The record-union., 1899-12-03
So Decided at the Caucus Of House
Republicans Last Night.
General David B. Henderson Of Iowa Sc
Iected for Speaker by Acelamatloa.

Tennessee as Their Candidate
for the Speakecship After a
Spirited Contest Lasting
Through Six Ballots.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE caucus
of the House Republicans, which was
held in the hall of the House OF KEEP
resentatives tonight, was both inter
esting and important. The selection OF
the candidate for the Speaker and other
House officers was a cut and dried af-
fair. But before the adjournment OF
the caucus. after discussion lasting
almost two hours, the Republicans
without a dissenting vote decided to re
enact the Reed rules.
The selection of candidate Tor
Speaker by the party in power is usu-
ally a, very animated affair, but months
ago all the other candidates who en-
tered the field after the retirement OF
Speaker Reed abandoned the contest
leaving General David B. Henderson OF
Iowa the unopposed candidate. His
nomination was, therefore, a foregone
conclusion, and he was nominated by
reclamation. The officers of the last
House, except Colonel Russell. the Ser
ant-at-Arms. were renominated with
out opposition. Colonel Russell was not
a candidate for reelection, and Colonel
Henry A. CaSson of Wisconsin was
nominated in his stead. The caucus
was<largely attended. 1t was presldei
over by General Grosvenor of Ohio, who
was reelected Chairman of the caucus.
Mr.. Loudenslager of New Jersey was
reelected Secretary.
Mr.. Henderson's name was presented
by Mr.. Payne of New York, and sec
onded by Mr.. Hopkins of Illinois both
of whom had been candidates orig
inally The roll was not called Inc
nomination was made by acelamatlon.
General Henderson came to the Cap
itol and remained in the Speakers room
in the rear of the House lobby until the
House officers had been selected. He
was then escorted to the rostrum OF
the House by Messrs. Hopkins of ILL.,
nois, Payne of New York and Sherman
of New York His appearance was
greeted with cheers, and in response
General Henderson addressed the eau
GUS After expressing his deep appre-
citation of the honor conferred upon him.
he said:
I'VE have great responsibilities rest
ing upon US in this Congress, ana
greater responsibilities in the coming
year. and upon our wise action depends
the prosperity of the country that we
all love. May 1 impress upon your
minds the absolute necessity for devo-
ton to the Republic in more than one
purpose. Economy must be our watch
word; care in the expenditure of the
peoples money At the same time, let
us be large enough in intellect to grasp
the situation which presents a growing
country with opening and expanding
conditions which demand our careful
and patriotic consideration. We are
going to be met by well-organized
and able minority, led by accomplished
leaders. This involves the necessity
for the Republicans to touch elbows IN
the work before US. We have got TO
realize that in this Congress, with our
small majority, every man, like true
soldier, must be constantly at his post
of duty, and 1 urge with the greatest
earnestness that this be the determna-
ton of each and all. Accepting THIS
generous nomination as l do, L have no
fears but that the united wisdom and
work of this great body will increase
the confidence and happiness of the Re
public. Profoundly and gratefully L
thank you. l ask that may lean upon
you, each one of you-and that is the
highest request that 1 can make to-
night"
Mr.. Payne of New York called atten-
ton to the narrow majority In the
House. and the necessity of having all
the Republicans throughout the session
present. He offered a resolution, which
was adopted, that no leaves be granted
except for urgent cases, and that one
member should be appointed to looG
after the pairs.
Mr.. Dalzell of Pennsylvania, who was
a member of the Committee on Rules
in the last Congress, offered a resolu-
ton declaring it to be the sense OF the
cal1cus that the rules of the Fifty
fourth and Fifty-fifth Congresses (the
Reed rules) should be adopted by the
incoming House He made a speech OF
considerable length in support of his
rGSOlullOu.
rules of the last two Congresses, he
argued, the majority had been able to
transact business to their satisfaction
and the satisfaction of the country.
They were the only rules under which
the House had been able to do bust
ness.
Mr. Hepburn of Iowa, who fought
the rules in the last Congress, attempt
ed to argue several points with Mr..
Dalzell. but the latter refused to yield.
When he had concluded, however, Col
onel Hepburn got the floor and attacked
the resolutions. He insisted that the
rules should be modified. He laid par
ticular stress upon the question of rec
IGNITION, which he claimed should go
to the first member who addressed the
Chair. He also contended that the
on Rules should be entirely
of the Speaker, and that
there should be a general decentraliza-
ton of power from the Speaker in the
direction of committees. The Speaker
and the Committee on Rules, he con-
tended. had too much power under the
rules proposed to be adopted. The
power of committees and individuals
should be expanded.
Mr.. Cannon of Illinois, who will again
be Chairman of the Committee on Ap-
warmely supported Mr.
Dalzells resolution. He argued and
cited many instances to show that,