The Butler weekly times. (Butler, Mo.) 1881-1918, 1901-02-28
LEADER OF THE HOUSE.
Democrats May Confer High Honor
Upon Congressman DeArm0nd.
JNO. H. SULLENs

Washington, Feb. 22.-At an in
form Ii conference held by the demo-
| cratic congressional delegation from
Missouri to-day it was unanimously
decided to tender the support of the
delegation to David A. DeArmond
Tor leadership of the minority in the
next congress. 1t was not announced
ut the meeting that Mr.. DeArmOnd
is a candidate. but under the cOndi-
tiOns it is thought that he cannot
but accede to strong sentiment.
both in and out OF congress, and de-
clare his Willingness to accept the
lead trshlp.
The Missourian is generally regard
ed as the ablest democrat. if not the
Hblest member. in the house, and
for several weeks the sentiment to
elect him leader has been growing.
1t was in Ob"diAuce to various re-
quests from members for infOrma
ton concerning his candidacy that
the Missouri dti..gt ton conferred and
IerItied 10 trn'irr its support and
learn Mr. DeAruond $ desire in the
IN tier.
The conference was characterized
by the greatest unanimity, and each
member present spoke enthusiastic
cally of Mr.. DeArmOnd and pledged
his heartlest ana most active sup
port. A committee was appointed
to confer with Mr. DeArmond and to
convey the action of the delega ton
TO those who have announced u de-
sire to enlist actively in his support.
"hnp NV fIhn rN;,,O..
pOndent, Mr. DeArmond refused to
say what his position would be. He
was, however. gratitied over the com
piment his colleagues from Missouri
mad paid him.
The position OF leader of the mi
noritv is one OF such great import
ance to the democratic party, it
seems to me. he said. that it is not |
a place that one should be a candi |
date for The members should weigh |
the qualifications of the man we'll |
whom they choose to be the demo- |
cratic leader on the floor and select |
him without regard TO personal |
friendship or personal solicitation |
for support,
PARTY INTEREST ABOVE AMBITION.
MIR. DeArmond refused further to |
discuss the matter. His position. it |
is believed, will continue to be as he |
stated. Moreover. it is known that |
he is sincere in maintaining that po- |
sition. There is no truer democrat |
i'll congress. 1t Is this sincerity. |
coupled with his known ability. that |
makes him strong probability in |
The selection OF n leader. Mr.. De- |
Almond entertains no ambition that |
he would not cheerfullv sacrifice for
MS party's good
1t can be stated with certainty that |
Mr.. DeArmond will not enter rough |
and tumble scramb BILE for the place. |
1t is doubtful that he will make any |
other statement than he has already |
made, which in effect is that the lead |
ership is a place that should seek the /
man. His position was well known /
to the Nissourians before they met. |
an their action may therefore be |
construed as formally announcing /
( neir purpose to enter the contest for /
Mr.. DeArnond
There is a strong probability of an /
extra session. Indeed. one seems /
certain. In that event congress may !
be called together by March 20. The !
leader would therefore DE elected at /
the beginning Of the extra session.
This proba biiity i the cause of the
early announcement of the MiSSou-i
rians to contest with all corners for
the leadership.
Mr.. Cochran expressed the senti- /
ment of the entire delegation il say +
inm: Il regard Judge DeArmond as
one OF the best equipped members of /
the house. In addition to his great