The Detroit times., 1909-03-17
Clark May Not Accept.

II is doubtful IL Leader Clark Will
accept the place on the committee ON
rules To which he has been appointed,
although Il would be a strange thing
not to have the head man OF the
Democratic side la thas position OF
consequence and advantage.
The Democratic representatives held
caucus in the capitol last night to
determine what they should do In re-
gard TO the action OF the speaker In
appuinting Democrats on committees
without getting the consent OF Leader
Clark. The caucus lasted from until
10 o'clock.
Mr. Harrison created great enthusi-
asm when he said hat he stood ready
20 decline his appointment 10 the ways
and means committee. and would do
so unless Mr.. Clark consented that he
should accept. There was tremendous
applause at this which could be heard
beyond the closed doors OF the house.
Mr.. Broussard did not reach the
caucus until il was about ready TO adj
tourn. He made no speech, but he
said privately TO some OF his friepds
that he would abide by whatever
action was taken in the case Of Mi.
n.
tend the caucus
Speaker Cannons lieutenants deny
that there is any deal or understand
ing with Fitzgerald by which he OBJ
tanned preference over other members
OF his party. II is asserted by them
that his appointment was due TO his
general ability and his acknowledged
skill as a parliamentarian.
Even Champ CLARK. angry as he was
with Fitzgerald yesterday, said in de.
bate that Fitzgerald was the ablest
parliamentarian in tho house.
Later i'm the day. after the adj
tournment OF the house, Leader Clark
mad something to say about the action
of Speaker Cannon In appointing Dem.
ocrats 10 committee without consult
ing Mr.. Clark. He dictated this state
ment:
Will Not Serve Clark.
"Originally the speaker had power
" appoint all members OF committees.
Under Reed and Henderson speakers
OF the house) the recommendations OF
Mr.. Bailey and Richardson Demo
cratic leaders) were considered, TO
what extent do not know. When
Mr.. Cannon was electde speaker and
Mr.. Williams minority leader. the
speaker conferred on Williams the
power to appoint minority members,
as | understand it. with one or two
general reservations ! am not In
formed what they were.
Now the speaker assumes the
power of appointing both majority and
minority members, as the papers have
: stated. with the purpose of Furnishing
me because | had the courage and
nerve to fight certain things that he
wanted done He has perfect right
10 appoint both majority and minority
members and | am not complaining
about II. but -hlS-e ffGrts-to- puR4sA-IHe
will be absolutely futile. The purpose
is TO swerve me from the line of con-
duct which think is for the welfare
OF the Democratic party and therefore
OF the country -
Committee assignments do not
make or unmake men in the house of
representatives. | had nothing To 10
with the appointment OF the committee
on ways and means and the commit
tee on rules Individually | would not
care baubee II he had put me at the
tail of the committee on ventilation
and acoustics EveFy-maH makes HIS
own place I'm the house Of representa-
tives. He did not give me my place
and he cannot take II away from me.
After the thcuter go 20 0Ies' Cafe
and Northumberland In season
--Strohs famous Bohemian Beer on