Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1910-03-24
CANN0NISM
GETS A FALL
SPEAKERS RULES COMMITTEE
rs ABOLISHED.

/ Memorable Contest LASTING -Four
Days in AlI.--One Session Of Thirty
/ Solid Hours.--Democrats and lnsur-
gents Outnumber Regulars on Final
/ Show -Down.--Cannon Holds His
/ Seat BY Sufferance.--An Ugly Talk.
After four days struggle in the Ma
tional House OF Representatives last
week, a coalition OF Democrats and Re-
publican insurgents succeeded In making
an important change In the rules OF that
/ body. The contest involved defeat OF
/ the regular Republicans who supported
/ Speaker Cannon. Il was really over the
issue of what is known as Cannonism.
The advance skitmish came Wednes-
day, when by a vote OF 1856 to Ill the
House sustained an appeal from ruling
10y the speaker to the effect that certain
resolution relating to the census was OF a
constitutional nature, giving il the prec-
edence over general measures on "calen-
dar Wednesday" The opposition took
the ground that such a ruling was far
fetched and calculated to pave the way TO
the downfall OF the open calendar day.
Forty-two Republicans voted With the
Democrats against the speaker.
Thursday. Representative Norris OF Ne
braska, an insurgent, got a chance and
introduced an amendment to the rules,
taking away from the speaker the right
TO name the House committee on rules,
an important committee, which has au-
thority to advance or retard measures,
and making il elective by the House,
with the speaker himself ineligible. This
was direct blow at Cannonism, for by
his membership on this committee and hih
right to appoint the others the speaker
has virtually controlled legislation. A
most exciting and long-drawn contest fol-
lowed Il appeared that the allies would
win and the regulars delayed as long as
possible. The speaker refused to rule on
points OF order, adding to the delay.
For a time there was much disorder. Fin
ally, after a solid session OF 80 hours,
lasting from Thursday noon tall late FRI
day afternoon, including all Thursday
night, an adjournment was taken.
Both sides summoned all their strength
for the decisive votes of Saturday. The
speaker having ruled the Norris resolu-
tlon out OF order, an appeal was taken.
The House reversed the ruling by vote
OF AcA luHs nC ANDAAAn "ao
then adopted, 191 to 1856.
Speaker Cannon raped for order and
in a short speech defended his course but
said that under the new alignment he
found himself with the minority. He
offered to entertain q motion declaring
the speakershp vacant, Nhich, he said,
vas ia order ct any time. The Demo-
Gratis made the motiqn. On this vote the
insurgents mostly returned to the traces
and the motion was defeated, l9l to lS5.
Thus Cannon retained his seat.
In speech at a banquet that night
Cannon bitterly reViled the insurgents
and taunted them with cowardice foe fail
ing to dethrone him. This WAS taken
with III grace by the insurgents, who felt
they were sparing him humiliation when
they stood by hiun.
Under the new rules, the majority will
name six aud the minority four members
OF the committee The insurgents will
not demand place on it, but may receive
it at the hands Of the regulars, as peace
Offering.