The Washington herald., 1909-03-25


Representative Francis Burton Harrison.
and the restraint exercised by Repre-
sentatives William Sulzer and William
Willett, jr.. there might have been a
rough and tumble fght IN the House cor
ridors a day or so ago.
The facts leaked out yesterday. Mr..
Harrison was one OF the Democratic
sbolters" who was censured at the party
caucus on Monday night. and practically
read out Of the minority organization.
Mr. Sulzer and Mr.. Wnlett were among
those who denounced the 'bolting" Dem
ocrats Harrison was much incensed at
the language used BY them In the eau
Gus Meeting Sulzer and Willett in the
corridor adjoining the House. Harrison
advanced, and began a TRADE.
he told Sulzer and Willett their action
IN caucus was contemplate. He said
further that In the future he would have
nothing 20 do with either OF them. Sui
zer ordered Harrison 10 take his depar-
ture, declaring with some heat that the
severance Of friendship between himself
and Harrison. in the light Of recent
events. was entirely agreeable 10 him.
Told Burton what TO Do.
Mr.. Sulzer added these words.
Burton. 90 way back and SIT down
on a cake OF ice. Think II over. and then
come 10 me in a week. and talk Ike a
man"
Willett was rot passive while this was
going on. He was boiling with rage.
His remark 20 Harrison was brief and 70
the point Mr. Willett said. addressing
Mr. Harrison severely: "Wu you be
good enough 20 go somewhere
Mr Harrison was 50 incensed az this
remark 50 Il is related by innocent by
ISLANDERS. that he threatened 10 slap Mr..
Willett. Before Mr.. Harrison could car
~ out his purpose. however, he was led
away by friends
Representative Harrison declined TO dis
cuss his verbal clash with Sulzer and
Willett. Mr.. Sulzer said he was not
ashamed OF his part in IL.
Harrison's course IN this whole fight
Is unaccOuntable 10 me-" said Ar sui
ger. He has divorced himself complete
ly from the Democratic party in the
House. He has Informed Champ Clark
he VIII not be bound by the Democratic
caucus IN any circumstances. He up
braided Willett and myself for doing In
the CAUCUS what we construed 10 be our
business as he sees II. and I viii attend
10 mine"
Mr.. Harrison joined Representative
Fitzgerald, OF Brooklyn, in the fight made
by the latter in the House week or so
ago 10 sustain the Cannon rules. Repre-
sentatiyes Goldfogle. RiOrdan. and ether
New York Democrats followed the lead
Of the Brooklyn member
Takes Oath of Allegiance.
Goldfogle has taken the oath Of aHegl-
ance all over again. and is now training
with the Democratic organization. In the
first instance Harrison refused assign
ment 10 the Committee on Ways and
Means because II was not approved by
Champ Clark. OF Missouri. the minority
leader For some reason he later notified
Mr.. Clark he would not be bound by the
Democratic caucus on any question that
came up for consideration IN the House.
While Representative Fitzgerald is not
talking much. Democrats believe he viii
work whole lot OF mischief 70 the mi
nority during the life % this Congress.
II Is the expectation Of the Republican
leaders that in the future he and his fol-
lowing viii prove valuable adjunct 10
the Republican organization.
Various motive were ascribed for M
Fitzgerald's desertion Of his party in Con-
gress- Blame is laid by some present on
the shoulders Of Pat McCarren. Of Brook
lyn- As 10 the other New York Demo
Gratis who sided with Fitzgerald In his
support Of the Cannon rules. 1t is said
they were Influenced BY strings pulled by
some one in Tammany Hall.
wide chasm has been created be-
tween the Southern wing OF the Demo-
cratic party and the party in New York,
as represented by Tammanv Hall The
results may be projected far into the
future.
DOdEed the Leadership.
Tammany's Representatives in Con-
gress lodged from under the leadership
Of Champ Clark at a time when the
minority was bending every energy, com
bined with the Republican insurgents, 10
beat the House rules. and Democracy.
Il is contended. was cheated OF its VIC
tory only through the masterful fight
made by Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald has been coming forward in
Washington for the last few years by
leaps and bounds. He is generally re-
garded as the sblest parliamentarian in
the House. student Of public questions.
and the prediction was frequently made
until the recent fight that in a few years
ne would undoubtedly become the leader
Of his party by virtue OF sheer ability,
force, and aggreSSiveness-