Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1909-03-15
TOday's Telegraphic News
Democratic Caucus.

Washington, D. o., March l5.-There
were l67 democrats present at the mi
nority caucus this morning ont OF a
possible one hundred and seventy one.
Mr.. Sheppard, Of Texss, had sent wors
be would be present later. Mr.. Legare,
of South Carolina, and Mr.. CLARK, Of
Florids, are sick.
Mr.. Clsytou, OF Alabama, presided
over the meeting and Mr.. Robinson, OF
Arkacsis, acted as secretary. Mr.. Gold
lcgle IN. " who has been quite i'll,
ard who had promised Champ CLARK
that be would participate in the fight IN
the House if be had to be brought there
on a stretcher, managed to get to the
caucus and he did not have to use
slrstcher.
Mr.. CLARK was unanimously nomi-
uaied as the psrty's candidate for
speaker. His address Was as follows !:
LAST December the democratic caucus
elected me minority leader by unanimous
vote. But a moment ego you unanimously
nominated me for speaker. For these Il tier
in evidences Of yOlr confidence and esteem,
| am deeply grateful.
"In the last DAYS of the Goth Congress we
won some notable victories, astonishing vic
tories when we remember that there was a
republican majority Of fifty seven in that
House.
1--WE achieved those triumpbs by standing
together and fighting together. We can, in
the present Congress win more victories moi
easily because there is now a majority OF only
AZ against US.
I'VE must stick together in order to do our
duty. The country expe is US to stick to-
gelher aud fight together.
I'VE must remember that, to very large
extent, we have in our keeping the immed-
late fnt IRE of the democratic party. Recent
events have demonstrated that the republi.
cans are disorgauized, disgrunted aud at
loggerheads generally. Let us close up our
ranks, present solid front and demonstrate
to the world that wo are worthy Of the high
vocation wherein we are called"
The meeting had not been 10 progress
long before Mr.. Moo1, OF Tennessee,
withdrew. he explained that his vote
wss all right but that he objected to
caucuses OF democrats, declaring that
heretofore they bad been kooWs as con-
ferences. He objected to making eau
Gus binding On all present.
Mr. Underwood presented RESOLUTION
declaring that the right of the speaker
to veto bills under the present rules Sas
offensive, 10 that he alone bad the power
to prevent the consideration of measures
1t also provided for the appointment OF
a committee OF fifteen to revise the rules.
To this, Mr.. Livingston, of Georgia,
offered q substitute In effect requiring no
pledge Of democratic strength to The in-
surgeut movement In the House, Until
be insurgents had themselves shoTn
their strength. The substitute also de.
manded free discussion of every para.
graph OF the tariff bill. 1t contained q
provision demanding reformation OF the
rules, but nc until the tariff was ont Of
the way.
The Livingston suD:ti ute was turned
down after q brief debate, and Under.
woods resolution adopted.
10 the meantime, the caucus nomiua-
ed minor officers of the House, and al
1l:45 adjourned to make way for the
special session Of the 61st Congress call
ed for noon.
IT.. r..c.,-L Murhae TrfaI