton Nc
Millin was sent to the rear, after twenty
years service in the House This was pos
siby due TO Mr.. Reeds recognition Of the
fact that the democrats had selected Mr..
Bailey as their leader upon the floor by
nominating him Tor speaker
Whether or not the mperator idea Is 10
prevail in the minority is a question of
some interest. The ardent supporters of
the handsome young Texan in caucus are
as loyal on the floor to him as were the re-
publicans to Thomas r. Reed in former
congresses. They are following Bailey's
lead as if it We're a bounden duty TO do so.
The question might have not arisen had
il not been for the action of Mr.. Jerry
Simpson on the floor of the House on April
e. Up to that time both republicans and
democrats had practically recognized the
Imperator 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 APP
pointed. The House was meeting twice a
week, formally adjourning as soon as the
journal was read. 1T was evident that the
LEADERS, meant to take no action on any
measure aside from the tariff bill. Jerry
Simpson raised the standard OF revolt I'M
der a question Of the highest privilege. A
question of the highest privilege affects
the rights of the House, and the speaker
could not avoid recognizing him.
As Jerry's attitude was developed, Gov.
Dingley, Gen. Steele of Indiana and others
began to protest. 1t was clearly not a
question OF personal privilege Speaker
Reed waved them aside and gave Jerry
fun swing IT was a peculiar and polite
move, for II gave Mr.. Reed the opportuni-
ty of explaining his action as speaker,
which had given rise to newspaper COM
ment The explanation was direct and
adroit but hardly to the point IT did not
completely unveil the attitude Of the
speaker He did not say that he would
appoint the committees before the tarlt
bill was signed and the regular session be-
gun. nor did he say that he would not ap-
point them. Gov. Dingley afterward made
the usual motion TO adjourn. This was
carried all the republicans and many
democrats voting for it,
The standard of revolt thus raised in the
populist camp spread to the democratic
ranks A caucus was called and a heated
discussion ensued. The leader from Texas
made an explicit statement of his posi-
ton and intentions. 1t was that he would
make no opposition to the present republic
can programme. If their leaders meant to
confne business to the tariff bill, he would
interpose no objection.
Then there was mutiny in the demo-
cratic camp. II has shown its head in the
House, but up to the present writing with
out avail. Mr.. Bailey and his supporters
vote to adjourn for three days as often as
Gov. Dingley makes the motion. The pop
ulists and a few democrats. under the
leadership of Mr.. De Almond of Missouri
vote against it. They did not at first de-
Velop' enough strength to order the yeas
and nays AT a later session, under cover
of a Pacific railroad resolution, offered by
Richard p. Bland, they forced their oppo-
nents from cover, Mr. Bailey voting with
them against adjournment. But the fight
is stiu on, and no one can tell how it will
end.
1t is a revolt against the imperator Idea
Whether it will gather strength and be-
come formidable, time alone can disclose
Amos J. Cummings.