The Camden chronicle. (Camden, Tenn.) 1890-current, 1899-03-10
bailey SHOWS DISAPPROVAL
OF THE VOTE by THE HOUSE IN
THE WHEELER CASE.
TEXAN CREATES LIVELY SENSATION
Declares Emphatioally That He VIII Not
Be a Candidate For the speaIkership.
Mr.. Bailey's Statement.

A Washington special says; Con-
gresham Joe Bailey created lively
sensation among his Democratic col.
leagues Of the house Friday morning
by making the declaration that under
no circumstances would he be a candi-
date for the speakership in the next
congress.
81 would not accept the leadership
after what has been demonstrated to
me, said Mr.. Bailey, in talking of his
decision afterwards, elf it was given
me unanimously"
Thursdays vote on the Wheeler
case was the cause of Mr.. Bailey's de-
oision. He explained his position in
the following statement given out to
press:
I want it distinctly understood that
I am not actuated by any feeling of
pique or personal disappointment; hut
am proceeding purely on the idea
that as a large number of democrats
are unwilling to insist upon an
obedience to a perfectly plain provis-
ion of the constitution, they ought not
to be made responsible for the leader
ship of man who believes that the
constitution is the supreme law of the
land and ought to be obeyed at all
times and by all men. I would raise
the same question again, and I will
raise it as often as it presents itself,
but when raise it from my place in the
ranks of the party, must take the re-
sponsibility and others will not be COM
PEELED to share the responsibility with
me. l believe that the democrats who
voted to allow these military appoin-
tees of the president to retain their
seats in congress greatly mistake the
sentiments of their democratic con-
stituents. It is utterly impossible for
me to believe that any man in this
country is more popular with the
masses than the constitution, rever-
ence for which has been the chief
article of our faith. I regret the vote
almost beyond expression, because I
doubt if with that precedent establish
ed any appointee of the president will
ever again be denied right to Sit in
the house of representatives,.
Then he continued with his announce
ment, which was great surprise to
everybody. Even Mr.. Bailey's closest
friends were surprised, and all their
efforts to get him to reconsider his de.
cision failed. There is no possible
doubt that Mr.. Bailey would have
been the democratic nominee fol
speaker in the new congress. There
never has been a chance for his oppo
nents to beat him and they have recoz
nized that fact.
Bankhead at the Front.
Now that Mr. Bailey is out of it.
three names are figuring in the gossip
over the democratic adership-Bank
head, of Alabama, Richardson, of Ten
nessee, and DeArmond, of Missouri
Mr.. Bailey believes his friends viii
absolutely control the nomination anC
does not hesitate to say that they
will not choose either Richardson Of
DeArmond.
Bailey himself is for Bankhead
This fact gives Colonel Bankhead'i
candidacy decided impetus. He il
one of the strongest of democrats, 6
man familiar with all phases of legis
lation and one who has many warn
friends among his colleagues. There
is a strong feeling in Washington
however, that there will be other aspi
rants and that some man not yet men
toned may be selected as the minority
leader.