The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-12-01
Democratic Minority Leader Chosen By Reclamation
 In Caucus
HARMONIOUS MEETING OF
 REPRESENTATIVES, HELD
Caucus Is One of Best Attended For Many Years and Democrats Are United In Belief That Party
 Is Going To Win.

Washington, November 30.-(Special.)- Representative John Sharp Williams, the senator-elect from. Mississippi, was today elected leader of the democrats in the House of Representatives. No other name was mentioned at the caucus and the nomination was made unanimous. This action of the caucus breaks all dem- ocrat is precedent in that Mir Williams Is the first man to be elected for two con secutive Congresses and again elected for a third Congress. Several have lasted two Congresses, while usually dem \ ocratic leader is such but once. MT. Will Hams, however through his ability, tact and resoureefulness. has done something none of his predecessors has succeeded in ompishing-bringing to his support practically a united party after four years of continuous leadership. That he is deserving of the honor his colleagues In the party are more than willing to at test tonight.
 MT. Williams in accepting the nomina- ton for speaker made q brief speech or thanks. in which the dominant word was party harmony and the presentation of a solid front to the republicans at the session which meets Monday. He asked the radicals not to hit the heads of the conservatives whenever the op- portunity afforded: he requested the con servatives to be as lenient with the radi- calls as they could; he urged that the strength of both could well be used in fighting the republicans. With such ls- sues as now confront the country-the tariff the trusts, the rights of the states, executive usurpation and the question of campaign funds. he thought the party ought to be able to make q record at the coming session which would pave the way for victory next November.
 Hays Resolution. t
 When Mir Williams had concluded Representative Hay of Virginia offered a resolution binding the democrats to ob- ject to all unanimous consents until the republicans reported from the ways and means committee tariff revision plil. MT Hays resolution provoked consider able debate. It was readily acknowledged that if through it a tariff bill could be obtained it ought to be adopted, but most of the democrats seemed to agree that fl would not result in a tariff measure and would not prove advantageous to the democrats In that all republicans who wanted to get through bills could obtain special rules from the speaker instead Of unanimous consent, whereas the deni- ocrats could not receive the benefits of a friendly committee on rules. In addition it was considered filibustering measure to be sprung before the republicans had been given an opportunity to say what they intended to do.
 The debate took another turn and Rep resentative Henry of Texas offered res- o. tion appointing committee of five, including the minority leader to report upon what measures the minority would insist upon. This also met with objec- ton and the hour growing late, Repre- sentative Bourke Cochran moved an ad- tournment. In the meantime Representa- tive Jones of Virginia had resolution, the purpose of which was to take out of the hands of the minority leader the selection of committee places and put the matter in the hands of commit tee appointed by the caucus.
 Gist of the Movement.
 Many members are inclined to regard this resolution as a slap at MT. Will Hams and for that reason there is little chance for its passage. MT. Williams himself is not opposed to it. This per GCQai feature dSlot, HoWcNctr eiC pan is the same as that now existing Tn the Senate, the only diiference-and vital one-being that in the Senate the demo- c-ats are allowed a certain number Of committee places and under the Senate ru. es they can i'll them as they choose, while in the House the number of com rni.tee places are given the democrats by the speaker. purely as courtesy. and h. always reserves the right to appoint as many as he chooses and make as i, nv changes in the personnel as he desires When Cochran moved to adjourn Representative Jones was just getting ready to offer his resolution. Cochran's motion. however took precedence and Inv a vote of 90 to 3S was carried Another caucus may be called to consider the lees resolution. provided 25 members will sign a call.
 Todav's caucus was the best attended the democrats have had in several Con- rrasses There was a general feeling anonq the members that the party Is in n better position than it has been since ,sa and the fact that the opinion Is ,,narimous that the platform should be
 avoted largely to the tariff and states -,pbts has awakened strong hopes of uational victory. w. D.