Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-06
1T CAUSES WONDER
The Prompt Settlement Of the Speak
ership Contest
IS SOMETHING new IN POLITICS
Assures Harmony in the House of
Representatives.
MORE FREEDOM OF ACTION

The prompt way in which the speakership
contest has been practically settled is a
,duSs IF wonder among politicians. Al the
outset II WIS thought by nearly everybody
thSr the situation was such as To render
the contest exciting and doubtful up to the
tim" of the caucus With three popular
candidates i'm the field. all entering on short
notice, without time for the laying of plans
Of ,,lnpligu it did not seem possible the
surprise and confusion of the sudden need
Of a nov Speaker could settle down inside
Of several months.
Th,. manner in which General Henderson
walked away with the prize almost before
Il was felt that the campaign was fairly
opened is something new in politics.
How Politicians Explain Ii.
Politicians attribute this TO TWO things be-
sides General Henderson's universal popu-
larltv First Of all they look upon 1t as
an evidence of very gratifying spirit Of
harmony among the republicans in the
House and as an assuring Indication that
they may look forward 10 a perfect agree
meut and systematic course for the party
during the coming Congress
Being The term of Congress within whlCh
the presidential election will occur II -
81 the greatest Importance that the party
in power should encounter no opposition
and faCtional discussions within its ranks
In Congress. and that there should be
perfect ha rmOny tO the legislative policy
1t is felt that Henderson prohab better
than any other man can secure such mar
mOny, and that 10y their preference for him
the members Of the House have shown
their disposition to steer clear of all posi-
BILE autasnuisms or complications
Moreover it indicates that the party has
got rid pf all discordant elements. and that.
with an agreement upon consistent line
Of policy. IN air aim is to insure Its being
carried out in the Smoothest and most
amiCahle manner possible. Gen Hender-
son while enc. Of the most determined and
uncomTromising fighters in Congress. is
the pers0nifcation of amiabtlity. has no
old scores 10 wipe out, cannot make an
enemy even Of an opponent. and does not
harbor reSentmentS or cultivate antagOn-
i=ms. Moreover being foreign born. he is
not IN 4Ile for the presidential candidacy.
and Will not b. playing personal politics TO
that end
Freedom of Action in the House.
The second consideration that it is be
Iaved had Influence in attracting members
to General Henderson is his well-known
liberality and broad public spirit which it is
felt insures a policy in the new organza-
ZION Of the House which will admit of the
greatest freedom Of action by the majority
Of the House. SubiecJiEg legislation TO the
test Of its merit rather than subordinating
justice and wisdom To q narrow temporary
Members Of the House and the country al
large hay for n number Of years been
Cbaf1nE under the policy Of legislative sup
preston. modelled on what was originated
under The name Of HClmaniSm- One Of the
first things that occurred to the minds of
Members Of the House when the question
Of eleCting Il new Speaker came up was the
need Of breaking away from the system
Of House management which refused
haaring To hundreds Of mcritorious and IN
p,rtant measures for no other reason than
they might involve an expenditure OF
hot