The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-03-14

WASHINGTON, March 13-The eau
Gus of Republican members-elect of the
Fifty-f1fth congress-, which was held
tonight, voted by acclamation to re-
nominate Speaker Reed, and all the
through the Fifty-fifth congress- The
slate chosen follows:
THOMAS B. REED, speaker
REV. HENRY NJ. COUDEN, chaplain.
ALEXANDER MCDOWELL, clerk.
BENJAMIN F. RUSSELL, sergeant-at-arms.
w. J. GLENN, doorkeeper.
JOSEPH c. MELROY postmaster.
The result of the caucus was a fore
gone conclusion. An effort to change
the rules of the house had been ex-
pected and strong speech was made
in advocacy of such a change by Mr.
Walker, of Massachusetts,, but the at
tempt flashed in the pan. There were
175 of the 203 Republicans present.
Mr.. Reeds name was presented by
Mr.. Payne. Of New York, who referred
to him as "a man of towering intellect,
of sterling Republicanism, and peer
of the greatest parliamentarians>"
In acknowledging the nomination, Mr.
Reed said:
Gentlemen: 1 am greatly gratifed by your
kind action tonight and shall try to serve
your wishes with whatever ability I have,
We have again, as in the last congress, a
politically divided legislative power. The
house of representatives will be Republican
by considerable majority, and, fresh from
the people, will endeavor to carry out their
wishes. do not doubt your determination
to do all In your power to bring this session
OF congress to speedy close. Our duty Is
simple, and the people expect us to perform
1t at once and then leave TO them the recov-
cry of the country from the stagnation and
depression Of business which have so sOrely
tried the patience Of a vigorous and growing
peopie.
What others may see At to do we do not
know, but We have strong hopes that all
branches of the government will be In ac-
cord as to the policy of giving to the people
Immediately whatever relief their wisdom
may devise.
Then there was a call for Mr.. Ding
ley, Of Maine, chairman of the ways
and means committee of the last con-
gress, and in response, Mr.. Dingley
spoke as follows:
'I congratulate the Republican mem
bers- Of the Fifty fifth congress on
the prompt and harmonious manner in
which the preliminary work of this
caucus has been accomplished CAP
plause0 / trust that 1T is an augury
Of the promptitude and harmony which
will be exhibited in the extra session
which will open on Monday.
The Republican members of the
ways and means committee Of the last
house, in response to general demand
for this course, has occupied several
weeks in revising the tariff with a view
or providing sufficient revenue to carry
on the government without the necessi-
ty OF borrowing in time of peace; and
at the same time so adjusting these du,
ties as to encourage the industries of
TINS country which have been so badly
stricken, partly by excessive foreign
competition during the past three
years. (Applause.) We hope to COM
plete this work by Monday SO as to be
able to present tariff bill to the house
for reference to the committee on ways
and means which will probably then be
appointed, and for prompt report back
to the house for it's consideration and
action.
II will not undertake at this time to
foreshadow the provisions of the bill
which we shall present. Rest assured
that whatever shortcomings it may
have will not be the result of a want