The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-09
SOMETHING OF HIS LIFE
Might Aspire to Presidency Were He
Not Southerner.
DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY IN NEXT HOUSE
Signs Multiply That This Will be The Result o.
the Congressional Elections. Judge
Walter Clark and the Chief
Iucliceship.
Jus!iceship.

JuSuCESHps
Especial TO the News and Observer
WASHINGTON. D. c., Feb ga Senate
rial career just beginning which promises
10 be exceedingly brilliant is that of
Joseph w. Bailey of Texas, who had pre-
ylously served ten years in the House
and risen to the leadership of the Demo-
cratic minority there. Senator Bailey was
born in Mississippi in October, 1863. In
1884. when he was just twenty-one years
old he was elected a Presidential elector.
He moved TO Texas and was an elector at
large in 1888. In 1890 ne defeated Judge
Silas Hare, very popular member or
Congress. for the Democratic nomination
ana was elected to the Fifty second Con-
gress when he was q years old. To that
Congress also came William J. Bryan
From the First District of Nebraska.
Both were young men and both had won
regulations by their campaigns. Bailey
supported his colleague. Roger Q. Mills,
for Speaker, while Bryan voted at first
for william NJ, Springer, of Illinois, and
then with his chief for Judge Crisp, Of
Georgia on the last ballot in that long
contest thereby insuring the nomination
Of the Georgian. When Judge Crisp APP
pointed the committees he put Springer
at the head of the Committee on Ways
and Means and appointed Bryan a mem
Der OF that committee an unusual honor
for new member. Bailey fell on the
losing side in. the Speakership contest,
rendered himself a little obnoxious in
supporting Mills to Judge Crisp. and was
punished by being placed on only one COM
mittee. and that one of the least impor-
tant of the House. The Nebraskan and
Texan regarded each other as rivals from
their first day in the House. in Deem
Der. 1891. Bryan was given an opportuni-
ty and he made his wonderful speech on
the tariff in 1892. Bailey secured no ia
yors and remained quiet during that Con-
gress. Bailey hated Bryan with all the
fervor of his ardent Southern nature. In
1896 when Bryan was nominated for
President, a truce was patched up be-
tween these two young leaders of the
Democratic party who thought alike on
the great question then dividing the two
parties.
Senator Bailey is as handsome as "a
uelIll- ROu. NellUGI ldil HVl SHUT obOuL
nor thin: a perfect figure and carriage;
pale, classical face, and handsome,
intellectual head make him easily the
handsomest man in the American Con-
gress. As a speaker, he is logical and
powerful The greatest student of Am
ercan politics living, he is easily one OF
the great men of his time.
1t is said that Senator Bailey is the
only living man who has read the Con-
gressional Record through from the be-
ginning of the government TO the present
time.
He has already served ten years in the
House, and began his Senatorial term
March 4th, 1901, with every indication
that his service in the Senate will be a
long and brilliant one. But for his geo.
graphical position, he could aspire to the
Presidency but the time has not yet come
when it would be safe for our party TO
nominate a Southern man for that great
office.
The impression among Democrats is
that it is too early to discuss candidates
for President yet. The two names most
frequently heard in that connection are
those of ex-Senators German, of Mary
n
are almost insuperable objections to
both. Both have strong elements against
them in their own States. Neither quite
measures up to the Democratic standard
in principles. Both have been and are
at variance with their party on too many
questions. Each would ALLEVIATE from the
party too many voters to make his noni-
nation wise.
Then, who Is TO be the new Moses
The answer Of most Democrats, is: Let
future events disclose him" In the
judgment of great numbers of leading
Democrats. the party should wait until
after the elections of this and next year
before making up its mind. In many OF
the Northern and Western states (some
of which are necessary TO Democratic
success) new Governors will be elected
In 1902 and 1903. A young, clean, vigor-
Gus Democrat. with little or no record on
the questions which have recently divided
our party, will probably be elected in one
or more of them. In the opinion OF many
of our wisest party leaders, such a man
should be nominated. Some man not now
prominent will doubtless be our candidate
in 1904.
Signs multiply that the Democrats will
have majority in the next House A
change Of twenty members would have
made the present House Democratic.
Enough gains will be made in the South
10 overcome the Democratic losses which
viii result from the recent gerrymander
in Illinois THE other Northern and