The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1899-12-21
THE MINORITY LEADER.

In selecting Mr.. Richardson as their
leader the minority have ranged them
selves under the ablest parliamentarian
in the House, with whom, in that re-
spect, since the departure of Mr. Reed,
there is no one who can be put in CON- !
parison. He is legislator of wide ex-
perience and high ability, resourceful,
aggressive and possessed of the sound
est political Judgment, He is eminent
y the man for the position at time
when the party needs a cool-hesded
statesman who is also fighting gener-
al to captain its hosts in a field where
the odds of numbers executive sup
preston and all the other incidents of
parliamentary war are against it,
Washington Times.
In the person OF Mr.. Richardson Of
Tennessee the democratic members of
congress made an excellent selection
for their candidate for Speaker and
leader of the minority during the sea-
son. Mr.. Richardson has made an en-
viable record during long experience
in the lower house, He is, moreover,
regarded as fine parliamentarian, and
the democrats may rely with entire CON-
idence upon his leadership. There are
likely to be many critical situations
during the approaching Sittings Of oon-
gress, and q wise, cool and conserva-
tive leadership will be required. Mr..
Richardson will fully meet all the de-
mands Of the hour. Indianapolis SEN
tinel.
In the selection Of Hon. James D.
Richardson of Tennessee to be the
leader OF the democratic forces in the
House of Representatives the demo-
Gratis acted wisely. Mr.. Richardson is
valuable leader, in that he has the
judicial temperament to weigh all
things we'll. He will make no mistakes.
He is seasoned member of the House
and an acknowledged parliamentarian
Of rare skill. Under his guidance the
best results for the party and the coun-
try are assured. Cincinnati Enquirer.
The nomination of Mr.. Richardson
is more than q mere compliment to him
for it is declaration that majority Of
the democrats in the House believe he
is the best man for Speaker. Their
votes not only make him their party
leader on the floor Of congress, but
gives him the preference for the Speak
ership when the democrats get control
of the House New Orleans Times
Democrat.
His strongest point is his splendid
ability as q parliamentarian. In fact,
it is doubtful if he has an equal in this
respect in congress. In addition to
this he is ready debater, an aggres-
sive fighter and man of quick per-
ception. His long experience in ma
tional legislation, combined with his
other qualities, should fit him we'll for
the leadership. Birmingham News.
The Hon. 'Slim Jim" Richardson oil
Tennessee will make o cool, adroit and
courageous leader OF the democratic
minority in the House, but the trouble
with the herd of wild horses is that
every one Of them considers himself Q
leader, and no two of them would lead
in the same direction. - Louisville
Times.
Congressman Richardson has beer
given the reins of the democratic horses
in congress, but is somewhat uneasy
as Bailey of Texas insists that they are
not bIooded horses, but bronchos an(
and ex-street car mules. Louisville
Post.
While the selection of Richardson q
. the democratic standard-bearer will no
secure him the Speakership, it ma.
help him to good places on the com
mittees. -Pittsburg Dispatch.
0 Mr.. Richardson's status in the sue
a cession to Bailey of Texas will not b
a fully settled until he makes known hi
s attitude toward the swallow-tailed coal
a -Pittsburg Dispatch.
We predict that, as their leader, Mi
;. Richardson will give great satisfaction
! to the democrats of the House and d
. good service for the party. y.-Atlant
Journal.