The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-08-25
Fowler's Shot Starting of
War on the House
Speaker.
TAFT WILL CAMP
ON THE TRAIL
Well-Organized Force in House
Determining TO Shear Author
ity of Uncle Joe.
By JOHN sNURE.

By JOHN SNURE.
A merry time is ahead OF the House
next winter IN the opinion Of the mem
bsrs OF Congress and others who have
been watching the trend Of events with
especial reference 10 the war which is
now on against Speaker Cannon.
The trumpet blast which Representa-
tive Fowler of New Jersey has sounded
against the Speaker has served to can
attention 10 the struggle which Is being
waged against Uncle joe and all that
IS implied Ia the term ''Cannonism."
Not only ie it certain that there will
be the most bitter sort of fight against
Speaker Cannon's reelection to the po-
sitiOn he now holds as head of the
House. but it is equally sure that the
struggle to compel changes in the
House rules is to be waged increasingly
until some notifications are compelled
which will shear the Speaker of some Of
his powers. The agitation for changes
in the rules will not wait until another
Congress is elected. II will be kept up
in the House next winter and it will be
kent up in 4 large number of Congress
sioual districts. In fact. IL VIII TO a
large extent be the issue in number
Of Congressional districts. Men who are
known TO stand with :he Speaker and
for the things he stands viii be bitterly
fought In many districts for renomina-
tim and reelection.
In Storm Center.
Still another and a most important
phase Of the matter relates TO the effect
The controversy OF which Speaker Can
81.
legislation to be considered at the next
regular session.
When the tariff bill was under con-
Elderation at the special session. Mr..
Cannon and his lieutenants stood con-
slstently for high duties. They were al
ways found on the side of the high
tariff advocates 1t was Speaker Can
non who led the fight for duty on oil
and oil products 1t was Speaker Can
non who was found on the side Of high
duties on gloves and hosiery. And in
The last roundup Of the tarifr bill, when
President TSft had got into the game,
and was trying to bring about a limited
humber OF reductions in The schedules.
Speaker Cannon quietly aligned himself
IN opposition TO some Of these reduc-
tons On the other hand. those Repuh-
leans who had fought for changes in
the rules were for the most part found
arrayed on the side for downward re-
vision from the outset OF the special
session. And since the members OF
Congress have returned 10 their homes.
the thought is being emphasized by the
downward revisionists that if the rules
had been revised and the power of the
Speaker been limited, a real revision
Of the tsri1 would have been possible.
Sharp Antagonist.
II is to be expected that when vari-
gus legislative matters are considered
next winter. it viii be found there IS
q sharp anita gonism between Speaker
Cannon and the elements that are ar
rayed about him and the insurgent
elements. In questions affecting rail-
road and corporation legislation, the line
is sure 20 be drawn sharply. Speaker
Cannon has generally been found stand
ing against progressive legislation in
these matters and against carrying 10
greater degree the reguIatiye power
Of the Government over railroads ana
corporations.
II is to be expected he viii not
change his position In the regular ses-
sion II he does not, there VIII be
bitter conflict between him and the yari-
Gus elements in the House on the Re
publican side which are commonly call
ed insurgents.
every reason TO expect that any legisla-
ton which is promoted by Uncle Joe
will al once be subjected 10 grave and
careful scrutiny by the more radical
Pepublicsns- They will he inclined TO
look on any proposed legislation which
the Speaker gets behind as Teacuonary
and not in accord with the Roosevelt
ideas Of things.
May Lose Control
It Is plain 10 be seen that the
Speaker is going TO have great diff
Guilty next winter IN controlling the
House. The revolts which have happen
ed in recent months are likely 20 be
overshadOWed in seriousness by the re-
volts Of next winter. II the Speaker
succeeds in preventing himself from
being overthrow by the united force
~ the insurgenJ Republicans and Demo
Gratis he VIII do so only by skillful
management.
II IS not TO be forgotten that Speaker
Cannon in making up the House com
unittees, undertook 70 punish number
Of strong men VINO had ventured 70 OPP
pose him. In doing this, the indications
are that he merely intensified the op-
position 10 MIN on the part OF the
tnsurrecff0nary elements IN the House
and az the same time he intensified the
opposition to him IN great many Con
course. DE las made IL more difficult for
3 gCod many Western Republicans who
have been going along with him 10
continue &c stand bg him The feeling
shown by Mr. Fowler is sympiomauc
~ what is felt lu various other quar-
ters but has not thus Tar been ex-
pressed.
Insurgents Busy.
Another phase Of the situation relates
&c the fact that the insurgent Repub-
Leans are busy on the platform and
II the press IN keeping their cause be-
fore the public. Cannon leaders. have
thus Ear offered little defense in a pub
JIG way.
This fact is tending to weaken the
Speaker, according 20 advices that are
reaching here. for the reason that mem
beers OF the House who live 10 dis
1ricts where anti-Cannon sentiment is
strong and who have been supporting
the Speaker. are finding It difficult TO
uphod their position IN the eyes of their
constituents.
Moreover. II Is reported the President
has determined 70 camp on the trail
~ Uncle joe Il 81 certain the Pres
ident has small sympathy with TIE idea
o. the Speaker being the whole thing
III the House and the House member
aNH