The Press., 1902-11-13
WASHINGTON LETTER.
washington, November 10. 100

WASHINGTON LETTER.
Washington, November 10, 1902.
The winter political population is gath
ering In Washington. Familiar faces are
once more seen In the hotel lobbies, in
the government Offices and about the
white house, or rather about the presi-
dents office building, and the newspaper
correspondents are hurrying hither and
yon getting 'tips" and getting them de-
MED, vigilantly watching for "news'' in
regard to the great congressional Derby"
which probably will not be run for year,
but which has for It's prize the speaker
ship of the house of representatives, and
for which there will be many entries,
though but one contestant can get the
place.
AS result Of the unquestionable elec-
tion OF republican majority In the lower
chamber. numerous candidates. have been
announced. The first actual contestant
to come to Washington and proclaim his
ambition was Representative DalzeH of
Pennsylvania, the apostle of protection 10
Its highest form. With an almost solid
delegation back of him and many high
protectionists favorable to his cause, Mr..
Dalzell will make vigorous fight, and
believes that he will have the moral sup.
easy race, however. Advices from Mr..
Cannon of Illineis state that he has es-
tablished headquarters in Chicago, and
that he proposes" to win. His long
appropriation he believes entities him to
recognition, but that very Office has made
for him many enemies, whose cherished
appropriation bills have fallen before his
merciless ak.
Although New York already has the
presidency and the secretaryship of war,
she Is not content, and will put two con-
testants 10 the field, Representative Payne,
now chairman of the ways and means
committee, and Representative Sherman
of Utica. A handsome, well dressed man
appeared at the white house recently, and
had long talk with the president. 1t
was Representative Overstreet, secretary
OF the congressional campaign committee.
He refused to state positively his mission
In Washington, but 1t is understood that
he Is here to present the claims of Repre-
sentative Babcock, who has record Of
five successful campaigns which he has
Tn IN Mo}po &C. n
man, regarded as typical Of the new dis
pensation, who has serious hopes OF pre-
siding over the house. 1t Is MIR. Little
field, who was heralded last summer as
the young David who would destroy the
trust Goliath. Mr.. Babcock has also
come to Washington, and is on the watch
for every new arrival who holds a con.
gressional vote.
As IL to add interest to the situation,
an unconfirmed rumor has reached Wash
ington to the effect that Speaker Hender-
son would resign the speakership this
winter, and thus precipitate the fight.
There Is little ground for accepting the
report, but it makes things more inter-
| esting.
A report has been received from Iowa
to the effect that Mr.. Henderson would
contest the gubernatorial nomination with
Governor Cummins next spring, and that
he!would have the support of Secretary
Shaw, who is himself credited with aspi-
ratfons for the vice. presidency. Mr.. Shaw,
when seen after the cabinet meeting at
the white house, denied that he had
formed any alliance with Gen. Henderson,
and professed no knowledge of the speak.
er's intentions. 1t Is not likely that the
secretary Of the treasury will form any
such alliance while he is still In the cabi.
net, but that Is not saying that he would
not favor Speaker Henderson's ambition
to be "vindicated," and to remove Mr..
Cummins from an active share In lowe
politics. e.-t
The members of the cabinet are now
hurrying back to Washington to prepare
their annual reports, and to render all the
assistance possible to the president in the
preparation of his message. The first
O@OAAOU A4OOuAuS w no AO1U Ill lu0 u0W
cabinet room took place last Friday, and
lasted two and half hours. 1t is under
stood that the president briefly outlined
the features of his message to his advis
ers. In most instances the cabinet off
GERS are bringing their families with them
and the social season will doubtless oper
In the near future. Numerous members
OF the diplomatic corps have returned tt
Washington, or are on their way, ane
Secretary Hay Is busily engaged with tn,
Colombian and Cuban treaties, on botf
of which 1t Ia said progress ls being made
General Corbin, adjutant ger eral of thu
army, has made public his annual repor t
the most significant feature OF which is
perhaps, his urgent recommendation tha
the "canteen," or post exchange. at which
the sale of beer was permitted, be- re
stored. He states that the cases of de
sertion and the infractions of disciplin
have greatly increased since the sale 0
beer was forbidden by the act of Feb.
1901, and alleges that none are more anx
ious to see the exchange restored In 1T
previous form than those officers ''of pro
nounced temperance views"
i Senator Beveridge has returned t
Washington, and will make arrangement
for a brief tour of Oklahoma, Arizon
and New Mexico, which are so loudl
knocking at the door for statehood. !
!, will be remembered that the senate
promised Senator Quay that his commit
tee would report to the senate the bill Q
admission, already passed by the house
before the Christmas adjournment
The president leaves Washington to
night for New York. He will attend th
dedication of the chamber of commerc
building there, and will then 60 south