The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-03-16
Republicans in Congress
VIII Hold Joint Meet
ing Monday.
TO ORGANIZE COMMITTEE
Fight for Control of Next
House Will Be a
Spirited One.

The fight for the control of the next
House of Representatives viii be begun
Monday night
Senator Allison. chairman OF the Re
publican caucus in the Senate. and
Representative Hepburn Of Iowa, chair
man OF the House Republican caucus
have issued a call for a joint meeting
of the Republicans of the Senate and
House 70 be held in the Hall Of Repre-
sentatives Monday evening, for the pur-
pose of organizing the new Congress
sionaI committee which will have
charge of the campaign to elect MEM
bers Of the House next November.
Babcock's Long Service.
It is probable that the committee viii
again select Representative Babcock as
chairman. by reason of his long expe-
rience and success in managing Con-
gressional campaigns. For the past ten
years he has held this position, and at
each biennial election within that time
a Republican House has been chosen.
Mr.. Babcock has just emerged from
q bitter contest for denomination In his
district. and. having routed the OppOSi-
ton completely and won a signal vic
tory. is certain of reelection without
further effort. He, therefore, will have
ample time to devote TO the work of
managing the general Congressional
campaign. It is also likely that Rep
resentative LoudensIager Of New Jer-
sey who is also in another sure Re
publican district. VIII be reelected sec
retary.
Democratic Call Expected.
1t is probable that a call will be is
sued shortly for meeting OF Demo-
Gratis to organize their Congressional
committee. 1t is said that Representa-
tive Griggs Of Georgia, who managed
the last Congressional campaign for the
Democrats, does not want 20 undertake
the work again. and in that event there
is much talk OF making Representative
Cowherd Of Missouri chairman.
Mr. COwherd is an able man and
capable manager. His district is GER
tain to return him TO Congress even if
he should absent himself from il and
devote his time TO the management Of
the Democratic campaign lie comes
from Kansas City. Mo, and two years
ago had a majority Of more than 5000.
The only objection heard TO Mr.. Cow
herds selection as chairman of the
Democratic Congressional committee is
the fact that he is one Of the best
stump speakers which the minority has
in Congress. and If he were TO be placed
AT the head Of the campaign commit
tee. his services would be lost as
EpeIIbinder He has executive ability
of a high order. and many Democrats
are extremely anxious to have him
conduct the campaign. 1t is quite likely
that Charles A. Edwards. who gave
valuable service in organizing the dis
trict committees two years ago, viii
again be chosen secretary of the com
T nittee. If he is willing 10 serve IN that
capacity again.
Rival Headquarters.
Two years ago the Republicans had
their headquarters in New York, and
the plan worked so well that IL is prob
able that it will be followed again this
year The Democrats viii. IL is thought.
continue their headquarters in Washing
ton.
out OF a membership Of 3S6. the Re-
Eubhcans now have a majority OF "a. At
the opening or the session their ma
1ority was 30 but since that time one
democrat CHoweu Of Pennsylvania has
teen unseated and a Republican (Rep-
-esentative COnnelD has been seated In
his place. and another Democrat. John
{. Shafroth OF Colorado, voluntarily
gave up his seat 10 his Republican op-
ponent Mr. Bonynge. which has In
creased the Republican lead TO 81.
Both Parties Confident.
Both parties are confident that they
Will be successful in electing the next
House The Democrats think that
chance. II nothing else. should enable
them 10 win this time. as they have
been out Of power In the House now for
ten years. and believe that in the gen
eraI run Of luck they should win next
time. In fact, they have been thinking
this for the past eight years.
In order TO gain control Of the House
II viii be necessary for the Democrats
Continued on Second Page)