Evening journal., 1909-01-04
Report That a Republican
Speaker May be Chosen
for the Democratic
House

Special to THE EVENING JOURNAL.
DOVER. Jan. 4.-The vanguard Of meme
bers Of the Legislature has arrived. to-
gether with host Of oface-seelsers, lool-
ers-on anu the usual attendance Of meme
bers Of tho "third House." which has
headquarters varying from the State
House parlor to the Capitol Hotel thence
10 the thirty story Of the state Capitol and
thence TO a machine shop and foundry
where st takes its midnight suppers.
But while the indications for caucus
night" tonight have been peaceful hith-
srto, there are all sorts Of rumors at noon
to-day about upsetting all party prece-
dents. and intermingling and merging old
party enemies.
In fact there IS strong talk OF the Re-
publicans organizing the House by the
aid of a disgruntled Democrat or two and
clecting a Republican speaker.
Rumors of this character have often
been spread before some big night OF
office distribution. but not as alarmingly
as the news is spreading to-day.
Then. too. there is an extremely hot fight
over clerk OF the House of Representa-
tives-the Senate clerkships seem to have
been lost sight OF, unless some senator
has a close friend TO reward all Of a
sudden.
Three new candidates, John A. Wright.
David H. Royce and Henry l.. Smith, to-
day entered the contest for sergeant-at
arms OF the House.
The Democrats are in a vigorous stir and
contest over the organization Of the House
Of Representatives.
There are some who express no doubt
that the Democrats will organize with
out a deadlock. but the conflict with them
viii be TO prolong the nomination of a
speaker and clerks OF the House of Repre-
sentatives In the hope that each side may
gain more votes.
The struggle for the presdencles is ac-
tolerated as the time for election draws
near because OF the fact that the appoint
Inent Of committees rests entirely with the
presidents and that the personnel and ac-
tion OF committees is potent toYard maxi
INK or killing legislation.
The committee on taxation. for instance,
Is regarded as one of vital importance at
for the control of this committee the corr
poration and transportation companies al
ready have representatives at work "a the
interest OF William w. Rawlins, of
Georgetown, as speaker Of the House.
The 'anti-railroad' element is getting
back of Francis NJ Soper of Kent county.
The liquor license question. It is claim
cd. Is also the bone OF contest between
the same men-Mr Rawllns being classed
here as license man and Mr.. Sopor as an
anti-icense. Both are recognized as men
Of convictions and ability TO preside over
the House
The presidency OF the Senate is the rock
orcr which the Republicans are divided
and q is said to-day that Senator Remscn
C. Barnard. OF Camden. viii hold out as
the "anti-oreanization' candidate for
president protempore The office is called
president protempore by reason OF the fact
that the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. who pre-
sides over the Senate. Is termed 'Mr.
President" Tho lieutenant- governor. how
ever has nothing to do with the construc-
lion OF the working committees Of the
Senate. which duty falls TO the president
pro tenn. m the last ten years there have
been thJte deadlocks over this office. not
hecausefit is a desirable place. financially.
but chichy because the president pro
tempsre can appoint such committees that
win virtually put a quietus on certain lex
islaiion or proposed appropriations Tho
president pro tempore Is also third IN line
for succession 10 the chair OF the governor
IN the event Of incapacity. absence from
The State or death The sneaker OF tho
House stands fourth IN line Of succession
as governor.
Both houses can adopt an eight-day rule
and snap b. on an SIS committees. reuuir-
ing a report on an matters in The COM
mittees hands within eight days after 81
has been 80 committed. but there is a be-
iief that this might force unfavorablo re-
ports. and when a measure gets through
both houses after once having been un-
fayorabiy reported. It Sc a Legislative
miracle.