Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1910-01-29
CANNON GIVEN
DIRECT HUNCH
Speaker Told It Will Be Good
for the Party if He Yields
Power.
SOMETHING MUST BE DONE
Vice President Sherman and Senator
Crane Discharge Duty of
Giving Hint.

Washington, Jan. 29.-There was an
important political and legislative con-
ference in the speakers room of the
house of representatives yesterday
afternoon. The participants were Vice
President Sherman, Speaker Cannon
and Senator Crane of Massa chusetts.
1t was denied, following the confer
ence, that the future of Speaker Can
non was considered. Nevertheless. q
condition of affairs was brought to the
attention of that legislator which, IN
the opinion of men acquainted with
what transpired. should show Mr.. Can
non his duty in the premises.
sherman to Break News.
It has been known here for several
days that Mr. Sherman was. selected
BY luInheE of reSlIal alicSns-Lo-estI-L -LanS'
situation TO the Danville statesman
with a view of inducing him TO an
nounce that he would not be a candi-
date for reelection as speaker. Mr.
Sherman always has been a warm per-
sonal friend of Uncle Joe, is indebted
to him for many favors, and enjoyed
his earnest support for the vice presi-
Dental nomination.
The vice president discharged. in
part at least, the duty which had been
entrusted to him. lie and Senator
Crane told the speaker that the legis-
lative situation in the senate was most
satisfactory. 4 postal savings bank
bill has been reported and while q
will not have smooth sailing il ~
dou ubtedly will be adopted The inter
state commerce committee is cOnsid-
ering. railroad bill. and will lay
measure on this subject before the
senate within a couple of weeks.
Progress is being made upon the bills
for the conservation of the natural re-
sources. The bill for the reform of the
government of Alaska is pending in
the senate
Otherwise fn House.
No such progress is being made in
the house. and the administration and
senate leaders are apprehensive that
the conditions prevailing in that
chamber are such that speedy action
cannot be secured. No action has been
taken upon any important measures
which the administration deems so es-
sential to a republican success next
fall. The interstate commerce COM
mittee of the house has given no indi-
cation when It will complete its con
sideration of the railroad bill. TnerS
is a fight in the public lands commit
tee over the conservation reforms. a
caucus of the house will be necessary
to get the passage of postal savings
bank bill
In the house itself some of the in
will support the presidents interstate
recommendation while some
of the regulars and all of the insur-
gents will oppose the ship subsidy bill.
Cannot Choke on Argument.
In view of the conditions existing III
the house. the vice president and Sen
ator Crane deemed It proper to call
the attention of the speaker thereto.
and urge him to take measures to get
speedy reports from the committees
and harmonious action on the part of
republican congressman. Mr.. Cannon
realizes the time has passed when he
can jam through rule limiting the
debate and forcing the passage of q
measure Unquestionably. II a rule
were brought in the insurgents and
their allies would attempt to defeat
IT. and thus deliver a second crushing
blow to Cannonism.
split Over Caucus.
In view Of the danger in the situa-
ton, the house leaders are more and
more welded TO the Taft proposal 10
hold caucuses. Any insurgent remain
ing away from a caucus on an admin
measure would thereby read
himself out OF the party. according to
Cannonltes. In this view there IS
some reason to believe the admins
tration concurs.
The insurgents hold. however. that
such action should not be interpreted
as an indication that they no longer
ri.