The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1907-02-15
Mr.. Williams NOT WORRIED.

Mr.. WILLIAMS NOT WORRIED.
Washington, D. G. Feb l8.-
John Sharp Williams, Democrati
leader in the house, was not 10 th'
least perturbed this morning whel
he read the official announcement Q
Representative Diamonds candi
dacy for the minority leadership. Ii
fact, there was a noticeable absence
of enthusiasm among the Democrats
of the house generally at the en-
trance Of the Missourian into tn,
Democratic leadership contest. AL
though he declined to be interview
ed, it was evident that Mr.. Williams
viewed with no alarm the rivalry O.
the Missouri Richmond, and regard,
ed she extravagant claims as to the
number Of pledged votes to Mr.. De,
Almond as another effort to make
the opposition to his reelection ap-
pear as formidable as possible.
The friends of Mr.. Williams ser.
iously question the strength which
the advocates of DeArmond have
pledged to him, and claim that they
can not show sixty eight votes fo1
the Missourian. They claim, furth-
ermore, that DeArmond is consider.
ably weaker than Champ Clark
whom the anti Williamites tried to
run, and for whose support not more
than half the votes alleged to be for
DeArmond were mustered.
PROFESSIONALLY, DeArmond is the
least attractive man in his personal
ity on the Democratic side Of the
house, and mainly fcr this reason
there is much questioning Of the
claim Of his friends that they have
sixty-eight votes pledged to his can
didacy.
Conspicuous for his ability as a
lawyer and a speaker, DeArmond is
signally lacking in those personal
qualities Of magnetism that attract
men to him. He never smiles, he
never fraternizes with his colleagues
or mingles with them in any way or
for any cause. He repels rather
than attracts, and maintains under
all circumstances a cold and forbid
ding reserve splendid in its isola-
ton. Moreover Mr.. DeArmond is
lacking in the essential qualifications
that make the effective leader in de-
bate and in strictly party skirmish-
es, his shortcomings in this vital
respect would be fatal.
Whatever his enemies may say of
him, the charge that he is not cas-
lily the best and most effective de-
batter in the house, can not be sue
cessfully maintained against John
Sharp Williams. But tho coterie
arrayed against the Mississippian,
charge that he is not as enthusiastic
as DeArmond for William j. Bryan.
Mr.. Williams friends claims that
he is sincerely for Mr.. Bryan's nom
nation for the presidency and has
committed himself repeatedly
Whether or not DeArmond would
Bryan in a straight out de
for government ownership
is not known. Mr.. Williams has
stated that he would not 60 that far
with the Nebraskan.
As to Mr.. Williams strength
among the Democrats Of this con-
gress. it can be said that he has not
lost any either since or before the
announcement Of Mr.. DeArmond's
and unless the opposi-
lion can bring about q decided re-
vulsion Of sentiment, Mr.. Williams
will b elected to succeed himself as
minority leader.
Representative DoArmond oaid to-
Day that be Is not making an avoW-
ID campaign for the leadership, but
hat be had stated that be would
lccept the leadership IL majority
y TIE Democratic members desire
70 tlke IL s:
= tel" nd M. DeArmcnd.
That the placs il one which NJ
man should - Sot IN purpose
4 advancing himself IA fDr s6l6eh
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