Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-03-16
Revolt Against Reed

An autocrat inevitably creates hostil-
ity. The speaker of the National House
of Representatives as result of the pro-
cess of rapid evolution of the past few
years has come to exercise political pow
ers Of the most autocratic character, and
the man responsible for that evolution is
Hon. Thomas B. Reed of Maine. But in
spite of the arbitrary manner in which
he has ruled the popular branch of Con-
gress, there are few people in this coun-
try to-day who would have that body re-
simply an unwiedy and dlsorganized mob.
in which determined though small min
GRITTY had the power to indefinitely pre-
vent the transaction of business through
flihustering. Until Reed grasped the OBJ
structionist by the horns the iilbusterer
was the autocrat of Congress, and the
change has been simply the substitution
of the autocracy of the agent of order
and legislative progress for that of dis
order and congressional impotency
The hostility to Speaker Reed naturally
comes from those whose personal inter-
ests have been adversely affected by his
alleged dictatorial course, and if advices
from the national capital are to be believ-
ed these enemies are seeking to accom-
plish his overthrow on the specious plea
that he has hampered every measure APP
proved by President Mckinley. Speaker
Reed is outspoken in his opposition to the
annexation of the Philippines as are
many other able and influential repub-
licans in and out of Congress, and his
sarcastic reference to canned freedom"
for the world, Filipinos at 50 n head, the
slaughter Of heather in the name of hui
mainly have naturally nettled the friends
of the administration. But those who
have closely followed the proceedings of
Congress know that he has promoted not
a few of the measures whose passage has
been ardently desired by the President.
The republicans in Congress who are
seeking Speaker Reeds overthrow are
evidently experiencing many difficulties.
President Mckinley has shown himself to
he too shrewd diplomat to engage in
any war upon the speaker, and without
the aid of the administration a republic
can revolt against him will be utterly fu-
man being could promote the interests
of the people as whole in the capacity
of speaker without occasionally treading
on the toes of republicans as well as dem
ocrats, and this consideration together
with Reeds recognized strength and tho
complications of the present situation
will undoubtedly serve to entrench him
In . h. L.,
liantly occupied.
The anti-Reed republicans are appar-
emily handicapped by the lack of a leader.
The strongest republican congressman ma
turally hold enviabe positions on the va
rious committees and it is easy to under
stand why any of their number should
hesitate to surrender certainty of this
character for the uncertainty Of a con-
test for the speakership in opposition TO
Reed with the chances in favor of fail
ure. 1t is reported that Congressman
Sherman of New York will be asked to
decline the appraisership to which he has
been appointed and declare himself a
candidate for the speakership, but he Is
not likely to sacrifice tho desirable posi-
ton in his hands for those in the congress
sional bush
Congressman Hopkins of Illinois is cred
tied with desire to stand as "a candidate
for the speakership against Reed, but his
ambition mas apparently received little
announcement. In the event of re-elec-
ton Speaker Reed will naturally give the
choicest positions to his loyal supporters
and any rival must take this influence into
consideration. Mr.. Reed Is reported "a
have said that he would not enteC into a
scramble for reelection and 1t Is not
difficult to understand why this should
be SO. He has secured all the honor at.
: tached to the speakership through his
, long incumbency of the position. and II
would not comport with the dignity whict
J he has gained therefrom TO be obliged Il
grovel for the support for the place,
It is not at all probable. however. that
; Nc Reed will be obliged to wage con
test for recollection. The administration
could not secure candidate in opposition