The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-11-11
MANY WILLING TO
LEAD MINORITY.
fisht for Democratic Minority
Lealership1n che House.
HAY, OF V,R ,INIA, MENTIONED
Richardson's Chances Appear to Be
Best, Although He Has Strong Men
in Race-The Posliion#is One
ofnfluence and Prominence,

Especial Dispatch to The IIme,.)

Especial Dispatch to The Times.)
WASHINGTON, Nov. 1O.-Although the
coming contest among prominent anu
the Speakersnip OF the House is oc-
cupying the center OF the political stage
now that the elections are over it is not
at all impiobab4e mat it Will oe rlvalieu
% a celta.n extent in the near future by
a sHall-sized scramble on the part OF
these Democrats who are anxious tor the
leadership of The minority. The fact that
THIS office is, in a measure, an empty
nonor, will not deter 2 number of DEM
ociats from entering the race for 1t.
1t was the famous Charles James Fox
who said the great regulations in Eng
fish politics were made by members oil
the minority party, and it is this Idea
that makes some Democrats covet the
leadership Of their party in the next
Congress. A really able man in this
position has ample opportunity to SHOW
his worth and to enlarge and develop
his powers as a parliamentarian and
party leader. while a weak man only
makes n.u1self ridiculous and breeds DIS
couragenent and inaction in his followers.
his party while minority leader, and fire.
quentiy brought Tom Reed up with
sharp turn. 1t is said of him that he
had better control of the Democrats
in Congress than any other Democratic
leader ever had Senator Bailey was a
man who could, while minority leader
always claim the attention of the Repub-
Leans. but he could not be called a sue
cessful leader.
HIS, APPOINTMENTS.
In addition to the honor OF being called
leader. the incumbent Of this office Isl
by virtue of his position. appointed by
the Speaker to the two most important
on IF ho bo "A ga
on Rules and the Committee on Ways
and Means. The Committee on Rules de-
c! DIES what legislation shall be considered
by the House Moreover. the minority
leader is consulted BY the Speaker in re-
gard to the committee assignments tor
all the minority members.
at present the leadership is in the
hands Of Representative Richardson. OF
Tennessee. He was elected unanimously
for the rifty-seventh Congress. but had
quite .ard fight on his hands for the
leadership Of the Fifty-sixth, when Sen
ator Bailey's resignation opened up the
fight for hts successor. Richardson has
never been particularly satisfactory and
had the Democrats carried the House he
would have had strong opposition for the
Spealtership, and would ably have
.reen defeated. Now. however. although
there will be a member of candidates for
his present position Richardson seems to
be the favor'te in the race.
OTHER CANDIDATES.
The others who are spoken Of as cam
didates are Mr.. Griggs. of Georgia. chair
1uan of the Congress Campaign Commit
tee; Mr.. Ball. Of Texas: Mr.. De Almond.
OF Missouri and, possibly. Mr.. Hay. of
Virginia. Owing. to the fact that Judge
Griggs has helped many man out in
his fight to come to Congress, he will be
able to summon strong support ii he
comes out for tho position. Ball. of
Texas is sure of sixteen votes from his
own State and would prohab bly, collect
good many more supporters around his
standard. De Almond Is one of the
strongest and ablest men in the House
and would make a great running. There
were many who thought he would have
ieen elected Speaker had the House gone
Democratic He is a fine orator and is
particularly strong with the conservative
element on his side of the chamber. John
Sharpe Williams. of Mississippi, is another
strong man He is one of the most brill
liar men in the House. and, perhaps. the
.hnest speak r$ there. but 1t is exceedingly
doubtful if he will enter the race. Nor is
1t probable that Representative Hay will
bother himself about the leadership Of
thu minority, although he was an active
candidate for the Speakership. If he
should run he would have the solid sup
rort OF the Virginia delegation and would
be sure or a SOOQ many EEOleS 5OeSiCes,. CD
he is a very popular man in the House
At present 1t looks like the race Is Rich
ardson against the field, and the chances
are that Richardson will continue to hold
the Office.
PcsTOFF1CE MATTERS.
The postoffice at Messy Creek. Augusta
county, has been discontinued on account
OF the establishment OF rural free deliv-5
cry. The discontinuance will take effect
on November 18th: rural free delivery
from Bri!gewater.
The following fourth-class postoffice ap-s
sentiments for Virginia were announced
to-day: :,
Charlotte county; Charles T. Hillsman.
CHS, Amelia county: Mrs. L. R. Fergu-
son, Oklahoma, Carroll county; Albert S.
White. Sycamore Station. Pittsylvania
PENSIONS.
Alice L. Valentine, Of Richmond, was
today granted a pension of IS OF the issue.
of the war with Spain.
Pensions granted to other Virginians and
North Carolinia ms:
Johan Fischer. National Soldiers Home,
elizabeth City, So: Madison Pomeroy,
Front Royal, s12;; Anthony Schlecter.
Hartford, n c., $40. war with Spain.
RtV.sT.8 WALKER DEAD