Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1903-11-13
THE CAUCUSES
In WASHINGTON
Republicans and Democrats Nominate
Candidates For Speaker.
WILLIAMS MINORITY LEADER.
Brief Outline of the Policy He Has
Decided 0n.--ReaIizes the Cuban Treaty
\ Will Pass With Little Debate-.MiHority
May Have Chance on Canal Question


Washington, D. C.-Representativ
John Sharp Williams was chosen with
unanimity by the Democratic caucus.
to be the minority leader of the House
for the present Congress. At the same
time resolution was adopted asking
that the Republicans accord to the
minority larger membership on the
important committees, such as was had
in the last congress but one. Until
two years ago, the minority had seven
seats on the Ways and Means and
other large committees, but when the
Republican majority was greatly in
increased, at the beginning of the last
Congress, but six places were allowed.
Mr.. Williams when asked by cores
pondents to outline his policy for the
coming session, replied: No party
policy was adopted by the caucus ex-
cept to demand a larger representation
on the important committees of the
House. Speaking for myself, I may
say have never seen such harmony
in the party as exists today. and it
shall be my endeavor to promote it in
every way. 1--WE recognize that
the opposition is strong enough to
force its reciprocity scheme through
the House with but little debate, but
the Democrats will insist that instead
Of reducing the tariff to affect the
products of any one State, there
should be a reduction in the duties all
along the line. When the question
comes before the Senate it will not be
merely one of reciprocity with Cuba.
Reciprocity with Canada and the rati-
fication of the pending treaty with
France also will be urged with great
deal Of vigor." Referring to the hasty
recognition which was accorded the
Republic of Panama by the United
States, Mr.. Williams said that perhaps
it was simply good luck that United
States gunboats were in close prozimi-
ty to the trouble when it occurred, and
that people might be led to believe
that the Administration had nothing
to do with the uprising, but if such
were true, the United States was ex-.
ceedingly fortunate in being in
position to acquire sovereignty to the
canal territory with little difficulty.
Most interesting in the present sit
ting of Congress, will be the attitude of
Senator. Morgan, of Alabama, the i'm
placable opponent of the proposed
Panama canal route, first and ever
chief advocate of the Nicaraguan,
whose intention it is again to thresh
out the subject. His threat to discuss
the canal situation "during" the ses-
sion is believed to be one made in the
full knowledge of the meaning of the
word. He will offer a resolution call
ing on the President for full report
on the subject. In the light of more
recent development-the uprising in
Panama and the establishment of
new Republicans speeches will be
followed by larger circle of interest
ed auditors and readers than ever be-
fore. Although it may seem easy to
effect an agreement with the new Re-
public of Panama, it is contended by
many that it can be done only after
further congressional legislation. The
Spooner bill provided specifically for
the purchase of rights from Colombia.
Under that law, the canal could not, it
is contended, be secured from the new
government of Panama. Democrats
and Republicans alike, at this time,
hesitate saying anything abont the de-
velopment at Panama. They declare
chat they want more information before
forming an opinion.
The Associated Press learns that DR.
Thomas Herran, Colombian charge, is
prepared to leave Washington on short
notice with his family for Columbia