The Topeka state journal., 1909-03-17
DEMOCRATS REsENTFUL.
Refuse to Accept Places on Commit
tees When Handed Out.

Washington, March 1.-THE pro-
-spects today. are for one of the most
novel complications over the person.
mel of the committee on ways and
means that ever arose in the house.
Minority Leader Clark still with
holds his approval of the appoint
ment of Representative Francis Bur-
ton Harrison and Representative
Broussard of Louisiana. as the new
minority members of the committee,
because of the displeasure among the
house Democrats over the action of
these two men in joining the bolt
Monday in the rules fight in the house.
MIR. Clark has not announced publicly
that he disapproves of the appoint
ments.
1t is believed that Representative
Broussard will accept the appointment
as he did not attend the caucus which
declared that mo Democrat should
accept committee appointment with
out the previous approval of the pres
ent minority leader" Representative
Harrison. who attended that caucus
announced that he would abide by its
action. If Mr.. Harrison refuses to
serve on the committee it is believed
that the speaker will lay the matter
before the house for action Such
question once put to the house might
prove uncomfortable to the ''insur-
gents on both sides.
Further complications in committee
assignments are expected when Speak
er Cannon announces the committee
on printing. mileage and accounts.
Representative O'ConneH of Massa-
chusetts. probably will be reappoint-
cd on the accounts committee. AL
though an acting Democratic whip,
Mr. O'Connell voted with the Repub-
Hcans throughout the contest over the
adoption of the rules Monday. Mr..
Clark probably will not approve his
reappofntment as whip at once. Mr..
O'Conne1l's seat in the house is being
contested.
Business Will Go On.
complications will interfere with the
progress of the tariff bill
The Democrats found early oppor-
tunity today to signify their resent
non to recognize Minority Leader
Clark in the selection of Democratic
members of committees When the
speaker undertook to fill the commit
tee on mileage. he designated E. B.
Lewis, formerly member from the
third Georgia district. for a place on
that committee. Mr.. Bartlett called
attention to the fact that Mr.. Lewis
house. The chair acknowledged the
mistake and Immediately designated
Mr.. Bartlett for the vacancy. "I de-
cline to serve" promptly responded
EIr. Bartlett. ''Then the chair APP
points the gentleman from Kentucky,
Mr.. James" said Speaker Cannon
And said Mr.. James, the gentle
man from Kentucky declines to
Falling back on the rules the speak
er put the question to the house. The
Democrats generally voted to excuse
Mr.. James but the opposition from
the Republican side was overwhelm-
ing.
The vote was viva yoce and while
it was unquestionably against excusing
Mr. James. the speaker announced
the opposite result and named Mr.
Collier of Mississippi. As he was not
heard to object the appointment will
stand. 1t was afterwards announced
that Mr.. Clark would approve the Sc
lection of Mr.. Collier.
The full committee on mileage as
finally announced is: Kennedy, Ia.
Lunden. Ills. Garner, Pa; Collier,
Miss, and Denver. Ohio.