Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-06-25
SUNDAY...."....JUNE 25, 1899
THE NEW SPEAKER.


General Henderson, of Iowa, has become
an interesting personality, because it he's
been arranged bx the Republican leaders
that he is TO succeed Mr.. Reed in the
Speakers chair of the House Of Represen-
tatives.
We lately had occasion to refer 10 a
speech made by him at Dubuque, in which
he apologlzed 70 Commissioner-of-Pe
sions II. Clay Evans Tor the uujustfable
hostility he had manifested towards
Evans. Now We find him announcing
his purpose TO run the House upon lines
very different from those adopted by Mr..
Reed.
Tom Reed wanted all the power he
could nave conferred apon him. And
much that was not conferred upon him
he seized. boldly. On the other hand.
Henderson seems disposed TO do az little
bossing as possible. We take it that he
desires 70 have good. easy. quiet time
as Speaker. Evidently he does not crave
authority as Reed ala.
We think Hcnderson's plan much pre-
ferable; yet it is improbable that he will
be able TO satisfy his party without TAX
ing the Ieins into his own hands, now
and then.
For some years Reed has been the
House. As a rule what he favored got
through and what he opposed failed. The
members with whom he was pleased were
favored far beyond thor deserts, while
those who had incurred his enmity were
persistenuy sat down" upon. lie used
his vast power 20 vens his spites. and
though no was seemingly popular with
northumberland few felt they could
safely antagonize hm--,here were many
who hated him from the bottom Of their
hearts. Still much was forgiven him by
his party because he was serviceable 70
them on great occasions. He was rough
rider whom they could depegd upon Tor
rough partisan work. Al the same, we
cannot but believe that both sides Of
the House will be delighted to see in
augurated the milder reign which General
Henderson promises.
Washington correspondents say that
Henderson wishes the Committee on Rules
increased 20 seven, and that he does
not wish 60 be a member Of it, Under
Reed that committee. consisted of but
.nve members: but Reed Mas really the
committee.
BY surrendering that power Henderson
would lose the vast influence which Reed
had, but the House would again become
q legislative body trusted with the direc-
ton OF its own affairs. OF course, par
tisanry would not be banished, nor rough
riding put an end to entirely, but mem
bers would at least feel that they had
some rights aside from those graciously
conceded them by the occupant of the
chair.
Again, Henderson Is quoted as being de-
sirous of seeing the patronage OF the
House distributed equitably among the
several States; not upon the basis Of the
number OF Offices allotted to each. but
upon the basis of salaries and wages
paid the appointeos. There he IS making
trouble for himself. An such schemes
have Invariably failed Of success. They
appear to be- plausible enough. but they
do not work out in practice.
Another suggestion Of reform attributed
60 Henderson Is that the Organization Of
The House shall be determined by the
caucus, not by half a dozen leaders" No
doubt this proposition OF his will be agreed
TO by every body----but al the same the
leaders will FIX" things.
We shall watch General Hcrderson's
courga with interest Wa aNueot him, 20
be IA partisan. but we pray that at least
ne may be an Improvement upon Mr..
Reed. We hope be viii permit the House
60 do some thinking and leeislating for
itself II Is not too much 10 ask OF a
Speaker that he shall be courteous; that
he shall Try not 10 carry his personal
grievances into the chair. and that he
shall not insolenty assume that he
knows 1t all."