The age-herald., 1899-05-30
FIGHT FOR THE
 SPEAKERSHIP Three Prominent Democrats Want the
 Office. BANKHEAD OF ALABAMA May Be MilOrity'S Candidate for the
 Berth. THE REPUBLICANS ARE ACTIVE Henderson Expects Great Support from the G. A. R.-Platt Will Try to Split Pennsylvania Delegation
 and Block Quay.
THE REPUBLICANS ARE ACTIVE

Washington, May 29.-(Special.)- )-There will certainly be three members of the house to go before the democratic caucus seeking the minority nomination for speaker. They are Representatives Rich acdson, De Armond and Bankhead. MT. Bailey and his friends are making an ac- tive propaganda for Bankhead and the lat- ter's supporters say that nothing but the complete harmony of the joint forces op- posing him can bring about his defeat.
 MT. Bankhead is a formidable opponent for this minority honor becoming so large ly through the antagonism of MT. Bailey's friends to the two candidates. Representa- tive Underwood of the Birmingham dis trict, has been in the city almost all the time since congress adjourned and during that time has done much work for MT. Bankhead. In speaking of the situation he said today:
 "Bankhead is much stronger today than most people give him credit for being. He has back of him the majority of Mr. Bailey's personal friends, as the latter feel some resentment naturally over the con duct of the friends of De Armond and Richardson toward MT. Bailey. l do not think that Richardson himself attempted Io WSohSH [oetileyt Oul lIiSLuS CSr- tainly joined with his enemies to embar- ra-ss him. l think that Bankhead will go into the caucus with more votes than either Richardson or De Armond can command. How they will come out I do not think anyone can predict"
 Republicans Active
 Whether because the prize is smaller and the honor less, the democratic candidates for the speakership nomination are not near so active as the republicans. Each of the latter then has a modicoum of a chance for election to the speakership and its playing deep game, but a very ac- tive one This seems to be the headquar- terS for the fight even at this stage of the gabe. Every now and then Henderson, Hopkins or sherman appears upon the scene. One is always followed closely by the others or their leutenants. When Hopkins goes away, Cannon of Illinois rfves to keep watch. Henderson is playing the G. A. R. for all 1t is worth and If the geography of the county is to cut any fig ure Henderson claims to be the oldest rep resentative from that section.
 Senator Platt Is always on hand and Dalzell not very far behind. The last named is an avowed candidate and may be able, if he does nothing else, to split the Pennsylvania delegation and thereby keep Quay from barterng it. The fight between Quay and DalZell will prevent the latter securing the caucus nomination, but like the wicked old pair of pantiloons in the pantomime, he can do good deal of mis- chief The president is the cause of the pilgrimages here. Each candidate fears that the other might get some sort of promise from the president to support his candidacy. It is to prevent this tat they all congregate here and each keeps his in- diyidual claims constantly before the ex- ecutive attention.
 Expects G. A. R.'s Support
 General Henderson has gained strength during the past two weeks. He has begun to make his G. A. R. connections pay dividend He has made inroads into Hop kins' strength fin the west. Whether he will be able to keep 1t or not is another question. Many of Henderson's friends are supporting him now for sentimental req sons, but 1t is thought that when the cru cial point comes will go to Hopkins as the better man. Hopkins Is not one whit moro honest nor better republican. nor more capable debater possibly, but he is younger and more active in up-to-date affairs than General Henderson.
 A queer complication has arisen in the New York delegation. Representative Payn, the chairman of the ways and means committee, refuses to get off the track for Sherman He claims that he had intended to run for the governorship of New York; but got out of the way for Roosevelt in order to harmonize the party in the state He says that Senator Platt and other bosses assured him that should Reed ever retire from the speakership that they would pre- sent him for the honor. and with thi as- suranoe he cleared the track for Teddy" If he adheres to his determination he and Dalzell. who is his particular, friend, may ha able to split the eastern vote just as General Henderson has split the western.