The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1899-05-11
Bingham for Speaker.

We said yesterday that no Pennsyl-
vania member-elect OF the Fifty-siXth
congress has declared his candidacy
for the speakership. We have since
learned that General Bingham has con-
sented to the presentation of his name
in that connection If 1t shall prove
acceptable to a majority of his col
leagues in the Pennsylvania delega-
tion.
General Bingham is the oldest Re-
publican member in the house in point
of continuous service. He was for
two terms chairman of the committee
on post offices and post roads, and
declined the chairmanship in the Fifty
third congress in order that he might
devote more time to serving his state
and his constituency on the appropri-
atoms committee. lie is now second
only TO Chai' man Cannon on the ap-
prlations committee, D r'aee which is
regarded as fully equal in Importance
ana dignity to a chairmanship. He
secured the passage of the two-cent
postage bill and also the bill making
the basis of weight for letters one
ounce instead of half an ounce. In
every congress for years he superin-
tended the passage of legislative. exc
cutive and judicial appropriation bills
through the house. He has tempor-
arily occupied the speakers chair on
many occasions and shown a thor
ough knowledge of parliamentary law
and legislative practice. His war re-
cord, too, is in his favor He entered
the Union army as lieutenant when
he was but 20 years of age and came
out six years later brevet brigadier
general. He still bears on his body
the marks of wound he received at
Gettysburg.
To a representative of the Philadel-
phia Inquirer General Bingham on
Tuesday said: "In view of the sem
timent which seems to prevail I'm our
state and our very large Republican
representation. l am Of the opinion
that Pennsylvania should have can
didate. Grow, Mahon, Dalzell and
Brosius are all experienced and cap
able men and could administer the Of
flee with ability and safety. Several
of my PENNSYLVANIA colleagues have
written me concerning my availability
and urged my serious consideration of
contest. As they write, they regard
me as the only member who could Sc
cure the united vote of our delegation.
While that it complimentary, and per-
haps generous, l am not sure that
their conclusion is correct. Whatever
may be the determination of my coll
leagues afer full and free deliberation,
would be satisfactory to me. !. of
course, will accept any decision they
may reach"
The Inquirer adds; General Bing-
hams candidacy, it is confidently be-
Jicvcd. will soidify the states Re-
publican delegation. With the excep-
ton of Mr. Dalzell, none of the four
members mentioned by the general as
available men has expressed any de-
sire for the place. Mr.. Dalzell's
course in opposing the regular organ
ization makes him an impossibility and
it is believed that he will gracefully
make way for the man who can secure
an overwhelming number of votes in
the congress caucus of the Republican
representatives from Pennsylvania
That man is General Bingham. Nc
date has yet been fixed for the caucus
but it will probably be held within a
short time"
The importance of united action on
the part of the Republican members
of the Pennsylvania delegation 1!
apparent, If General Bingham car
secure this in his own behalf he vii
enter the race for the speakership with
distinct advantage over most of his
competitors.