The Washington herald., 1909-03-17
ALL THE FACTIONS
CLAIMING VICTORY
Participants in Rules Fight
Express Opinions.
BITTER AGAINST DESERTERS
FnctiOn of Democrats Declare that
Representative Fitzgerald Ia Trai-
tor TO CauSe-Chhnge of Unanimous
Consent Rules Considered a Con-
cessiOn-Hinds Gives His Opinion.

Republicans. insurgents. and Democrats
were all claiming victory yesterday over
the House rules fight OF Monday. and
each faction seemed jubilant over what
had happened.
Just as they were jubilant over what
they called their victory, sc were they
angry over the desertions from their
ranks, and members Of each party, or
clique. had loads Of uncOmplimentary
things to say about the men who faded
away at the critical moment and helped
turn the tide
Probably no fs etion was as hot under
the collar as was that OF certain Demo-
Gratis. who openly declared that Repre-
sentative Fitzgerald and his followers
were traitors 20 their cause: that no more
would they be in the confidence Of the
minority, and that IL was pure and sim
pie Pat McCarren'' trade.
The change in the rules taking away
from the Speaker the power TO say
whether or not bills may be called up on
the unanimous consent order OF things is
regarded as a point in favor Of the Demo
Gratis They say that hereafter they will
be in much better point Of vantage and
they can have a measure considered that
otherwise would die with the expiration
OF a Congress.
Under the new system OF things any
member may notify the clerk that he
wants to call up a BILL and can have Il
placed on the special unanimous consent
calendar after II has been reported from
the committee three DAYS.
Trips TO Private office
Heretofore it has been necessary for
the members interested in bills to make
frequent trips 10 the private Office OF the
Speaker. and there arrange the calling
up OF his bin under the unanimous con
sent procedure
a man has got 70 be a Democrat TO
stay in the Democratic party in this
House." said a member Of the minority
last night, and that seems 10 express
the sentiment prevailing among the
majority OF Mr. Clark's forces. That the
Democrats are going into the districts of
the deserters from the ranks and speak
against them I'm the next campaign IS a
well-assUred fact. and even Mr.. Clark
declined yesterday 10 deny that this was
the programme.
The regular Republicans say the Demo
cratic inrOads made into the House or
ganiZation Monday amounts 10 nothing.
Like the Democrats. the regular Re-
publicgus are planning TO do things 10 the
insurgents. who. they say, are deserters
from their ranks, and members OF Con-
gress In the highest standing insist that
what few committee places have been
held IN the past by these men win 20
10 more appreciating Republicans.
No Difference.
Victor Nurdock. the red-headed Kan
san, who laughs n the threats Of the
Speaker. said yesterday that that would
not make any difference anyway: that
under the new rules Of the House they
had more privileges as ordinary Repre-
sentatives than they did before.
The greatest source OF joy TO the organi-
zation forces is that the Speaker still will
appoint the committees. This was the
greatest Of the reform anticipated By the
Democrats and insurgents. and il was on
this question that three extra crackers
were tied 20 the Republican lash.
That great parliameutarian. Asher
Hinds. Is one Of the most optimistic fol-
lowers Of the organization 1fr. Kinds
hopes 10 come 10 Congress as a real mem
Der next tine. and he is glad the organi-
zatlon won out IN what ne believes is the
saving OF the greatest set OF rules on
earth. Mr.. Hinds IS long on precedent.
Armor for Speaker.
"The changes in the rules" said Mr..
Hinds, erect bombproof armor for the
Speaker. From his standpoint. nothing
better could be desired than was effected
yesterday.
The establishment OF the unanimous
consent calendar is the greatest boon
that could come TO the Speaker II lifts
a great burden Of responsibility from his
shoulders. II viii relieve him OF nine
tenths OF the criticisms"
All the insurgents who stood together
in the fight are jubilant over the out
come, and declare they viii again take
up the gauntlet and run the Speaker into
a corner. Representative Gardner. OF
Massachusetts. is one Of the most pleased.
An indication OF the feeling over what
occurred Monday was given at the White
House yesterday, when Speaker Cannon
and Champ Clark we're there
The Speaker came first, and after he
had left President Tafts Office he said
this to the reporters about Mondays pro-
ceedings:
The amendments have improved the
rules. The House Is verile because II
can operate by the viii Of the majority
This talk about the Speaker being a
czar is tommy-rOt. What they wanted 10
do (meaning the regular Democrats and
the i1surgent Republicans was to make
committee Of fifteen czars. to be dorni-
mated by Champ Clark and la Toilette
That IS also tommy-rot, and La Toilette
Is a fake"
Directing Insurgents.
Mr.. Cannon's uncomplimentary reference
70 the senior Senator from Wisconsin
was due to the fact that all through
Mondays proceedings IN the House. Mr..
La Toilette had a place on the floor. and
it was charged that he was directing
the Republican insurgents in their battle.
Champ Clark went TO the White House
with the Congress committee to notify
the President that the two Houses had
assembled. Il don't think the amend