New-York tribune., 1905-11-27

UNCLE JOE'S WOES.
Speakers Troubles in Finding Places
for 66 Nezo Republican Members.
IFrom The Tribune Bure.u. ]

IFron The Tribune BureauI
Washington. Nov. 26.-There will be con-
siderable increase in the Republican represen-
tation on committees of the House in the 59th
Congress. This announcement may now be
made definitely. Speaker Cannon. who has
been burning the midnight oil and wearing out
innumerable lead pencils has completed the
first section of his difficult task and has de-
termined to fill approximately twenty-four
places formerly filed by Democrats with Re-
publicans.
In the last House. in which there a total
membership of 1885, there were 210 Republicans
and 176 Democrats. With a membership of "a
per cent the Republicans enjoyed So per cent
of the committee appointments. numbering. all
told, 75e. Figuring the problem by proportion
the Speaker found that II with a membership
of "a per cent the Republicans were entitled TO
60 per cent of the committee assignments, with
a membership of nearly 81 per cent which the
Republicans will enjoy in the present House.
they should receive 73 per cent of the total
committee membership, or 554 assignments.
The Speaker determined however, that while
this would be an entirely just method of ar
riving at the proper proportion, it would rub
into the Democrats the extent of their defeat
that he attempted different method.
He then calculated that of the committee
cancies there were sixty vacated by Republicans
and ninety-four vacated by Democrats and he
has finally determined to fill about eighty Of the
places formerly occupied by Democrats with
members of that party and to give fourteen of
them to Republican members. with the result
that the Republicans will occupy only 4S6 Of the
s54 places to which, according to 1.-The rule of
three" they are entitled.
An examination of the figures by the Speaker
disclosed. the further fact that while there will
be sixtysix Republican members to be
M i'm he axryfJI
bo only fifteen new Democratic members so
that in view of his generous treatment of the
minority, he is still hard pressed to take of
his Republican colleagues
Despite the Speakers generosity however, the
Democrats are uttering loud cries and wailing
to every one who will listen to them that they
are being unjustly treated. Representative
Williams declares that not committee as
signment should be taken from his party al
though he can line up only fifteen new mem
bers to fill the ninety-four Democratic vacan-
cies, and some of the Republican members are
almost moved to regret that the Speaker does
not reward such ingratitude by strict appli-
cation OF the proporuonate rule. which would
take sixty-eight more assignments from the
Democrats, but the Speaker merely laughs and
says that he reckons his Democratic brethren
VIII see the folly of their ways they
sit calmly down with paper and pencil
places on committees not in themselves par
tcularly desirable. but membership OF com
Lnlttee possessed of 4 commodfous room, aside
from tne intrinsic influence which may attach
to the position. is particularly welcome because
II gives to a member a convenient headquarters
other than his desk on the floor of the House.
or course, the chief advantage in this regard is
enjoyed by the chairmen of committees who
are recognized as the virtual proprietors Of their
respective committee rooms, but a man who is
not chairman, but member Of a good COM
mute Ilenee: at least enjoys place at the committee
room table and a drawer where he may keep
MS papers room where he may receive visit
ors when the House is in session etc nrivieges
denied those members OF the House who are
heIhpeTs only or the least desirable and most
poorly accommodated committees. These men,
bers are compelled to make their desks on the
lloor or the House their Offices and may receive
guests there when the House is not in session.
but when 1t is they virtually compelled to
receive their guests in the crowded corridors of
the Capitol and to transact most of their bust
ness in their own homes.
Even in determining the percentage of com
mlttee assignments which shall be accorded 20
the two parties the Speaker has not completed
the most difficult portion of his task. That still
confronts him and consists of selacting the
chairmen of and filling the vacancies on the
more important committees. The all important
position of chairman Of Appropriations remains
10 be filled, there being four Republican vacan-
cies on that much desired committee. There are
three empty Republican chairs at the Judiciary
Committee table three at the Banking and
Currency table, one in the Committee on Inter
state and Foreign Commerce and numerous
others which are greatly coveted bv "TJncle
Joes boys" as he fondly calls them.
Already the Speaker is hard at work on his
slate. considering the abilities of each of the
men who candidates for preferred positions
comparing their length Of service and devisng
combinations which may prove most satisfac-
tory to all concerned. When asked for informa-
tion Mr.. Cannon retires behind the assertion
that he has not yet been elected Speaker. but
he must know. does every one else. that he
has made one of the most popular Speakers who
ever presided over the House. and that 1.-The
boys would never think of selecting any one
else long as he was able and willing TO hl
a ha
Sneaker will be selected will be held a week
from tonight and he House will, OF course
ratifv the selection of the caucus the day it
meets.