The San Francisco call., 1901-12-02
CONGRESSIONAL CAUoUsEs.

4
= two parties preceding the meeting of Congress
the public can form fairly correct estimate of
the conditions under which the two will enter upon
the work of the session. In the Republican conven-
ton there was perfect harmony from first to last.
In the Democratic caucus, the other hand, there
displayed mitch of dssenson that certain
utions submitted for adoption had be got rid of
by referring them to committee because to have
put them to vote would have resulted in split in
the party then and there.
AS expected, the Republican caucus unani-
mously nominated General Henderson for reelection
to the Speakership In addition, all the officers WHO
served during the late session renominated 1t
is well known that Speaker Henderson will make
very few changes in the House committees and none
in important places, consequently the House will be
ready to begin business about it is organ
lied.
This harmony of action on the part of the maj orty
in Congress must be as gratifying to the country
to the party There is great deal of important work
before Congress- and, to accomplish any considerable
part of it, the session will have be devoted to bust
from first to last In accepting his nomination
for the Speakershp General Henderson said: There
is always activity at every Congress preceding
Congressional election than at any other time. We
will require all the wisdom possess and all the pa
triotisnl, for we have great danger to confront us
continually and that is the surplus in the treasury
appeal to all my colleagues Republicans to keep
in mind that this is danger and that if we be wise in
the presence OF that danger will find approval OF
the American people" From that speech it will be
seen that the Speaker will enter upon the work Of
the session with true appreciation of the difficulties
before him. and no better guarantee could be given Of
faithful work from start to finish.
The Democratic caucus was notable first because
two al q Congress
who have hitherto called themselves Populists
dropped their pretensions form third party and
entered the caucus as Democrats On the surface
that looked something like the establishment of har
mony among the various elements of the opposition,
but the appearance deceptive. Representative
Mcclellan of New York introduced series of resolu-
tons outlining policy to be pursued by the oppos
ton during the session No sooner were they read
than row began. Mr. Ball of Texas offered a
substitute the Kansas City platform. A discussion
ensued Fitzgerald of New York said: I'VE can
never win if we do not discard the heresy of free sill
ver" Mr. Ball of Texas replied: ''We can never win
unless calling themselves Democrats support the
national platforms of the Democratic party" Then,
for the sake of peace, Richardson of Tennessee who
was nominated as the party candidate for Speaker,
moved that all resolutions be referred to committee,
which was agreed to, and the ended for the time
The various resolutions, at least report OF the
committee concerning them, will be submitted to the
caucus at meeting to be held early in January. At
that time an attempt will be made to formulate a
party policy with respect to the Philippines, ship sub
sidies currency legislation and other important
measures likely be taken UP during the session.
anything approaching harmony of action be manifest
at that caucus we shall be able to learn from it what
will be the main features of the Democratic platform
in the elections next fall IT, however, there should
be discord, everything will be in much confusion
as ever. and we shall have to face poiti
cal guerrilla warfare, with different Democratic pol
icy to the front in every district