Evening star., 1901-07-12
Expressions Of Hostility to Mr.. Hen
derson's Reflection.
HIGH TARIFF MEN RESPONSIBLE
An Organized Opposition to Him
Cannot Be Made.
TIL E PROBABLE ESULT

From time to time there is revival of
expressions Of hostility to Mr.. Henderson's
reelection to the speakership of the next
House, and newspaper comments along
that line crop out in various parts of the
country. After telling Of the supposed
sentiment adverse to his reelection, and
concurring or non-concurring in 1t, as the
case may be. the published articles invari-
ably conclude with the statement that ''his
defeat Is unlikely, because the opposition
to him is unorganized and there is nobody
to run against him.
Mr. Henderson's friends in the House
trace this movement, wherever 1t appears,
to one source-the advocates of extreme high
protective tariff in the east. The same
people, it is said, are behind this clamor
who are also deprecating the propaganda
originating in the west for reductions Of
tariff on some protected articles.
Protective Tariff League.
The American Protective Tariff League,
that has started out openly after the scalp
of Mr.. Babcock and such other republican
members of the ways and means committee
who do not measure up to its proposed
tariff wall, is said to be melting hostility
to Speaker Henderson. The league thus
far has handled the Henderson end Of the
proposition rather gingerly, finding an
easier mark in Mr.. Babcock. 1t Is pre-
dicted, however, that before the session
opens there will be a casting off Of dis
guise and the league may oppose Mr.. Hen
dersons reelection on the ground that ne
is responsible for the placing on the COM
mttee of Mr.. Babcock and his colleagues
who would modify the tariff to the demands
of the west.
When this is done 1t will bring about i'm
mediately an alignment of the factions
within the republican party over the tariff
question. Any attempt to prevent the re-
election of Mr.. Henderson, for alleged rea-
sons relating to the tariff, will open the
ball and the radical tariff men of the east
will be led lively dance beforeft is over
His First Election.
1t must be remembered that Mr. Hender-
sons election in the first place was en-
gineered by a group Of western men, under
the leadership Of Babcock, Tawney, Hull
and others. who brought the delegations Of
Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Illi-
nois and Kansas into a combination SO
strong as to Immediately attract other
states and to make the speakership contest
short, sharp and decisive.
1t will be violation of confidence to
state at this time that many of the men
in that movement have for long time en-
tertaned the opinion that there would have
to be an abatement Of tariff upon some
articles to satisfy sentiment in the west.
1t may not be correct to say that Mr.. Hen
dersOn's election to the speakership had
that end in view, but 1t Is a fact that the
men who elevated him to his office and who
have been and his closest colleagues
are the opponents Of the American Pro
tectfve Tariff Leagues ideas, and that
fight against Henderson on tariff grounds
is going to bring out that crowd Of fighting
men Immediately.
1t Is said that the opponents of Mr. Hem
derson realize that there Is no organiza-
ton against him and very slim chance of
perfecting one. IN the first place, candi-
dates are lacking. Not that there is alb
sence of good timber in the House, but it
happens that all the men who might be
available for Speaker have been well placed
In committee assignments and are sure of
reassignment for the next session. On the
principle Of "a bird in the hand, etc." they
would probably hesitate to lead a forlorn
nope against a Speaker so we'll intrenched
as Mr.. Henderson.
Combination in Control
In point of fact there is a wel-organized
combination in control Of the offices Of
the House, which Is likely to continue the
Speaker In his chair, and to hold on to
the minor offices well. The sergeant-at-
arms. the clerk, the doorkeeper and the
postmaster with the valuable patronage in
each department, will undoubtedly be han
died they were two years ago.
The old members of the organization have
been reelected and they will take care of
the new members of the House, apportion-
ing to them their share Of the patronage
and taking them into the combination. This
plan has been worked for several Con-
crosses successfully, and there are no in
dications Of departure from It.
With the reasonable certainty that Mr..
Henderson is to be reelected without
contest, the interest in the situation de-
pends upon the probable course Of the high
tariff fasteners, and whether they intend
to force tariff fight before the opening
of Congress, with the speakership and the
committee assignments the ostensible
bone of contention.