Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-11-30
LEADERSHIP IN THE SENATE.
Minority Not United on
O Bell Wether.

It Is a matter Of considerable specu-
lation, says a Washington dispatch,
which Of the Democratic senator's Will
rise into most prominence as the lead
er Of the minority in. the senate.
The older men Of the minority now
left in the senate, are few In number
and men who have bent their energies
chiefly in some special direction. 1t ls
doubtful whether any Of them has the
broad view coupled with influence
which would enable them to assume
the position Of leader. George q. vest
Of Missouri, who Is lne greatest de-
batter in congress today, has for seve-
raj years been in feeble health, and
though he is in better physical condi-
ton apparently than he was at any
time during the last congress, he Will
probably not be willing to take an en-
ergetic part during the present ses-
sion.
Senator John T. Morgan, one of the
most erudite men in the senate, VINO
was for years a pillar Of Democracy, IS
out Of tune with the common chord OF
the party in congress at this time. his
views with reference to the Imperial
expansion Of the government, Whlie
not in accord with the opposition, are
peculiar to himself, and do not nave
the complete sympathy Of his party
in congress. Moreover he has become
specialist in advocacy or the Mica
ragua canal, and on international ques-
tions, and does not broaden out to the
requirements Of leadership
Senator Francis NJ. Cockrell mas
made a speciality of appropriations ana
was so temperate in his opposltlon 10
the Mckinley administration as to lose
the sympathy and confidence, IN the
sense of reliance, Of the newer element
of Democracy in the senate.
Senator John w. Daniel also weak
ened his hold upon his party colleagues
| by an exhibition of friendliness toWaro
| the Mckinley administration, with
which all could not sympathize.
A. o. Bacon, Of Georgia, has devel-
oped many of the qualities of leader
ship since he entered the senate, ana
| Is a man of ability. Yet he has not at
tained that position which assures a
| following, and he Is stronger IN depate
than in manipulation.
]. w. Bailey, of Texas, Is disqualihed
by custom from prominent recognltloh'
as this Is his first term in the senate.
He Is a man Of great ability, but pos
sesses little political shrewdness and
none Of the arts by which men OF less
quality often attain leadership. =:
w. Carmack, of Tennessee, another OF
the new senators, possesses alertness,
skill in political matters and reaoy
adaptability which will probably give
him considerable political influence IN
the senate within short time.
| The best politician of the minority IN
the senate is Senator Frederick T. Du-
bois, of Idaho, who entered the Dem
ocratic caucus for the first time at the
special session Of the senate last spring.
During the greater part OF his hrst
term in the senate, Mr.. Dubois was a
Republican, and, though he bolted
from that party in 1896, he was not
recognized by the Democrats until after
his reelection to the senate and his ap-
pearance in the Democratic caucus.
During his previous term he was rec.
ognized, even among the most skillful
of the Republican leaders, and those
| in the minority, many of whom are
now gone, as one of the most skillful
politicians in the senate. :;
| Nelson w. Aldrich on the one hand,
and Arthur P. German on the other,
regarded him as worthy Of their con-
sidera tion in any contest In the game
of politics. He will be most active al
the coming session. and the minority
will have full benefit Of his skill and
experience. He is not, however, In a
position to become a party leader, and
must be simply an AID. to those who
can speak and manage for the party.
Senator ]. K. Jones lis expected to
continue as chairman Of the Democrat
ic caucus, which carries with 1t official
recognition as party leader. and 1t is
understood to be the purpose Of most
of the younger men in the senate to
cooperate with him and to give him
the benefit of their best capacity. 1t is
possible that one and then another will
assume the lead on the floor or In con-
ference on special questions in accord
ance with their special fitness; but
there is not in sight any masterful
leadership which will be recognized
on all occasions by the entire party.