The Washington herald., 1909-03-15

over the House rules was more un-
last night than at any time since
Republican insurgents threw down
auntlet to the Cannon organization.
re is a prospect that vote on the
ion OF the rules will not be taken
y. Not so sure Of their ground as
were. the House leaders want a lit
me. and while final decision will
not be reached until to-day. the indica-
lions are that two. and possibly three.
days for a discussion Of the rules viii be
allowed.
The original plan was to cut off debate
on the rules and proceed 10 a vote on the
motion 10 adopt them Immediately upon
the organization of the House
Two useful purposes viii be served by
delay. according to those leaders who are
advocating it.
In the first place, organization men say.
It will afford an opportunity. through
carefully prepared speeches. TO educate
the people on the question of the rules.
auaying in a measure the hostile senti-
ment back Of the insurgent movement in
the lower branch of Congress.
Furthermore, delay would give time to
bring wavering insurgents into line.
Both Claim Victory.
Publicly. both sides TO the controversy
are claiming a victory, but behind the
scenes the leaders in the hostile camps
are counting noses. recounting them. and
bending every energy to keep their forces
intact
Representative Champ Clark. leader Of
the minority. is positive Speaker Cannon
faces the possibility of defeat He is
authority for the statement that every
Democrat. with one exception. will be
present to vote for him.
Mr.. Clark counts upon the strength
of the insurgents 10 help his cause.
Statements were made by former Rep
resentative Watson. of Indiana. repre-
senting the House organization; Rep
resentatlve Murdock, OF Kansas. in behalf
of the insurgents, and Representative
Underwood. Of Alabama, speaking for
their respective parties.
There were IS7 Republicans present at
the last caucus. Thirty members Of the
forty renamed away. Most of them
were insurgents. but some are regulars.
and will vote 10 sustain the rules Nearly
all of the 21S Republicans will be present
when the House meets to-day Champ
Clark. the Democratic leader. is making
every effort 10 have all of the Democrats
present. and is hopeful Of a strong show
OF force.
Champ CIark'S Views.
Mr.. Clarks statement follows:
Il have every reason 10 believe that
every Democratic member present in the
House viii vote for me for Speaker and
for a liberalization of the rules.
Il have telegraphed every Democratic
member who was absent Saturday night.
and so far I know only one man-Mr.
Clark. Of Florida-who viii be unable to
return in time to attend the session. He
is too sick to come. Others also are sick,
including myself. but all will be present
If they have. 10 be brought into the
House on stretchers.
There have been numerous conferences
among our own people and with the in
surgent leaders. The result is that Mr.
Cannon faces the real possibility of fail
ing OF election as Speaker.
There are thirty-four Republican votes
dead certain to be cast against Mr.. Dali
zelTs motion for the previous question on
the adoption Of the rules Most Of these
votes will be cast for a Speakership can
didate other than Mr.. Cannon
Representative Goldfogle. Of New
York. one Of the sick Democrats. is in
the hospital here It is his desire that
he shall be carried into the House on his
cot. He was brought into the House in
a rolling chair when the vote on the sub
sidy bill was taken some days ago.
Mr.. Clark did not know when he gave
out mis- statement that the House leaders
planned 70 postpone a vote on the rules,
with a view to having two or three days
debate on the subject
May Vote for Roosevelt.
Mr. MurdOck says that the suggestion
that Mr.. Cannon might be defeated is
overdrawn. He declared most Of the in
surgents would vote for Mr. Cannon.
Others will probably vote for Mr.. Roose-
welt. former Representative Hepburn. Of
Iowa. or for Mr.. Tawney. of Minnesota.
Mr. Murdock is authority for the state
ment that no arrangement has been made
between the Democrats and the insur-
gents TO bring about the defeat Of Mr..
Cannon
Mr.. Fitzgerald. Of New York. says:
IF reports are TO be credited. a sufff-
cient number Of Republicans will vote
for Speaker Cannon to insure his re-elec-
ZION While that is a matter for Re
publicans to settle. such action throws
considerable light upon the sincerity OF
the professions Of many OF them to bring
about needed reforms IN the House.
Il do not know what the dissatisfied
Republicans demand as the price Of
Democratic support
The most recent remedy suggested is
the election of a committee of fifteen,
Continued on Page 2, Column 6.