Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-03-06
CHOOSE N[N LEADERS
National Congressional Commit.
tees OF Both Parties to Re-
organize Soon.
Babcock May Not Be Candidate
for Reelection as Chairman
for Republicans.
Hull Of Iowa Would Be Logical
Successor-New Man for
Democrats.

Democrats.
Washington, March 6.-Both the re-
publican and democratic national con-
pressional committees will be reorgan-
lied during the present month, ana
there is much speculation as to changes
that will be made in organizations that
will plan the coming congressional
campaigns. The republicans will meet
next Monday night for the preliminary
work of organization. This meeting is
formal in character, the senators and
representatives simply announcing the
members of the committee from the
different states. Some time will then
be given to the states in which the Sc
lection has not been made to name
their representatives and then the ofh-
GERS of the old committee will call the
new committee together for organiza-
ton. This meeting will be held some
time during the month and organiza-
ton perfected.
Congressman Babcock, of Wisconsin.
has been chairman of the republican
congressional committee since 1894 and
has been most successful in his man
agement of four campaigns. There is
some question as to whether he will be
candidate for reelection as chairman
of the committee. He is confined to his
home by illness at this time, but his
feeling on the subject is known. He will
not seek reelection and has not decid-
ed whether he will accept a reelection
If it is rendered to him. He feels that
his position on the tariff question is not
in accord with that of the majority of
the members of his party, in or out OF
congress, and is not disposed to accept
the responsibilities as chairman OF the
congressional committee If there is any
feeling of dissatisfaction with his posi-
ton on the tariff reduction proposition.
There is no question, however. that the
majority of the members in the house,
at least, are favorable to the reelection
of Mr.. Babcock, If he will accept the
position.
In view of the possibility of Mr.. Bah
cocks retirement from the chairman
ship there is much speculation among
republicans as to his successor. Con-
gresham Hull Of Iowa, has been vice
chairman of the committee for several
years and is recognized as a splendid
organizer. He would naturally succeed
to the craftsmanship, but there are rea-
sons which practically place him out
of the list of possibilities. He has hot
fight on his hands in his own district
in Iowa and will not be able to give the
time and attention to the management
of the campaign that will be necessary.
Mr.. Overstreet, of Indiana, has been
secretary of the committee since 1896.
He positively declines, however. to al
low the use of his name in connection
with the craftsmanship. He said that
if Mr.. Babcock did not accept the
craftsmanship he would not desire to
serve longer as secretary Congress-
man Loudenslager of New Jersey, and
Congressman Hepburn, of Iowa. both
of whom have splendid regulations as
political organizers, have been men
toned in connection with the chair
manship in case Mr.. Babcock declines
to accept reelection.
There is a vacancy in Missouri's rep
resentation on the committee, caused
ny lHe uedlH Oh 1paTCe.. con-
gresmen Bartholdt and Joy have served
equal terms on the committee, and each
is DESTROYS OF filling the existing vacan-
cy. Mr.. Joy proposed that they draw
lots for the distinction, and this meth
Cd will probably be adopted.
The democrats will also meet some
time during the month to reorganize
their congressional committee. Con-
gresham Richardson, of Tennessee, the
present chairman, has announced his
intention OF declining a reelection, ow-
ing to pressing duties. There is a
strong movement in favor of the cleo
ton of Congressman Griggs, of Geor-
gia, altho many of the northern demo-
Gratis are opposed to the selection
They take the position that there is no
particular need of organization of DEM
ocrats in the south and that efforts of
the committee should be directed by a
northern democrat who is in touch
with conditions In the states In which
the close political battles will be fought.
With the announcement of Mr.. Rich
ardson's withdrawal from the commit
tee boom was started for Congress-
man Champ Clark, of Missouri Mr..
Clark stated that he had no desire to
serve as chairman of the committee
and would not seek the election His
friends. however have taken UP the case
for him and propose to press his cleo
ton. They look upon 1T as a step to
leadership in the house. There
is another Clark in congress, however,
who has been suggested in connection
with the craftsmanship of the congress
sional committee, and If he will accent
the position the contest may be con-
sidered closed. The senator from Mon
tana has bank roll and is liberal with
it according to report, in political cam
paigns and that qualification is looked |
upon as paramount one in democratic |
Senator Clark has not ex-
pressed his wishes in the matter, but |
1t is pretty certain that there will be |
an end to caucussing on the position if |
he will agree to succeed Mr.. Richard
son.
Flood of the Platte.
Omaha, March 6.-The flood in the
Platte river caused by an ice gorge
which formed above Louisville, while |
it has reached its climax, is still caus-