New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-11-05
HOUSE TO BACK TAFT
GOOD WORKING MAJORITY.
Strong Support for administration
an 61st Congress Assured.
From The rrsbuns Bur-au-I


Washington Nov. 4.-Second only to the graft
fcation IN Washington caused by the election OF
William H Taft is the certainty that the first
two years. at least OF his administration will
have good working majority in both branches
OF the 61st Congress-the Senate, probably by
two-thirds, facilitating legislation without mi
nority assistance, and a Republican House OF
Representatives in which the majority will be
more than half hundred, according TO the
most conservative estimates, and which will
probably exceed the present majority OF fifty
seven unless the final official returns from sew
eral states change the figures.
While IL has never been doubted that the Re
publicans would retain control OF the House, the
size OF the majority has been a source Of appre-
hension on the part OF the leaders. who real
lied that the dominant party should have
strong hand In order 70 be really effective in as
surfing the reforms advocated by Mr. Taft Few
expected that the majority in the present House
would be equalled. owing 70 the facttonal differ
ences in a number of Republican districts, and
the landslide which has piled up victory after
victory for the Republican national candidates
has given Joy to those who desire to see Mr.
Taft unembarrassed by a powerful opposition
during his term OF office How bitter blow
has been dealt TO the Democrats can only be
ascertained when their extravagant claims. IN
Of the majority would be effected occurred
In 1906 are reviewed Instead of this reduc
ton they have seen the majority increased and
one or two Of their strougholds successfully
storred.
THE ~oLD GUARD" RETURNED
Despite the bitter fight that was waged On
Mr. Cannon, not only in his own district but
throughout the country, the Speaker was re
turned to the House by the 18th District of ILL
nois by majority approaching 10000. which is
considered extraordinary in the face OF the ex-
ceptional opposition to him. With the Speaker,
all the other members Of the Republican "old
guard were returned Serene E Payne. OF
New York. Republican floor leader and chair
man Of the Committee Ways and Means. re-
ceived larger majority than usual. and though
hts district aided materially TO augment the ma
torfty for the national and state tickets in New
York Representative Tawney, Of Minnesota,
fighting the most desperate battle OF his pub
lie life, victorious, and will probably
again head the Appropriations COMMITTEES.
while John DaIzeu of Pennsylvania who also
va. the centre Of a bitter fight was triumphant
and will again take his place on the steering
committee" Of the House and on Ways and
Means The only member Of the big FIVE who
will not be seen IN his accustomed place in the
61st Congress is James S. Sherman. who has
the Vice Presidency will insure skilful presid-
ing officer for the Senate and further increase
Of the cordial understanding between the two
great lawmakinz bodies. A stanch Republican
has been selected TO I'LL Mr.. Sherman's place.
however and although his valuable experiences
will undoubtedly be missed in the House. par
ticr,Iarly in the Committee on Indian Affairs, he
will make up for this loss at the other end OF /
the Capitol
Among the most conspicuous gains made by
The Republicans Is that Of the nth Pennsyi-
vania district. where Henry W Palmer defeated
John r. I.enahan This district was Democratic |
by over six thousand in 1905. and as 1t is IN the
heart Of the mining district It thought 10
be safely Democratic. Another victory which 4
was somewhat unexpected is that OF A ". !
Kopp. In the Sd Wisconsin district which has /
been represented by John Murphy. and which 1
was counted on as certainly Democratic. The /
most surprising victory, however is that OF two
Republicans in North Carolina. in the Sth ard 4
10th districts where Cowles and Grant seem al /
most certain OF election.
The New York delegation will be numerically 1
the same as that which represented the state in
the Goth Congress but there are several new
faces which Washington will view with interest.
notably Hamilton Fish. recently Assistant
Treasurer Of the United States. and Otto Foel-
ker, who dramatically saved Governor Hughes's
racetrack bills
None Of the more important committees OF the
House have been disturbed by the election save
Commerce and Judiciary, which lost their chair
men when Mr.. Hepburn. OF Iowa and Judge
Jenkins Of Wisconsin, were defeated The sue
.essf1II ouuonent OF Mr.. Jenkins in the primaries
Judge Lenroot, succeeds him. The close race in
Indiana has made the reelection OF Representa-
i've Overstreet somewhat doubtful, but il Is
possible that he will be saved and return TO
head the Committee Post Offices and Post
Roads.
All In all the result OF the election has been a
most pleasing to the Republicans and the Il
;1st Congress is expected TO equal any of its
predecessors in the character OF the legislation